Muscling Out the Car in NYC

Marc Santora pens a pity piece for the fate of the automobile in New York City. Whereas, once upon a time the car was doing the bullying, the 'once-exalted automobile is now under siege.'

1 minute read

February 3, 2012, 12:00 PM PST

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj

It seems that recent efforts to encourage non-motorized and alternative forms of transportation in New York City (e.g. the addition of bike lines and pedestrian plazas), along with rampant redevelopment of parking garage sites, are conspiring to make the automobile feel unloved in Manhattan.

"Over the last three decades, the number of off-street parking spots in Manhattan has fallen by one-fifth - to 102,000 from 127,000, according to the city study."

According to Santora, "The scarcity of parking has made it a must-have for wealthy apartment buyers, who view a space much as they do a fireplace or a walk-in closet. A spot can cost well over $200,000, or, if rented, more than $1,000 a month. "

"The city plans to convene a series of public meetings in coming weeks to consider the state of parking in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Officials say they are exploring allowing developers to create larger parking lots in Manhattan neighborhoods that rely on commuters, like the theater district or areas around hospitals."

FULL STORY: Can’t Park? Blame a Condo

Friday, February 3, 2012 in The New York Times

Land Use New York Parking Manhattan Parking Garages

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