Product DescriptionThe spectacularly successful transformation of Times Square has become a model for other cities. From its beginning as Longacre Square, Times Square commercial, signage, cultural diversity, tolerance and social have been deeply embedded in the psyche of New York City. The symbolic role in ensuring that all plans for the renovation of the hot buttons of the public controversy: free speech, with the property and through eminent domain, development density, tax, would push a.. . More>>
The transformation of Times Square from one of the porn, drugs and prostitution in an urban Disneyland is the biggest success story of urban renewal. (I’m amazed that someone had to be nostalgic about the old Times Square could be – I find it hard on drug dealers stroll from shops and porn theaters are boarded up nostalgic.) Lynne Sagalyn dedicates her 600-page tome documenting the politics behind the reorganization. The end result is not exactly riveting reading. Perhaps it is asking too much for any author of this epic transformation of backroom politics, urban planners and real estate developer in a “good one.” In any case, the author has carefully documented the entire process, focusing on the backroom politics and urban planning strategies rather than on the architecture of the buildings themselves. The book is richly illustrated with well over a hundred b & w photos and detailed maps. Also, has a central color of the book some 35 photographs and drawings. Rating: 3 / 5
The story of how the Times Square, and in particular, 42nd Street was finally freed is fascinating, but it is out of focus in this treatment. Sagalyn is academic, and unfortunately it shows. It reads like a long line of New York Times Arts & Leisure section of essays by a critic. All details are there, but it is a bit exhausting to wade through. It is thought have provided the same information could have been elegant in half the number of words. To wait given the rather high price to see whether there is a paperback edition. But who is interested in the history and development of NYC, it will be worthwhile. Rating: 3 / 5