I think this article oversimplifies the functioning of two large cities. Both cities encompass huge and complex demographics, complex economics and working practices, buildings, transport, law and order, health, culture, entertainment, religion and housing, but this article looks at just a couple of aspects.
I don’t think the headline can be concluded from that article.
London is amazing. A true world city and arguably the leading world city in Europe if not the world. Relative to most other cities it’s clean, green and safe.
Something we should all be proud of.
That it ran over time and over budget took the shine of Crossrail but if you were an outsider it’s a pretty impressive achievement overall. To build a big, modern, underground line in the densest part of a city populated by 9 million people is no small feat.
tldr
>two new colossal achievements: an awe-inspiring complex rising out of an old power station, and a 60-mile-long train route […] The Elizabeth Line
I wouldn’t call what’s happening to Battersea something to be proud of. The consistent reduction in the number of affordable units being offered is maddening, and not to mention, the price for those units is not something most sensible people would even call affordable (if I recall correctly, ownership of the cheapest 1 bedroom unit is £615,000). It’s just another “urban renewal” project that’s meant to cater only to the wealthy at the expense of the people already living in the area.
I’m from London and I’ve lived in New York for the last 15 years (I’m 40, so I’ve spent most of my adult life here now) but all my family and close friends are still in London.
I think this article is pretty accurate. Hudson yards, occulus, the new world trade are all impressive, but every time I’m home I’m amazed at how much more modern and developed it seems. Just look at the 2nd Ave subway debacle to get an idea of how public projects are handled here.
6 comments
I think this article oversimplifies the functioning of two large cities. Both cities encompass huge and complex demographics, complex economics and working practices, buildings, transport, law and order, health, culture, entertainment, religion and housing, but this article looks at just a couple of aspects.
I don’t think the headline can be concluded from that article.
London is amazing. A true world city and arguably the leading world city in Europe if not the world. Relative to most other cities it’s clean, green and safe.
Something we should all be proud of.
That it ran over time and over budget took the shine of Crossrail but if you were an outsider it’s a pretty impressive achievement overall. To build a big, modern, underground line in the densest part of a city populated by 9 million people is no small feat.
tldr
>two new colossal achievements: an awe-inspiring complex rising out of an old power station, and a 60-mile-long train route […] The Elizabeth Line
I wouldn’t call what’s happening to Battersea something to be proud of. The consistent reduction in the number of affordable units being offered is maddening, and not to mention, the price for those units is not something most sensible people would even call affordable (if I recall correctly, ownership of the cheapest 1 bedroom unit is £615,000). It’s just another “urban renewal” project that’s meant to cater only to the wealthy at the expense of the people already living in the area.
I’m from London and I’ve lived in New York for the last 15 years (I’m 40, so I’ve spent most of my adult life here now) but all my family and close friends are still in London.
I think this article is pretty accurate. Hudson yards, occulus, the new world trade are all impressive, but every time I’m home I’m amazed at how much more modern and developed it seems. Just look at the 2nd Ave subway debacle to get an idea of how public projects are handled here.