Now in its 8th year, Jane’s Walk NYC, hosted by the Municipal Art Society of New York (MAS), is a weekend-long celebration featuring 200+ free “walking conversation” tours throughout the five boroughs, led by urban enthusiasts and local neighborhood experts.
“There is no logic that can be superimposed on the city; people make it, and it is to them, not buildings, that we must fit our plans.” – Jane Jacobs
Everything you know and love about contemporary urban life can be attributed to Jane Jacobs’ activism efforts to preserve New York City’s neighborhoods during the 1950s and 1960s. Jacobs, one of the early pioneers of collective efficacy, fostered the idea of community by galvanizing residents to actively participate in — and familiarize themselves with — the needs of their neighborhood.
She famously stood up to “master builder” Robert Moses, fighting back against the development of highways through bustling urban centers. Moses may not have been stopped completely, but his plans were largely impacted by Jane Jacobs and her work.
Jane Jacobs spent the greater part of her life living in Greenwich Village, advocating for the preservation of neighborhood urbanism. A sampling of tour offerings in Downtown Brooklyn and its surrounding areas this weekend, include:
- Atlantic Yard/Pacific Park Brooklyn/Barclays Center
- The Sustainable Development of Brooklyn Bridge Park
- Secret Gems of Brooklyn Heights
For a full list of available tours throughout the city, click here.
If you want to know more about Jane Jacobs and her battle against Robert Moses, check out the IFC film Citizen Jane: Battle for the City.
