First and foremost, when cogitating ideas for the future of a city, district, town, or any type of area of common dwelling for that matter, it is imperative to consider what is best for the greater good. Typically, what is best for the greater good tends to be what’s best for the individual; and it goes without saying that what tends to be best for the individual is what is the best fit. So, in terms of Manhattan’s Upper East Side, what could possibly supplement an area that is so often revered by citizens of New York City? Most people would assume that the Upper East Side works fine as is, especially those who live between the 50s and 80s. Both real estate and quality of living are great (provided you can afford to live there), there is high-end merchandise practically on every block, delicious food, a deep sense of culture; the Upper East Side is a veritable paradise for any true New Yorker. Yet, just as in life, there is always room for improvement.
Green Initiatives:
Green initiatives have always been the hot topic of discussion amongst urban planners seeking to improve city life. What detriment could ever arise from allocating resources safely and efficiently to make for a better living environment? The Upper East Side isn’t exactly known for its majestic landscape views of rolling greens or for its “green-ness.” Consequently, one way to improve the Upper East Side is then too design a more “green” environment through the planting of trees and building parks. Of course Central Park spans a good portion of the Upper East Side, yet as you move closer to the East River, there isn’t much there. New York City isn’t exactly known for its abundance of vacant real estate, which is where the concept of Brownfield Redevelopment comes into play. Brownfield Redevelopment entails redeveloping abandoned or vacant industrial sites. (Mitchell)Not only would development aid in the future success of the Upper East Side, but other initiatives such as supporting public and private sectors “going green,” encouraging carpooling, buying green products, and ultimately establishing green coordinators for each neighborhood. Coupled with the green initiative, the Upper East Side would benefit massively from rethinking the city’s energy policies. It is fair to say that residents of the Upper East Side are fairly comfortable economically, and therefore, would not suffer from the implementation of alternative energy sources and energy saving methods. One such example is the effort to paint New York City roofs white, thus repelling sun rays reducing the amount of air conditioning needed. (Mitchell) Keeping the streets clean, in both senses of the words, is integral to the development of cities. If the streets are not safe, who would ever want to live there? Street cameras are an excellent method of keeping the peace; if criminals know they are being watched they have every reason to not commit the crime they are planning to commit. (Mitchell) Just recently, there was a case where a woman was brutally attacked in a New York City subway station, and security cameras aided the authorities immensely in detaining the suspect.
Second Avenue Subway Project:
Despite the Upper East Side’s incredible diversity and quality of living, there is one area where it is seriously lacking, and that is transportation. Unlike its counterparts Soho and Midtown, the Upper East Side is not so easily accessible. There are only three lines currently running through the area; those being the 4, 5, and 6 (Green) lines. In an effort to quell the frustration felt by many residents, the MTA has commissioned the construction of a new subway line, apply named the “T”. The “T” will run along Second Avenue, from 125th street to the Financial District in Lower Manhattan, providing residents and visitors alike with an excellent alternative route uptown. (MTA) Construction on the T has commenced and the future is looking bright for the Upper East Side. Transportation is of titanic importance to any major city in a number of ways. Millions of New Yorkers board a variety of subway lines at any given second, whether going to work, running errands, or perhaps just taking an afternoon stroll. Subsequently, an apartment or store front in close proximity to a subway station is 
an extremely valuable commodity. Moreover, an apartment or store front in close proximity to an enormous construction site is not such a valuable commodity. Real estate and commercial business have equally suffered from the ongoing construction. Hundreds of businesses are failing simply due to the fact that most people do not enjoy walking, or even being near construction. Not only have businesses failed at the hands of the subway construction, but also the real estate market currently does not look very promising. Vacancies and “Apartment for Rent” signs have become quite common along the streets of the Upper East Side. However, in this instance, we must look to the future. Upon completion of the Second Avenue Subway project, real estate and commercial businesses will absolutely flourish as the area becomes more accessible and is no longer marred by construction equipment. No longer will dividers and wire fence block storefronts. Residents, shoppers, tourists, passerby-ers, etc. will be free to roam the streets with no cause for concern. In addition to the practical benefits to the area, middle and upper class folk will likely gentrify the area, migrating to a faction of the city that is deemed “new” and “hip,” much like Astoria, Queens.
Gentrification of the newly developed area, supplemented by the revitalization of real estate and business bestow a promise of a bright future to a neighborhood with an already illustrious reputation. The Upper East Side has all the potential in the world to rival some of Manhattan’s most notable areas like Soho, the West Village, and Midtown. Only time will tell, as construction and fortune currently impose an impasse. Nevertheless, the impending fate of the Upper East Side certainly radiates success. New York City is long overdue for much needed change, and in years to come, that change will unequivocally come to fruition.
