Gothamist: Extra, Extra

timbnyc

Mon, 03 Jul 2006 11:48:25 -0500

I thought I read in "Gotham" that the committee that came up with the grid recommended it because it allowed property owners to make the greatest use of the land, i.e., corners at 90 degree angles, so buildings could be built right up to the property line. It's an instructive read, because the commission was charged with things like "ensuring the healthful circulation of air" and yet came back with the grid and only the above justification for it. Also, the lack of parks was explained by suggesting that people did and would continue to get their recreation at the waterfront. Of course, the waterfront then became off-limits becauseit was industrialized; now that industry is gone, it's a land-grab by private developers. Remember, you were promised the waterfront almost 200 years ago in exchange for no parks in the interior. Insist on the bargain that was made!

Think twice

Mon, 03 Jul 2006 10:30:59 -0500

Come on in Frodo the water's nice...

bklyn'er

Sun, 02 Jul 2006 20:48:59 -0500

Police helicopters: "We're basically a bunch of big boys who like big expensive toys," said Deputy Inspector Joseph Gallucci, the unit's commander..." Yeah, okay, but could you please not fly so low over my apartment building in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn? Sometimes they fly so low that the propellers actually cast shadows on the walls in my apartment. That is way too low (and much too noisy).

xnan

Sun, 02 Jul 2006 18:35:59 -0500

Here's the link to the NYTimes story on the Manhattan "grid" story: http://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/02/nyregion/thecity/02grid.html

Mothra

Sun, 02 Jul 2006 18:21:58 -0500

Is that an Emmett Till diorama?