It’s time to crack open some Jane Jacobs

To the editor:

Cliff Stanton’s clear description of the flouting of zoning regulations that has to occur so that the Hebrew Home can build new facilities for 300 more senior residents on property it recently acquired adjacent to the Hudson River leaves aside, at least, one additional significant issue. (“Home expansion flouts zoning laws,’ letter, Feb. 14)

That issue is one of precedent. If, as Jane Jacobs, the storied “David-like” champion of local communities confronting the “Goliath-like” Commissioner Moses or Felt, said, “It’s the same old story. First the builder picks the property, then he gets the Planning Commission to designate it, and then … the people get bulldozed …” (Epstein 2009). The overturning of zoning rules — particularly in this neighborhood that was specifically up-zoned in 2003 to meet Special Natural Area District conditions — will generate a precedent to support the zoning relaxation for other large properties that have open land in this neighborhood.

Intent on developing dialogue with the Hebrew Home builders, one spokesperson for the Riverdale Nature Preservancy has organized community discussions and viewings of the updated plans on Feb. 12, which, incidentally, were reported to be identical to the final parts of the initial presentation at the Community Board 8 Land Use hearing on Jan. 7. A more useful endeavor, perhaps, is that we all re-read Jane Jacobs, who advised not to negotiate for a better deal because if it goes through in any form, “…it can only mean the destruction of the community.” (Epstein 2009) A statement that is true indeed, for the overwhelming Hebrew Home project in this small neighborhood, as it was for the several projects in Ms. Jacobs’ time and place. 

The “domino” idea for neighborhood re-zoning is what Mr. Stanton misses, a metaphor borrowed from Secretary McNamara’s war, but this time it fits.

BRUCE T. VOLPE