One of the things misunderstood about NYC I think is the costs. Sure, it's very expensive to live there, but if you're just visiting for a short time you can definitely find reasonably priced food, especially if you don't mind regularly eating slices of pizza, which are also consistently good.
It's a battle of we like it and we hate it for the sake of hating it . You could design a perfect building with a 0 carbon foot print and someone would still bitch about it . Humans are just fucked up things .
Yeah it doesn’t really look well integrated with the surroundings. Also it looks so ugly from directly above for some reason lol but pretty nice from ground view I guess
During Sandy my street was under 5 ft of water FEMA put me up at the W for3 months and sent me a $2,500 check. Gild Hall a Thompson Square Hotel an additional month.
@@rashad123us Sure, but the issue with hurricane Sandy wasn’t so much the wind speed… but the size, amount of rain, and length of time that the storm hovered in the region. Huge amounts of rainfall compounded with storm surge was the problem… not the category of the storm as it relates to wind speed.
@@Steve-eq8iz yeah, actually. like the little island has limited capacity, bc its so small, and also you aren't allowed to bring dogs, and there doesnt seem anything to do there except walk around and take photos.
As a New York resident, it's a bit disappointing that such a large fund was available, we could have done many more small parks than just one difficult and costly one. Not saying it isn't nice or will not be used, but we could have had 4-5 spots spread around the city rather than one. That's the only genuine complaint, I feel.
Yes, taking a step further back still, it is a lovely space, but it seems odd that in the long run, what we’ve done is de-naturalize (pave over) space and then, at enormous cost, construct an artificial recreation of what we worked so hard to pave a century or two prior.
Then none of you has ever been to one of those fancy-healthy-select-brunch places in Amsterdam or Zurich or Stockholm!… It's like 12-18 EUROS for avo toasts (with fancy eggs and salmon or bacon, sure, it's real chef prep, not a snack. Still). 「That's $14~22 USD!」
It looks cool and it's an engineering marvel but it's rather pointless to me. One small exclusive park in that area is hardly a benefit for the whole city. Not offsetting these kinds of projects with others in the city is weak when considering the bigger picture (of green space development).
@@johnsamuel1999 Maybe worth noting that it will cost a lot more than that when the private maintenance grant runs out. Unless more private finance jumps in or it's just left to decay.
Sorry, but there's no other way to put it: your objection is very poorly thought out. First of all, it's not "exclusive", it's open to the public. Secondly, one small park in *any* area of the city is "hardly a benefit for the whole city", as is "one small" civic improvement _anywhere_ in the city. So...no civic improvements in any borough, according to you? And "bigger picture"? How meaninglessly vague. Bigger picture of _what?_ Seriously, what is your *_real_* objection?
@@AlbertaGeek In my opinion any park requiring a signup is exclusive. Your opinion may be different and that is fine. As for the bigger picture, I am alluding to the development of green spaces in cities. This small and expensive park project doesn't contribute much to that. Hope that clears it up.
"What seemed like fantasy in London," ... apparently required a private money donation of almost $400 million dollars from some billionaires to get built in New York. That's... there are no words.
They probably used it as a tax write off. Same with that 120 million extra for upkeep over the next 20 years. It also doubles as a PR stunt to make them look better.
@@marclloyd5443 No matter what they do it wouldn't make me want me to stay here dealing with parking, the weekly tickets, the shoe box sized apartment, police state alive and well, the gross abuse of landlords that they don't actually prosecute unless the entire building is being abused or falling apart to the extent its bringing media attention, and the pompous bicyclists that still end up in traffic even when they built them their own lanes, and the ridiculous cost of living. It's gun friendly states for me after a few decades living here. I'll leave it to the rich and tourists.
Either if it's true or not, can you imagine being a lawyer stashing up even a small cut from that big juicy lawyer funds? I mean 2 of those cases and you may just end up moving out of lexington without making a 50 year payback loan
@@Cassiopée777 You're right it was totally unreasonable to ask someone for evidence to support their ridiculous claim. If domeone makes such statements they should back them up with evidence, otherwise it's almost certain that their false.
As someone who lived in NYC for almost my whole life, the most common misconception is that NYC is expensive, it's expensive in Manhattan yes, but Manhattan is not all of NYC, theres Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, & Staten Island. Try exploring the whole city and you will find a lot of affordable stuff, & stay away from tourist spots if you want a fair price. And also NY & NYC are not the same! NY = New York, NYC = New York City! New York is a state & NYC is a city inside the state of New York!
