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| Re: Brooklyn Dodgers (on topic) (468417) | |||
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Re: Brooklyn Dodgers (on topic) |
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Posted by Michael549 on Mon Jul 30 01:35:39 2007, in response to Re: Brooklyn Dodgers (on topic), posted by BrooklynBus on Mon Jul 30 00:22:51 2007. From a previous message:"You say the Parks Department was created to give the city breathing space because there were no places for children to play except the streets." Actually I was speaking about New York City from the earliest years. The 1811 Street Grid plan included very few parks in its original designs. Central Park and other parks were included later. I do not know for a fact that Robert Moses was a racist, and I did not and have not accused him of being one. I certainly do believe that some of his practices were discriminatory, as well as the results of some of his policies. I think that I have supported that position. The legacies of his actions - in an overall sense - still influence us today - that is clear. Whether I think Robert Moses should have torn down tenements in order to build small nieghborhood parks in congested areas is a tough question. Certainly a case can be made for building small parks in places where the land was easy to obtain that did not involve the removal of residents. Robert Moses was certainly capable building smaller parks if he wanted. One point made by Robert Moses, "if the ends does not justify the means what does?". In the cited text, Robert Moses makes the argument that an entire city block (3 acres) is needed for a small park, which would seem to indicate the removal of about 2,500 people. Basically what one sees is the categorical refusal to even consider the idea, when there are possibilities. Another of Robert Moses sayings was, "In order to make an omelete, one has to crack an egg". So yes, sometimes an action that injures some but brings about the "greater good" is a worthwile action. As a city planner I have never adopted the position that preserving housing at all costs is the right thing to do. At the same time, the NIMBY impulse in many neighborhoods is strong. My personal view is that a case by case review of each situation with a view toward means, goals, ends and costs - is the better approach. On many city streets, these days there is much more traffic than before - so many parents simply do not want their children playing in the streets. In many neighborhoods such activities as stick ball, etc. were played for years in the streets. These days many teenagers prefer to play basketball, and other games - these are often played in parks, and other places. In addition, many kids also play video games indoors, or are involved organized activities in places like the PAL centers, Boys And Girls clubs, etc. When I was in college for a couple of summers I worked for the Parks Department on the "Skatemobile", where a local street was closed so the kids could skate for a few hours. There were other mobile units, Arts & Crafts, Pool-mobile, etc. Actually it was a fun job, and I learned a great deal traveling about the city, and how to rollerskate. If I have not answered your questions, please let me know. Mike |
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