Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In

jane_jacobs.jpgThere will be a public celebration for Jane Jacobs this evening, 5:00 pm, under the arch in Washington Square Park.

Lisa Chamerblain will be there and has a nice write-up on her blog, Polis:

It has become the contrarian fashion to say that Jane Jacobs' contribution to urban planning didn't address many of the problems we grapple with today, and that Robert Moses wasn't entirely destructive and wrong. I find this to be an intellectually lazy argument. No single person could simultaneously explode an entire profession AND anticipate every possible consequence of that (such as gentrification, which did not exist at the time that she wrote her seminal book, The Death and Life of Great American Cities, in 1961).

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Thursday’s Headlines: Giving Thanks(ish) Edition

Yes, let's give thanks. But let us also not forget why we're so lucky. Plus other news for your holiday day off.

November 27, 2025

‘Gold Standard’ Open Street Has Two Paths Forward To Become True ‘Paseo Park’

The DOT is contemplating two options for the 1.3 mile-long linear park in Jackson Heights. Which would you choose?

November 26, 2025

Wednesday’s Headlines: Talking Headways Edition

It's always better to bike, as we found out during last night's commute. Plus other news.

November 26, 2025

‘Con’ Job: Energy Giant Cancels NYCHA E-Bike Battery-Charging Pilot

Another promised e-bike battery charging program has failed in New York City, but fires continue to rage on.

November 26, 2025

EXCLUSIVE: NYPD Rejects Ending ‘Self-Enforcement’ Scandal at Precinct Houses

Police brass are refusing to implement a major reform recommended by city probers earlier this year. And the agency won't say why.

November 25, 2025
See all posts