Your ratio is off my guy. Also have you even been on the thing? There are so many different trees, grasses, perennials, and flowers. It’s also much larger and steeper than the areal shots make it seem.
It is not that bad... You guys are just being cynical, it is on the water, it has great view of Downtown and New Jersey. It's not Central Park or Stanley Park... Probably a nice place to drop by, and infinitely better than what it was before.
Not that crazy - we have the SkyGarden here in London for example that is free entry to a skyscaper's indoor landscape garden/public space. You got to book in advance, but it's easy and free - beats having to queue forever!
Well there are multiple factors to consider. The first is that reservations are only required for afternoon visiting, and once you're in you can stay until it closes. The second is that the morning visiting hours do not require reservations but park entry is monitored to mitigate overcrowding. IMO, it's a superior approach to mitigate excessive crowding. There will always be a cost-benefit analysis, and carefully tracking the crowd in a space with limited capacity is not new. The primary ways of distributing scarcity are (A) rationing and (B) pricing, and if it were done via Option B then you'd have far more complaints than there already were since the cost would easily be stratospheric -- the rich local clientele can afford what the poor can't -- and using a pricing model would exclude lower socioeconomic percentiles. So to your point, yes it's unconventional to book a reservation at a park, but this is vastly more ideal than pricing out >90% of potential visitors to achieve the same result. Here's more if you're curious: littleisland.org/timed-entry-reservations
I was thinking about a website like edx, open courseware, etc... and how they are able to provide free education. people should invest in free education to a common source and should bring it to school and college level.
Don't go, the city has turned into a cesspool of crime, addicts, and general dirtbags. Sane people no longer go there. Two terms from DiBlasio is all it took.
When it comes to the world of investing,most people don't know where to start.fortunately,great investors of the past and present can provide us with guidance
It feels like a tourist trap and it's not even a useful as a park. I don't think people really know how small it is. What park activities can be done besides walking. This project is a case study for form over function....just glad it was most privately funded but most New Yorker don't see the point of it. Kind of like the other project he did in Hudson yards.
@@SofaSpy i mean from few shots in the video you get a pretty idea how big or small it actually is and yes it's tiny, a shame they didn't make it atleast 15-20% larger.
*This is taxpayer money right here, the billionaire who donated the funds for this avoids paying his taxes. We need to start taxing the wealthy and stop depending on their “kindness”.*
Huh! London did not miss out on anything. When they were looking for funding for London’s bridge they said it would cost $85 million and then it spiralled to almost $300 million which they wanted public funding for in a section of the river where there’s enough crossings already. It was a vanity project for those who wanted it.
I disagree, it would have been a beautiful project that London has missed out on. They’ll always be those who are against ever large project, it’s a wonder we have tower bridge or the London Underground to name a few.
@@wobby1516 other than beauty, how would it benefit Londoners? If they were building the bridge somewhere in Greenwich borough then it would be of great value since there currently isn't any foot bridge.
@@naomiwilliams8850 Why must it benefit "other than beauty"? The relaxing/calming value of being able to cross the river in beautiful greenery multiplied by the number of people using it is enourmous (especially for people who cross on their way from or to work) - not just for gross happiness, but also for productivity. Also, it has been shown, that inhabitants of cities with great landmarks stronger identify with their city. But I should add: I hadn't heard of this project before and I therefore don't know much about its benefits and downsides. Significantly underestimated cost estimations would make me reconsider too, of course. I am from Vienna. Here we have the "Donauinsel" (danube island). The Donauinsel is a 21 km long and 250 m wide artificial island for recreation in the middle of the Danube river which was built from 1972 to 1988. The project was very expensive and divisive back then, but it most definitely isn't anymore. On sunny weekends you'll regularly find close to 300.000 people there. And every year (except during the pandemic) it is host to Europe's biggest open air festival. Yes, the island also functions as part of a flooding protection system, but there would have been cheaper ways to achieve this. I wish there were more big, ambitious projects like this in modern cities. Especially parks of all kinds. I feel like developed society has grown too timid and risk averse in some regards.
I think the ending says it all. When I went to New York, I wanted to visit this island, only to discover that all the time slots (for that day and several days onward) were completely sold out. The only way to explore it was by visiting before noon. I’m not really sure if this is truly a public asset if you’re blocked by tourists (like me) from enjoying it. A beautiful park nonetheless
@@Steamrick Fair response, but my point still stands... for all the money pumped into this project, I must say it's profoundly beautiful but it doesn't serve the public. some $275m in construction costs + $6m/year in maintenance and the residents can't visit it easily. Then again, the high line is right next door and an amazing experience, and definitely serves the public.
