The Manhattan Grid and Its Unseen Costs

This chapter explores the controversial urban planning decisions made in 1811 that prioritized the convenience of city planners over the communities they affected, resulting in the demolition of significant neighborhoods like Seneca Village. It discusses the planning failures, including the lack of public green spaces and the overly ambitious population growth predictions, leading up to the eventual creation of Central Park. Additionally, the chapter examines the legal battles and residents' resistance against the grid system, reflecting on New York City's shift from organic growth to a structured urban landscape.