Panel: Jane Jacobs and the Future of New York: When the Big Get Bigger: New York Universities and Their Neighbors
More than 40 years ago, Jane Jacobs opposed the construction of New York University’s monolithic Bobst Library on Washington Square South. The world has changed since then, but institutional expansion remains a major force in cities. Plans by Columbia University, New York University, Cooper Union and the United Nations have all met with considerable controversy. This panel will address the specific cases but also the larger issues of urban investment, preservation and regeneration.
7:45 PM EDT on September 13, 2007
More than 40 years ago, Jane Jacobs opposed the construction of New York University’s monolithic Bobst Library on Washington Square South. The world has changed since then, but institutional expansion remains a major force in cities. Plans by Columbia University, New York University, Cooper Union and the United Nations have all met with considerable controversy. This panel will address the specific cases but also the larger issues of urban investment, preservation and regeneration.
- James Traub — moderator
- Hilary Ballon, New York University
- Kent Barwick, Municipal Art Society
- Lee Bollinger, Columbia University
- Judith Rodin, Rockefeller Foundation
Before he began blogging about land use and transportation, Aaron Donovan wrote The New York Times Neediest Cases Fund's annual fundraising appeal for three years and earned a master's degree in urban planning from Columbia. Since then, he has worked for nonprofit organizations devoted to New York City economic development. He lives and works in the Financial District, and sees New York's pre-automobile built form as an asset that makes New York unique in the United States, and as a strategic advantage that should be capitalized upon.
Read More:
More from Streetsblog New York City
‘Predictable’: Manhattan Mom Struck by Driving Scofflaw Wants Known Super Speeders off the Road
Another crash shows how little the political class wants to get reckless drivers off the road.
April 9, 2026
Need To Kill Cross Bronx Widening Plan Is Obvious Amid Slight Pollution Uptick
"We don't want congestion pricing to end, we want to make sure that it doesn't hurt our community. We want congestion relief here as well," said one Bronx advocate.
April 9, 2026
Brooklyn, Manhattan DAs Back Hochul on ‘Stop Super Speeders’
Alvin Bragg and Eric Gonzalez are backing a budget proposal that would stop excessive speeders from endangering communities.
April 9, 2026
Thursday’s Headlines: March (Parking) Madness Trophy Ceremony Edition
Check out what happened when we tried to give Inspector Eric Waldhelm the trophy for cops who disrespect their community. Plus other news.
April 9, 2026
DOT Launches Delivery Worker Training And Puts Apps On Notice
A mandated safety training for delivery workers in New York City is now live, and the DOT wants the apps to take responsibility for safety.
April 8, 2026
Comments Are Temporarily Disabled
Streetsblog is in the process of migrating our commenting system. During this transition, commenting is temporarily unavailable.
Once the migration is complete, you will be able to log back in and will have full access to your comment history. We appreciate your patience and look forward to having you back in the conversation soon.