Brilliant story telling once again you guys. Such a pleasure to listen and learn about the process leading to such stunning results. Keep up the great work!
A quarter billion for a park just 5 times the size of my yard... But good thing they spent all that money on technology to "filter the rainwater before it enters the Hudson" Wouldn't want to pollute the pristine Hudson River with a bunch of dirty ass rain water. That makes sense.
I’m a republican and I say it looks beautiful and they did a fabulous job👍. Governor cuomo actually did something right for a change🧐. We need more projects like this happening all over the free world.
How is this useful to residents?!? You can't just stroll in - you have to make a reservation which makes this not a public good and guarantees this will be consistently overwhelmed with tourists. $17M shafted from residents.
@@evannibbe9375 a public park should serve the people of the area FIRST and tourists should be secondary. The ticketing system should be free to residents and cost tourists money. In places such as this, where park space is very limited, residents should be given priority.
@@namehere4954 (All your points are valid, I just wanna add this.)You gotta give it time for the hype to die down. The Highline was the same way before everybody calmed down. Now it's basically just a regular park with free entry and no tickets or reservations. Give it a few months and potentially, little island will be the same.
I remember when The High Line was built. I thought it was gonna be dumb. Years later when I finally visited, I was proven wrong. It’s now an iconic place that buzzes with a vibrant, cosmopolitan energy 🏙 hoping this little island does too 👏
They have spent almost 280 million on that little tiny park and another couple of million for only 20year upkeep, its a joke, its a waste of money 😐 pause the vidoe at 4.23 sec and tell me that is worth the money tell me that was not a waste of money. Andrew cumo and bill da blaso are killing newyork spend spend spend
its private money so it was their decision. Simple as that. Political administration wasteful management is separate subject. Only question is - is it beneficial to city? - yes - so do it. Generous offer. Lady is concerned because she is clearly going with communist principles, and hates such scenario.
@@jestestuman 17million of tax payers money then another 4 million of state money is not private is it. 260 million donations is on the other hand, and im also not saying that making an island isnt beneficial for the city, the other pirer they have built are way better value for money space and many activitys todo on the other islands but that is crap
@@louk597 I suspect those millions had to be contributed because they were delaying stuff from bureaucratic perspective and this is significant cost. Its strange to me the price, but making those tulips there in that place could be costly.
If some millionaire had committed to pay for 95 percent of the project and 10 years maintenance for the london garden bridge im sure it would of happened
There is something upsetting about a public park that needs reservations to get in to. I get they need to control capacity but still...just rubs the wrong way.
It’s definitely a “capacity issue”. It has free admission and I look at it as “quasi public” infrastructure given the private capital investment. If you visit before 12:00 there’s no need for reservation ;)
Honestly, even if this was a larger park, they'd still have to control the influx of people anyways due to the newness of it, and how unique it is. It's really unfortunate
@@HIJ802 that doesn't apply to new renters, you just cant raise the rent on existing renters. i lived in a rent controlled apartment for years and paid around 1400 a month, my next door neighbors who moved in a few years after me were paying almost 2000 a month. that also doesn't solve the problem of houses SELLING at an overpriced rate. the problem is that lots of people want to live there, to 'fix' the housing market you have to make it a less desirable place to live. that's why no one is paying that much rent in bumblefuck, kentucky, because no one wants to live there.
I think housing prices need to start at the top. 1. Tax the shit out of investment properties to disincentivize people from buying property without actually living there (i.e. foreign investors). 2. Increase taxes on vacant properties to disincentivize greedy landlords from holding units off the market to artificially reduce supply. 3. Do the same for business properties. 4. Expedite building up Brooklyn, Queens, and The Bronx to reduce pressure on the denser areas and Manhattan. 5. Reduce property taxes for homeowners (especially first time owners) and incentivize primary residences.
I wondered about that too. The (formerly) wonderful Ontario Place on Toronto's watefront now has an unknown future. I'm sure developers are salivating over the property.
@@c.w.k.n.5117 are you dumb oh my god always that person who come spreading his hate everywhere when we’re just enjoying the project. Make it clear, they build the project in a very high demand neighborhood which is in development. The park is actually free for everyone and they make it as big as possible so the more people can enjoy it. You’re giving “kill the rich” vibe when it’s completely off topic. Now sit down and start questioning about your own existence. Period
@@c.w.k.n.5117 wtf are you talking about backyard when it’s literally on public space omgg make it make sense. If they wanted something exclusive they would built a park at the top of penthouse or a property in Connecticut. You made no sense
@@rahhuuuu2321 he's not wrong rich people don't just give out their money for something like this, it directly benefits them and they consider it an investment nothing more.
