The Pedestrianization of New York City: An Environmental History and Critique of Urban Motorization and A Look at New York City’s New Era of Planning

Streets were once the foundation for urban life and provided intimacy for the community. The birth of the automobile and the age of motorization has drastically changed the outlook on urban development while it has also created public health problems. This topic involves everything from people’s personal choices to city and federal government. In this paper, I will explore the history of motorization in New York City and critique it from an environmental and health perspective as well as provide answers to the problem of public health through design. I will look at present day projects that are incorporating smart growth design principles and land use strategies in New York City