In communities all across America debates rage about zoning, building, and development.  In most cases, however, the debate is around the margins.  Most places have long since evolved into what they are.  New York City is perhaps the penultimate example. 

While arguments still do go on about height limits, shadows and railyards, the city has long since determined its destiny. For New York it has been, at least since the mid 18th century, a forward march to becoming the amazing city it is today.

Ted Steinberg's Gotham Unbound: The Ecological History of Greater New York, gives us a detailed history of that urban evolution.

My conversation with Ted Steinberg: