Upper West Side Streets Renaissance

There was a distinct buzz floating through the halls and auditorium of the New-York Historical Society on the evening of January 28th. Nearly 300 people had gathered to hear Streetsblog’s Aaron Naparstek moderate a panel discussion featuring seven all-star change-makers from across the city. As panelists provided practical, inspiring lessons about how to transform the public realm, it was almost possible to hear the gears turning as hundreds of minds began to collectively imagine the change they could bring to their city.

At the reception afterwards the noise was much more literal as the same hundreds ate, drank, and brainstormed in the Society’s Great Hall. New connections were made, and more than a few exciting new projects were conceived as the guests swirled merrily through the space. Also on hand were plenty of NYC Streets Renaissance advocates and staff, dispensing advice alongside an educational exhibit highlighting the possibilities for a more livable Upper West Side.

Most importantly, the Streets Renaissance (both on the UWS and city-wide) gained many new adherents as the gathered New Yorkers began to picture a safer, greener, and more livable future for their own neighborhoods.

If you couldn’t make it out on the 28th, or if you just want to look back on a great party, please check out StreetFilms’ awesome wrap-up video. And as always, stay tuned to this page for news about other fun activities coming to the UWS, including the inaugural Bike Movie Night, being held at the JCC in Manhattan on Feb. 20th.