Jane Jacobs Dies in Toronto But, leaves a Lasting Legacy


The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission Acts on 1963 Request


Jane Jacobs may not be well known outside of North America but, here was a woman that helped to shape the way cities in this part of the world both function, and evolve. One of her biggest opponents was the in-famous Robert Moses, who was both a hero and villian to millions of New Yorkers in the 20th century.

Robert Moses was the force behind the construction of major public works projects in New York City that stretched from the beginning of the 20th century, up until the 1970's. He had a long list of accomplishments that included, the West Side Highway, the Tri-Boro Bridge, The Whitestone Bridge, the Throgs Neck Bridge, rebuilding Central Park, and construction of the highway network, in and around New York City. Yet, he was also seen as a destroyer of neighborhoods, even entire districts and counties such as The Bronx, New York's northern-most 'boro.' Many believed it was the building of the Cross Bronx Expressway that did the most tangible damage to that county. It was a practice repeated by others in scores of cities across the United States.

Moses, who was an advocate of travel by automobile, for example, wanted to build a highway right through the middle of Manhattan in the early 1960's. Opponents of that project who were led by Jane Jacobs believed it would have destroyed Greenwich Village, New York's most culturally diverse, and interesting, district. That plan came to a crashing halt, in large part, thanks to the smallish, but influencial woman, who was a giant of New York city lore. Jane Jacobs, many believed, had convincing arguments that strongly countered the view of Robert Moses.

Jacobs was an Urban expert, and author of the noted book called 'THE DEATH AND LIFE OF GREAT AMERICAN CITIES.' That powerful and influencial tome helped to change the way city planners across the country approached re-shaping their cities in the 1960's. Jacobs was a harsh critic of the 1950's-era policy known as 'Urban Renewal,' that she argued, did just the opposite. Urban Renewal became "Urban Removal" of scores of Black, Brown, and poor communities that also helped to shape the way cities thrive, and grow. She was one who loved the urban hustle and bustle, and arguably, made the case of just how modern cities, NOT only in America, thrive.

On this date, and following a 43-year battle to save an important part of New York, the preservation commission 'Landmarked' key areas of the so-called Far West section of Greenwich Village. The landmark designation means that large scale demolition of historic buildings in the area are safe from the wrecking ball. The designation will also put a restrictive cap on the size and height of new development in the area.

For more on the ruling, and the life of Jane Jacobs, you can hear my story on the WBAI EVENING NEWS tonight, 6pm EDT, by visiting the following site:

WWW.WBAI.ORG

There is also a detailed article published in the Toronto Globe and Mail Newspaper on the life of Jane Jacobs. It is available on the Web.

That address is:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20060425.wjanejacobs0425/BNStory/National/