Posts by Kyle Arnold
Better than I thought
I actually ended up liking the conference a lot more than I thought I would. While it seemed some classes had slightly different assignments, I still found most of the presentations interesting. During the discussion periods, I was also able to talk about ideas that other groups in my class researched and contribute even more to the discussion. If I had to criticize something, I would say Macaulay should do a better job communicating to teachers just how important this conference is and what exactly they want groups to prepare for it.
Revised Mini Cohen Presentation
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1th8DElaPB82t2vuAiP6biibbwlq-BvwFfF4AFpcZvrA/edit?usp=sharing
The (Dreaded) Island of Staten
When I heard of my great uncle’s passing at the beginning of the week, I thought that was unlucky. However, unbeknownst to me at the time, my misfortune would only worsen when I found out the news that the funeral was to be held in… Staten Island. After the cold sweats at suicidal thoughts subsided, I began to do research in order to find the best way to get to the service. To my surprise, there was actually a Staten Island Manhattan Express Bus stop right down the block from my apartment on 25th st. I took the bus to the service and am now on my way back home without any problems. While the fare was a bit higher than a normal metro ride, I am still impressed that the city has these means of public transportation in order to open the city up to people that might live in more remote areas. While we might not be able to justify expanding Staten Island’s subway network, the current bus system that exists and any additional lines that may be created in the near future will continue to foster economic growth for the city and its inhabitants.
Public Art
When it comes to urban development and sustainability, there is no question as to how things like public parks and public art pieces fit the picture. However, when I was waiting outside a restaurant that I was meeting my brother for dinner at, I really began to appreciate this piece and how the bottom egg-shaped hold framed the various things that passed. Whether it was a business person on the cross walk or a taxi going through the intersection, this piece was highlighting the individual and making it stand out against the rest. It was then that I realized this piece was doing exactly what it was intended to do. I took a break from my day of non-stop activity in order to observe and appreciate the sculpture in front of me. By placing things in the city that create moments like this, it allows people to take a step back and think about what they’re doing.
High-Speed Rail by Kyle Arnold
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1th8DElaPB82t2vuAiP6biibbwlq-BvwFfF4AFpcZvrA/edit?usp=sharing
High Speed Rail
After reading Sustainable Cities, I learned a lot more about China’s ever-expanding railway system. China currently has 19,000 kilometers of high speed railways and are set to build 30,000 more kilometers in the next 5 years. By 2020, all of China’s cities with populations greater than 500,000 will be connected by high speed railways. One of the reasons I was so fascinated in learning about China’s rail system is because much of the progress made was accomplished with the last 15 years. The first set of bullet trains only opened in 2007. While China’s effort in expanding this method of transportation has already been seen to be helping the economy, some question how all this construction is being funded. In addition, it is unlikely that such rapid development would be able to be mirrored in America since two of the main reasons China is able to lay track so cheaply is because of their cheap labor costs and the government’s ability to easily procure land.
Compact Development
While doing research for the end of the year project, I read that one of the benefits that comes with the proliferation of pubic transportation is that it promotes compact development. When cities’ populations are able to live comfortably in more condensed areas and less land is being used for roads, there is more space for things like pubic parks. I couldn’t help but to think about this while I was spending time at LES skatepark earlier in the week. This skatepark is located in downtown Manhattan and is actually right under the Manhattan Bridge.
Old Timers
This week, I had the pleasure of finally meeting someone from my apartment building. Her name was Mary and we had a short conversation about construction in the building and her experience living her for the last 40 years. She told me about these different programs the city had in place for the elderly in order to stabilize their rent prices and allow them to continue living in the city. She said she still pays under $600 a month for her two bedroom apartment, a little a fourth of what me and my roommate pay for our two bedroom. As development projects like those on billionaire row or Hudson yards continue to be completed, I can’t help what the future of New York City will be like. Will it be a city only for the rich, or will policies like these continue to allow the families that have enjoyed the city for so long to keep living here?
When will they be open?
Pictured here is a scene I’m sure we are all familiar with, Madison Square Park. I have always enjoyed going to this park for a breath of fresh air and to relax however, the lawns are never open for me to enjoy. Being located in the center of Midtown Manhattan, Madison Square Park experiences a tremendous amount of foot traffic. As a result, NYC parks is forced to periodically restrict the public from using the lawns so that the grass can regrow. Even with the immense number of public parks in the city, it amazes me that Madison Square still gets so many visitors that it seems the lawns are always run down to a muddy pulp.
