In Dense NYC, What Does 'Human Scale' Mean?

"New Yorkers opposing high-rises are not greedy homeowners but residents seeking urban environments that nurture ordinary lives through human-scale, incremental development."

"Human-scale advocates propose small, incremental projects instead of large-scale developments, aiming to prevent displacement and combat luxury-driven urban policies."

"The focus should be on preserving public spaces like parks and schools, not privatizing them, and fostering community-driven growth rather than hyper-dense real estate solutions."

"Advocates envision city spaces that cater to children, small businesses, and nature, emphasizing the importance of a vibrant public realm over luxury developments."

Lynn Ellsworth's op-ed in Next City articulates a perspective on urban development in New York, emphasizing that those opposing high-rise projects are not simply greedy homeowners but concerned residents wanting a livable city. These advocates support smaller, incremental developments which better serve the community and aim to halt displacement. They challenge the luxury-focused urban policies that have defined New York's growth since 2002, promoting a return to a robust public realm that includes accessible parks, schools, and infrastructure, fostering an environment for everyday people rather than wealthy interests.

Read at Planetizen