New York in 2030

As most people who know me realize quickly, I am just another in a long line of people who believe passionately that New York is The Greatest City on Earth.  Obnoxious and provincial, you say? Indeed.  But it's how I feel, with that special dose of civic pride that belongs to people who were not born here.

New York is supposed to grow by almost a million people over the next 25 years, to approximately 9 million residents.  Last week Mayor Bloomberg announced a very ambitious plan to manage this growth, by providing for new infrastructure and housing in an environmentally conscious manner. Some thoughtful critics have already questioned whether the scope of "PlanYC" (which has 10 specific goals for the next 25 years) is feasible.  Certainly there will be political compromises and a narrowing of ambition as the years roll on.  But the Mayor deserves applause for pushing City residents to think big.

Today's Times has an insert about the plan. It notes that the City built subways through farmland and built water tunnels that could serve millions, well before millions of people lived here.  So New York does have a history of anticipatory planning.  Goals for 203o include the cleanup of all contaminated land in New York, and making over 90% of the City's waterways available for recreation.

We live right down the street from Gracie Mansion, the Mayor's official residence.  I always joke to Helen that it will be an easy move once I'm elected.  That's probably not in the cards, but you never know.  Whatever I'm doing in 2030, I do look forward to calling New York home.