Sunday, September 18, 2011

Day trippers: Picture yourself in a park under Delancey

The story people seem to talking about at the moment comes courtesy of New York magazine, where three "urbanist entrepreneurs" share their idea for the long-abandoned trolley terminal under Delancey Street ... (Read more about the trolley terminal here.)

The men want to turn it into the High Line. Except that this strip of urban greenery would be underground. Called Delancey Underground, "but will inevitably be known as the Low Line." Says one of the developers: “We’re channeling sunlight the way they did in ancient Egyptian tombs, but in a supermodern way.”

Take a look for yourself... very Middle-earthy...



It's not the worst idea ever. It just seems like it. Still, love the renderings... An accordion player! And an aspiring Kardashian in short shorts...



You can see all this for yourself on Wednesday during a CB3 meeting...

Land Use, Zoning, Public & Private Housing Committee
Wednesday, September 21 at 6:30pm -- University Settlement, Speyer Hall - 184 Eldridge St (btwn Rivington & Delancey Sts)

1. Discussion of EIS draft scoping document
2. Green Space Under Delancey Street: Presentation of a concept for the abandoned Williamsburg Trolley Terminal below Delancey Street: using innovative solar technology to create a sizable underground community park
at

12 comments:

  1. Jeremiah MossSeptember 18, 2011 at 3:24 PM

    i like the idea of putting all these people and their culture underground, where they can enjoy walking and texting together, pushing giant baby strollers, kvelling aloud about the miracle of coffee, sharing recipes for artisanal pickled pigs feet, smearing cupcake icing on each other in a new sexual ritual, etc.

    up top, maybe we can still have bookstores, mom and pop shops, contemplation, and empathy.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousSeptember 18, 2011 at 3:31 PM

    Jeremiah
    That is such a lovely thought, to have a vertical resort. However, to get there, the yumps will trash the space as they walk to their utopia.
    It's a dire prospect. The aging of NYC.
    I feel a grip has been lost.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousSeptember 18, 2011 at 4:00 PM

    Fantastic idea! The more beautiful public pedestrian space, the better.

    - East Villager

    P.S. What's a Kardashian? Is that a citizen of some minor former Soviet Republic?

    ReplyDelete
  4. Lux LivingSeptember 18, 2011 at 4:02 PM

    ROFLMAO Jeremiah!!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Ken from Ken's KitchenSeptember 18, 2011 at 6:35 PM

    These look like set renderings for "The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus​ II: Final Deal with the Devil."

    ReplyDelete
  6. Bucket FlushSeptember 18, 2011 at 8:27 PM

    Incredible, amazing, fantastic idea! Grieve - what's with the sarcasm?? The idea of reinhabiting a derelict and off limit urban space for a public park doesn't appeal to you??? Where's your squatter ethic?

    ReplyDelete
  7. EV GrieveSeptember 18, 2011 at 8:45 PM

    @Bucket Flush

    There is absolutely nothing "squatter" about this idea.

    ReplyDelete
  8. AnonymousSeptember 18, 2011 at 9:47 PM

    The renderings are lovely! I just fear once the crustys find it, it's curtains for the rest of us. :(

    ReplyDelete
  9. AnonymousSeptember 19, 2011 at 1:21 AM

    The Developers are trying to turn NYC into Dubai.

    Speaking of which - you never see anything about Dubai anymore - I presume because it has turned out to be a big bust (even though Hallibuton is obviously still in business).

    ReplyDelete
  10. LindsaySeptember 19, 2011 at 11:51 AM

    I agree with Jeremiah... can we just keep them down there?

    ReplyDelete
  11. Ivan RobertsonFebruary 26, 2012 at 12:24 PM

    This seems like such a dangerous idea. Does NOBODY remember "Beneath the Planet of the Apes"?

    ReplyDelete
  12. EV GrieveFebruary 26, 2012 at 1:14 PM

    @Ivan

    Ha! Very true...

    ReplyDelete

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