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| Brian Cronin |
Has the High Line caused gentrification? Who walks above the residents and business owners of the neighborhoods below? Who are the neighbors and business owners impacted most?
While the High Line has been praised and awarded by urbanists, green enthusiasts, visitors and architects, some criticism has come from its closest neighbors. Residents and business owners are coping with the influx of tourist traffic, increasing property values, and new upscale development in West Chelsea, the Meat Packing and Gallery districts.
As a public park, the High Line is available to everyone; however, its success has resulted in higher than expected maintenance costs and increased development interest. For now, Friends of the High Line, the non-profit that manages the park, must raise operating funds privately having abandoned efforts to secure sufficient local support for a business improvement district. As 2-story walk-ups, auto repair shops, and the last few butchers shops are replaced with luxury hotels, innovative architecture, and fashion retail, the contrast between those above and below the High Line will continue to transition.
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Neighborhood Context Map Source: thehighline.org |
As a public park, the High Line is available to everyone; however, its success has resulted in higher than expected maintenance costs and increased development interest. For now, Friends of the High Line, the non-profit that manages the park, must raise operating funds privately having abandoned efforts to secure sufficient local support for a business improvement district. As 2-story walk-ups, auto repair shops, and the last few butchers shops are replaced with luxury hotels, innovative architecture, and fashion retail, the contrast between those above and below the High Line will continue to transition.
good link!
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