In need of at least $230 million for system-wide repairs, NYC libraries, which receive less than $15 million a year from the city, look to strike land deals with private developers, report Joseph Berger and Al Baker.
A relatively new practice of releasing public property assets to private developers with the caveat of preserving public services is picking up speed in NYC.
Cash-strapped public agencies, including the library, school and municipal system, are exchanging land and old buildings for new mixed-use developments that also integrate these former functions, usually on a public ground floor.
Several libraries in Brooklyn and Manhattan have already struck bargains with developers, including with major DUMBO and now Williamsburg player Two Trees, with the first Andrew Carnegie-financed library in Brooklyn slated for demolition.
Some residents object to the plans, which would upgrade ailing public service systems at no public cost, on the grounds that neighborhood landmarks would be lost to high-rise redevelopment and extended closures would make access to public services more complicated during the reconstruction process.
Planning experts, including Mitchell Moss at NYU and David Giles at the Center for an Urban Future, support the financing strategy because it would restore and upgrade public amenities across the board without raising taxes.
FULL STORY: Saving Schools and libraries by giving up the land they sit on
Beating Extreme Heat Through Community Efforts
U.S. cities don't provide residents with enough protection against heat, the deadliest weather-related killer in the world. In New York City, one organization came together to distribute ACs to neighbors in need.
Nearly Half of New York City Burdened by Pollution
Communities of color make up the majority of people harmed by pollution, as well as heat and flooding, says the study, which is New York City’s first comprehensive survey of environmental injustices.
New York City Debuts Roomier Subway Cars
The car design is used throughout Europe and Asia, but it’s a first for the U.S.
Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
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Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.
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