You thought Amazon would be big for NYC? Hudson Yards will be bigger.
Opening March 15, The Hudson Yards development project is the most expensive private real-estate investment in the history of the country. It will introduce new retail spaces, offices, parks, and luxury apartments to the Chelsea neighborhood. Additionally, it will create 55,000 new jobs and completely transform the west side of Manhattan. People against the project criticize the government giving over $6 billion in tax breaks to developers. In addition, the city spent nearly $2.2 billion expanding the 7 train line to Hudson Yards and $1.4 billion for the amount of land they set aside for the parks.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/09/nyregion/hudson-yards-new-york-tax-breaks.html
Comments by Kyle Arnold
"The sheer amount of people, both those currently living here and those that may have moved away, that consider New York their home has always fascinated me. This city subtly affects us all in such a profound way and I don't think many people realize how different their lives would be without it. While I can't imagine anyone would wish to be homeless, the fact that so many of them choose to stay here proves to me that the appeal of this city goes far beyond the economic incentives we hear about all the time."
--( posted on Apr 12, 2019, commenting on the post
His Home )
"As someone from Long Island that shares a similar hatred of Penn Station, I too was overjoyed when they started these renovations. This post made me think back to our first Macaulay Seminar when we learned about how the original Penn Station actually looked exactly like Grand Central and they tour it down in order to make what we have today. I understand that the new Penn Station allowed for more efficient train traffic and the building of Madison Square Garden but I hope as New York City , rebuilds its infrastructure, we continue to take aesthetics and the effect aesthetics have on peoples mindsets into account."
--( posted on Apr 7, 2019, commenting on the post
A New and Cleaner Penn Station )
"I didn't know the city even had things like this, that's so cool! Another reason I like this device is because it holds construction teams accountable for their actions. An important aspect of any project in the city is to reduce its negative externality on those who still have to live around it. This device will ensure that construction teams are actually taking the necessary precautions to minimize their environmental impact."
--( posted on Mar 28, 2019, commenting on the post
Mysterious Orange Box (4/2/19) )
"Even with the enormous about of information/evidence available that shows the immediate risk of climate, people still would prefer to deny the facts in order to support what furthers their agenda or makes them feel the most comfortable. While I think our educational institutions have already been focusing on educating the youth about this problem, I think we also need to focus on making alternative "green" options for doing things more affordable. Even if someone doesn't believe in climate change, they will pick solar power over gas if their monthly bill goes down. PS: I am both disgusted and impressed that you have successfully taken every one of your NYC gallery photos from your dorm room- keep it up."
--( posted on Mar 23, 2019, commenting on the post
The Difference Between Weather and Climate )
"I'm excited to climb to the top of the big egg-looking structure and explore the surrounding parks. That area is going to change so much within our lifetimes- I'm excited to be along for the ride."
--( posted on Mar 17, 2019, commenting on the post
Hudson Yards Hype )
"This post reminds me of that surprise snow storm a few months ago that literally brought all roads in Manhattan to a stand still. It makes you wonder what we can do to improve the efficiency and durability of our traffic system."
--( posted on Mar 10, 2019, commenting on the post
Beating Traffic )
"I've thought about this a lot too especially in terms of the number of citi bike docks in the other boroughs. While there is something to be said for Citi Bike being more useful in a densely populated borough like Manhattan, I think it is only a matter of time before we see them expand more into the other boroughs."
--( posted on Mar 3, 2019, commenting on the post
Focus on outer neighborhoods too! )
"Hello Ingrid,
I too have always been fascinated by New York's ever-expanding Billionaire Row and how it affects the city. While I do agree that wealthier people moving to the city will put a strain on our infrastructure, I think it's important to recognize how this type of strain may be different than the strain we'd experience from something like Amazon opening its second headquarters in New York. The introduction of a few hundred super wealthy people might pressure the city to make existing transportation infrastructure nicer or more appealing to an upperclass whereas if Amazon brought 25,000 jobs to the city it might pressure the mta to increase the number of cars running on the track."
--( posted on Feb 24, 2019, commenting on the post
Billionaires Row )
