The redevelopment of an area in New York City for the construction of several skyscrapers and a casino endangers the experience of the High Line, New York’s great elevated linear park. This is the fear of the founders of the ‘Friends of the High Line’ association. The High Line is one of New York‘s most beautiful promenades. It is a 2.3-kilometre linear park. It was built in place of the West Side Line, a disused elevated railway line. The route runs from Gansevoort Street, in the Meatpacking District, through the Chelsea district. It ends in the West Village at 34th Street.
What the High Line stands for
It is an excellent example of urban redevelopment, which has brought new life to the city. The area is now one of the trendiest in New York. Featuring some of the most desirable residences in Manhattan.
The High Line Park has quickly become one of New York’s most visited attractions. It is estimated that over 5 million people visit it every year. More than the visitors of the Statue of Liberty. It is also popular with New Yorkers, who use it for a stroll, for jogging. For a stop to read a book, to see a summer show or to admire some artist at work.
The Promenade
A promenade on the High Line is rightfully among the top 10 things to do in New York. This park expresses the spirit of the city in constant movement. It can make a grim elevated street one of the most beautiful urban gardens in the world.
The walk along the High Line is very pleasant. You can enter through one of the gates to relax from the city chaos, and just enjoy the view.
The most beautiful aspects of the walk are the different views of the city. Sometimes genuine panoramic terraces to observe Manhattan from a special perspective.
The background
This High Line was built in the 1930s, to accommodate the growing number of residents in that area of New York. It was later abandoned permanently in 1980. The demolition of the elevated line was strongly opposed by the residents of the area, who joined together in the ‘Friends of the High Line’. They wanted to preserve the infrastructure and redevelop it into an urban park. The project, inspired by the Promenade Plantée in Paris, was approved in 2006.
In 2009, the first section was opened. From Gansevoort Street to 20th Street. In 2011 a second section was opened, up to 30th Street, then extended to 34th Street in 2014.
The controversy
The founders of ‘Friends of the High Line’, Joshua David and Robert Hammond, offered a number of criticisms of the proposed developments in an article published in the NY Daily News. They assert that the High Line is ‘under threat’ in their article. In particular, there is concern about the impact of the proposed development at West Side Yard. The Related Companies applied for a rezoning of the West Side Yard earlier this year. This is an underused rail yard adjacent to the Hudson Yards in Manhattan.
According to the association, this development would negatively affect the High Line experience. It would weaken the community-oriented urban development which, they say, is the result of converting the railway line into a public park.
‘They are proposing a massive Las Vegas-style development on the western rail yard that would limit views of the city. It would also weaken a hard-won plan supported by the community. For a more balanced development centred on a large green space overlooking the river.’
They are proposing a massive Las Vegas-style development on the western railway yard that would limit the view of the city. It would also weaken a hard-won plan supported by the community. For a more balanced development centred on a large green space overlooking the river.
The West Side Yard site was part of the negotiations between the Friends of the High Line, the city and Related. It included housing, a school and green space. ‘Now the developer wants to cancel the agreement and rezon the site’.
Higher and wider buildings, less accessible green space, more offices and fewer houses would disrupt the community fabric of Chelsea and Hell’s Kitchen. In contrast to development as envisaged in the 2009 agreement.
Feedback
Related denied the association’s statements. It emphasised its status as a long-standing supporter of the High Line. It claimed that ‘Friends of the High Line’ had engaged in a campaign of misinformation. Related claims that the 2009 project was rejected on the grounds of economic feasibility. It also pointed to the inclusion of housing in the latest proposed programme.
‘While the Friends of the High Line squirm over the impact on their ‘city view’ of a rail yard, this proposal will create a new 5.6-acre green public park, 5,000 permanent resort jobs, more than 300 units of new affordable housing, and much-needed economic investment in New York City. All while improving access to the High Line.’
Della High Line, progettata da Diller Scofidio + Renfro e Field Operations nel 2009 (poi ampliata con aggiunte come un ponte in legno lamellare da parte di SOM e Field Operations) sentiremo ancora parlare. Anche perché il parco si candida ad essere una attrazione permanente per abitanti e turisti, a New York.
We will hear more about the High Line, designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro and Field Operations in 2009 (later expanded with additions such as a laminated timber bridge by SOM and Field Operations). Also because the park is bidding to be a permanent attraction for locals and tourists alike in New York.
Read more: The High Line
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