A major impact of the current round of construction is the further canyonization of the High Line as more development is built tightly up against and over the walkway. As more condos are built and commercial space is converted to residential, it’s a fascinating study in the perception and value of privacy – personal and public.
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Gord – I didn’t realize that density transfer from the HL to adjacent properties was one of the tools needed to implement the line. After having visited it over a number of years, I miss the sense of openness, relief and vistas the line once afforded, and do agree that there is a sense of privatization going on now, which really compromises the experience.
Am I right to further understand that there is a setback over a portion of the abutting property frontages is required such that total enclosure is not possible? Not great, but better than a canyon effect throughout.
Another somewhat related impact is the almost total destruction of one of Manhattan’s last gritty industrial precincts. The Meatpacking District was very interesting and edgy a decade and more ago.
Having just returned from Seoul, a city of 22.5 million people where the concept of personal and public privacy is very different, this kind of development in NYC looks all too familiar and reveals a growing disconnect with nature, IMO. I had thought the High Line was going to be a space that re-introduced nature back into the city in a creative way….But now it looks like we’re allowing developers to maximize profit, while minimizing our access to sunlight, blue skies, and nature. Very disappointing…
Sad to see a great original idea like the High Line end up being just another developers’ tool. How very Vancouver of them.
Of course Mike Bloomberg was on record as being a big fan of making NYC just another resort for billionaires, and it seems Gregor Robertson is emulating that path.