Major Rail Yards Milestone

Earlier today, we took a major step toward building the final section of the High Line.

The City of New York has launched the public review process for a zoning text amendment that will permanently secure the High Line at the rail yards, including the Spur, as public open space.

Called the High Line Text Amendment, the zoning text amendment sets a framework for funding from the Related Companies for the portion of the High Line on the Eastern Rail Yards, approximately 30% of the estimated total $90 million cost of building the High Line’s final section, and paves the way for construction to begin in 2012.

Read more about this important news for the High Line.

The crucial funds that would come as a result of the zoning text amendment, in tandem with recent major gifts to the Campaign for the High Line, give great momentum to our efforts to complete the High Line and open the rail yards section to the public. But we still have considerable funds to raise to make the completion of the High Line a reality. We are currently working to raise $150 million for the Campaign for the High Line, of which $85 million has been pledged, and $65 million left to go. Campaign funds will be directed to a number of different initiatives, including construction of the rail yards section, and our endowment for the park's future maintenance and operations.

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Thank You for Your Input on the Design for the High Line at the Rail Yards

We asked. You told us. Now the fun begins.

In December, more than 200 people gathered at the High Line at the Rail Yards Community Input Meeting to tell us what they want to see in the design of the final section of the High Line. Visit the High Line Blog to view photos and read a summary of the comments.

Stay tuned for an email announcing the date, time, and location of the next community input meeting.

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Season’s First Snow and Heads Up on Upcoming Snow Sculpt-Off

The first winter storm arrived in New York City on Saturday, blanketing the High Line with a light coating of snow. Our maintenance and operations staff arrived before dawn to begin clearing the pathways, making the park safe for visitors to enjoy the High Line’s winter landscape.

VIEW PHOTOS

There was not quite enough snowfall to hold the second annual High Line Snow Sculpt-Off, but when a substantial snow storm finally hits, we hope you will join us for day of creativity and fun. Last year, teams built snow mice, snow people, a snow octopus, a giant snow dragon, and much more. Watch a video to get inspired. This year, the team behind the winning sculpture will take home the grand prize from Canada Goose, and runners-up will win prizes from Chelsea Piers, The Standard, New York, and more.

Start coordinating your team and planning your ideas now, and keep an eye out for an email from us announcing the details.

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Friends of the High Line Is Hiring

We are now accepting applications for full and part-time positions at Friends of the High Line.

Manager of Foundation and Government Support

High Line Venue Manager

Human Resources Manager

Seasonal Gardener

Seasonal Gardener, Temporary

To apply for a position, please submit a cover letter and resume to the e-mail address provided in the job description.

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Upcoming Events and Happenings

WINTER GUIDE
Temperatures may be dropping, but you will find a unique landscape, innovative public art, and engaging public programs at the High Line this season. Check out our winter guide.

DEATH AVENUE HISTORY
What prompted the construction of the High Line in the 1930s? The New York Times recently looked at street conditions on 10th Avenue before the High Line. Read the article and view historic photos.

STERNFELD’S FIRST PICTURES
Joel Sternfeld took the now-iconic photographs of the High Line before it opened as a park, but his work extends beyond the historic rail line and spans four decades of life in the United States. A broad collection of his early work is now on view at Luhring Augustine, New York. Learn more.

LAST CHANCE
Check out the nightly screenings of City Slivers, the silent film by Gordon Matta-Clark, on HIGH LINE CHANNEL before the installation ends on Tuesday, January 24. Read more.

NEXT ON HIGH LINE CHANNEL
What do coffee, mascara, and habanero sauce have in common? These substances and more are used by Jennifer West to create “direct films,” or films realized without a camera. You can view her work on HIGH LINE CHANNEL starting Wednesday, January 25. Learn more.

HERE’S LOOKING AT YOU
Anne Collier will be the next artist to present on HIGH LINE BILLBOARD, with a striking black-and-white photograph of the artist’s eye debuting on Wednesday, February 1. Learn more.

FOOD STAND DEADLINE
Proposals for High Line Food stands are due by 3:00 PM on Wednesday, February 1. Learn more and download the Request for Proposals.

FAMILY FEATHER FLURRY
Families, join us for a bird scavenger hunt on the High Line, followed by puppet-making and story time at Posman Books on Sunday, February 5. Get the details.

BEHIND THE BUSHES
Join Friends of the High Line Co-Founders Joshua David and Robert Hammond on Tuesday, February 7 for a slideshow and discussion on the never-before-told gay history of the High Line.

DANCE THE HIGH LINE
High energy dance comes to the High Line in part of the feature-length dance music video, Girl Walk // All Day. Watch the video.

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Best of the Blog, Facebook, and Twitter

Here are the past few weeks’ most popular items from the High Line Blog, Facebook, and Twitter.

	High Line Blog Request for Offers for a New Restaurant Under the High Line
	Facebook We’ve discovered more blooms than usual on the High Line’s Dawn bodnant viburnum shrubs.
	Twitter A closer look at whether @TheQueensWay should be re-opened as a rail line or transformed into public open space:

Follow the High Line and stay connected.

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Thank You for Helping Meet Our Challenge

We would like to extend our deepest thanks to our member and friends.

When we announced a $100,000 Matching Gift Challenge in December, we were astounded by the tremendous support we saw. Friends like you came together to help meet this ambitious challenge, and we raised more than $200,000 to sustain the High Line.

This critical funding will be used to keep the park thriving. It allows us to hire the staff needed to care for the High Line’s planting beds and to maintain the park’s infrastructure. At the same time, it will provide the financial stability and security we need to continue to work toward opening the rail yards to the public as soon as possible.

Many thanks for your support—and we hope you will enjoy the beautiful park you have made possible throughout 2012!