Seattle and New York City Waterfronts: A Common Destiny?
The Associated Press reported earlier this month that New York City's first waterfront plan in two decades envisions a metropolis where residents flock to the waterways for recreation. It would cost an estimated $3.2 billion. (The Seattle Times, NYC plans $3B transformation of waterfront, March 14, 2011.)
One of the first things that Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn wanted after being elected to office was an additional $241 million in taxes to replace Seattle’s waterfront seawall. (kirotv.com, McGinn Wants Levy for Urgent Seawall Replacement, January 14, 2010.) Yet he then vetoed the waterfront tunnel agreement that was overwhelmingly approved by the City Council. (KOMOnews.com, Mayor McGinn vetoes waterfront tunnel project, February 17, 2011.)
It is hard to say where Seattle will end up on these waterfront issues, but watching what New York City ends up doing may provide some helpful insight.
