Public Space Creative Writing

The centrality of a public space in creating social safety valve cannot be gainsaid. It facilitates interaction of people of different race, religion, sex, ethnicity and social class, thereby fostering a peaceful and cohesive society. Battery Park City in New York is an example of a public space. The park is both a physical and financial asset of the New York State Battery Park Authority. It is situated on the Southern tip of Manhattan-New York’s busiest borough. Despite its social role, privatization and militarization of this park has rendered it hostile to impoverished populations. The patterns of privatization have changed the forums for Battery Park City. Societies have been virtually divided along the lines of race and economic status.
The privileged upper class and middle class have become the greatest beneficiaries of services that come from the park. Privatization of Battery Park City has hurt some fundamentals of democracy including the right to assembly and the freedom of speech. Battery Park City is a model for mixed-use urban renewal growth. However, the rejection of real-mixed income reflected the current housing policy. Battery Park City has evolved into an exclusive community.
Housing plan for the poor has been reduced to crime-borne locations. Limited land and financial resources are utilized for development in favor of a small segment of population. Communities from low income households have been isolated by the plan to construct low income housing beyond the precincts of Battery Park City. While the city has an impressive mechanism for financial growth, its design of isolating the poor jeopardizes the essence of integration. Consigning the poor and vulnerable members of the society to an isolated area that is marred with crime reinforces a vicious cycle of poverty. Thus, rethinking the initial plan for the park can help redeem its image and ensure that it plays its inclusive role.