Having surpassed the "honeymoon period" of this course, I am better understanding the need to address problems spawned by urbanization and to approach them through an interdisciplinary framework that is humbled by the complexity of the issues yet strengthened by the promise of its multi-disciplinary approach. As a "New Yorker", it doesn't take many blocks from where you are to see the disparities of clustered neighbordhoods and imagine the economic and social potential that all areas are capable of achieving.
President Obama, has acknowledged this through the creation of the White House Urban Affairs Office. Today, 80% of the United States population reside in urban areas, and are as a result, are aware of its many issues -- from poverty and hunger observed on the street as a result of policies from the past to the need for sustainable buildings and communities to ensure an energy-efficient future. This step, I am hopeful, will become the first of many in which we begin to address the critical issues of urban living and find the tools across the many disciplines in order to achieve a healthier and more habitable environment.
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I am not entirely happy with this pick.
One of the biggest disappointments in terms of urban development in New York City recently has been Yankees Stadium. Essentially: taking away a lot of park land in a neighborhood with few parks and high asthma rates to build a new stadium with fewer seats and more parking.
Carrion supported and promoted the deal:
http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/11/29/carrion-gets-30k-donation-following-yanks-walkway-deal/
Here are other articles on the subject: http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/12/01/city-traded-parking-spots-for-yankee-stadium-suite/
http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/01/16/south-bronx-develops-into-yankee-stadium-parking-lot/
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