I was there the other night and saw a performance in the amphitheater. It’s really a lovely place and I think has put Heatherwick back in good standing with New Yorkers lol. Also there is nothing built in any large city that doesn’t have some level of controversy around it… the term for the people who complain is a “NIMBY” for “Not In My Back Yard”.
All i could thonk of was how nice it would be to see a nice chill live show there... and how much nicer it'll be when everything grows and really fills the place in more... I'm def. jealous that's such a cool/beautiful place/idea
Did this man's in the comments really just say "no controversy in China"?! You should go live there and see for yourself, or maybe even make some real live friends who live there at minimum to get to know what the ppl who are forced to live under a communist government deal with and how much they suffer. Amazing, truly amazing and astonishing at the level of ignorance you see surfacing now days.
@@Little_Bitz it has nothing to do with ignorance. What I'm saying is people have no say in terms of what the govt can or cannot do. That why shit gets done or built at such a fast pace.
Garden Bridge and Little Island would have been great parks and complimentary to each other for London and New York, two great cities. I hope some visioninary in future gets London its Garden Bridge.
@@ghost21501 Privately funded to build by the massively rich person whose home is across the street from the expensive park that the public will be required to maintain after 20 years IF the maintenance funding lasts that long. Its "free" to enter, but you are required to schedule your visits ... its NOT a public park if you must have reservations. I'm old enough to remember that exactly how we po' black folk were prohibited access to "public" facilities like parks and golf courses in the 60's and 70's, if you control the reservations, you control who has access. $400 million is permanent housing for 2,000 homeless veterans ... but that would give the "private" donor his own "public" park.
Why so many environmental concerns? They're far too late to worry. Where were they when the MTA dumped their old trains into the bay? Or when 9/11 debris was improperly thrown away?
@@jordanjay1479 The city spends over $3 billion a year on the homeless, and it hasn't done shit. Now you want to throw even more money down that hole? The sick part is that you want to spend other people's money on it. You would never put your own money where your mouth is.
Thank you Mr. Mills for the excellent work you do. This is fantastic, NYC is lucky to have such benevolent donors. I will definitely be visiting next trip to NYC, and 10.00 avocado toast will be my treat while I enjoy the views. Beautiful city.
I recently vacation in NYC and got the opportunity to visit Little Island. Beautiful place ant the best part it’s free!! p.s. I felt so knowledgeable on NYC development . Every time I looked up said to myself “hey! I know the story of that building :)”. Thanks B1M!!!!🙌🏽
Disappoint no, great content. I don't know if I'm just noticing now or if it's getting more noticable, but the pregnant pauses during almost every other sentence is starting to get my attention more than the content itself. Like somebody sprinkled extra commas over the scripts.
So, if it wasn't for a billionaire with not so good intentions, this would never of happened? Good. It looks awful. It looks like it doesn't belong there at all. Also, wtf is avocado toast, and why is it $10??
I’m a New Yorker, my whole life, I like how you said this was a gathering place for the lgbtq community….it was a place to go for anonymous sex, in your car…at night, and very seedy. Not a legacy thing.
The controversy seems to be about the money. As with all things, everyone has their opinion of where funds should be reallocated to, private or public. In the end you can do whatever you want with YOUR money, but not everyone will side with you. Personally, I love the park. Maybe over the years it will attract enough tourists to the city therefore adding to the commerce in the surrounding areas.
Lol "Projects like this should be happening in every city" as though wasting 250mil on a park on stilts that will likely end up underwater in the next 10-30 yrs is an "investment" and not simply a colossal vanity project/ waste of resources. I'm all for beautifying cities, but how many trees could've been planted curbside in the city for that amount? Spending money on projects that provide such a low return on investment for a cities citizens should be criminal. But hey at least it raised a billionaire's head office's property value!
If that woman feels oppressed by the island maybe she should stay away and let someone who will enjoy it go out.. Honestly I am sick of the negativity she and others spew
Chelsea piers is anything but public! It's unfortunate Chelsea piers takes up so much of the Hudson and yet so little of us new Yorkers can actually utilize it. I feel like I've only been 1 time in 12 years and that's because I got a free class. Same with the vessel! You cannot even see it without being forced to spend money at Hudson yards. Best view of the vessel is from an infinity pool located inside equinox. Public gifts my a$$...
