Advocacy

What would Jane Jacobs think about the High Line? How can you re-create the success of the High Line in other places around the world? How does the High Line benefit New York City?

Click this image to view full slideshow of a Year in Pictures. First photo by Iwan Baan.

 

A Year in Pictures

We are one step closer toward saving the High Line at the West Side Rail Yards.

From the beginning, it has always been our vision to preserve the entire High Line, from Gansevoort Street all the way to 34th Street, through the West Side Rail Yards.

 

We're pleased to bring you news of another major milestone towards the full preservation of the High Line at the West Side Rail Yards. The Department of City Planning announced today that it has certified the City's application for approval of future acquisition of the High Line above 30th Street.

Read the full Press Release [PDF]

This certification kicks off the seven-month Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP), during which there will be several opportunities for public input. Along the way, we hope you will come out and show your support for the High Line's preservation, as you have so many times before. We will push for the City to take ownership of the High Line and ensure that its future is determined by the public.

Though today's announcement does not guarantee preservation of the High Line, the City's move toward High Line acquisition is a major positive step towards achieving our ultimate goals: full preservation of the historic structure north of 30th Street, including the 10th Avenue Spur, and completion of the High Line project all the way to 34th Street.

 

We need your help at City Hall on Monday, November 23, as the City Council's Zoning Subcommittee holds a final public hearing on the rezoning of the Western Rail Yards.

City Council Hearing on Western Rail Yards
Monday, November 23, 9:30 AM
City Hall, 260 Broadway, Council Chamber
(Please note the location change)
Subway: A, C, E, to Chambers; 1,2, to Park Place; 6, N, R to Bklyn Bridge/City Hall

RSVP

Parking Day 2008 Video from Streetfilms



Park(ing) Day, one of our favorite yearly public space happenings, takes to the New York City streets this Friday!

This international event transforms metered parking spaces into playgrounds, parks, creative installations, and unusual meeting-grounds for all to hit the pavement and enjoy. Converting car-intended spots throughout the five boroughs, these park(ing) spaces are a great example of  street-space reclaimed. Park(ing) Day's mission doesn't sound too far off from the High Line's reclamation of  space for the public.

Last year the High Line participated in the Park(ing) Day extravaganza, one of 57 spaces across the city. This year, our newly-opened park hovers 30 feet higher than most parking spaces, but encourages you to check out a nearby Park(ing) Day space on ground level. A map and description of all the spots is here.

One of our favorites is right here in the neighborhood.  Weave the Hearts, sponsored by the West Harlem Art Fund and created by Japanese artist Shintaro Tokairin, can be located at 400 W. 14th Street, near 9th Avenue. Tokairin has created a woven installation piece which will encapsulate the space, inviting visitors to relax and indulge in the artistically-inspired parking spot.

 

Like the High Line? Want to help with our sister project? Now's your chance!

The Harsimus Stem Embankment, an elevated stone structure that runs for a half mile along 6th street in downtown Jersey City needs your help. The Embankment Preservation Coalition is the non-profit group working to preserve the Embankment, develop its top as  open space, and integrate the site into a network of local and regional pedestrian and biking trails.

 

**Tomorrow's City Council hearing has been moved to 250 Broadway, right across the street from City Hall.**

Please come show your support tomorrow morning for the full preservation of the High Line at the West Side Rail Yards, and get a free "Save the High Line at the Rail Yards" T-shirt.

City Council Hearing on Eastern Rail Yards Rezoning

Tuesday, March 31

9:30 AM

 
This morning, the City Planning Commission heard public testimony on proposed amendments to the zoning of the Eastern Rail Yards.