Bard, Gratz, and Jacobs: Now That’s a Winning Team!

Roberta Gratz speaking at the Bard Birthday Breakfast Benefit December 1, 2010. Photo courtesy of the New York Preservation Archive Project.

Thanks to all who braved the stormy weather (the second year in a row) to attend the Bard Birthday Breakfast Benefit on Wednesday, December 1^st.   Over 100 hardy preservationists made it through the deluge to celebrate Albert Bard’s 144^th birthday and to hear author, urbanist, and preservationist extraordinaire—Roberta Gratz, read from her new book, The Battle for Gotham: New York in the Shadow of Robert Moses and Jane Jacobs and discuss the back story of its creation.  Relying heavily on her own life history, her past writing (much of it for the New York Post) and interviews (including a series she taped with Jane Jacobs) Roberta has produced a must read book for anyone interested in New York City, urbanism, or preservation. Roberta closed her remarks noting that fundamentally you can’t reconcile Robert Moses and Jane Jacobs. One has to choose. You can guess which one she recommends.

In her remarks Roberta also mentioned another wonderful new publication worthy of the attention of both preservationists and urbanists: What We See: Advancing the Observations of Jane Jacobs.  A collaboration of the Center for Living City (its founders include Roberta Gratz and Jane Jacobs) and New Village Press, this volume pulls together original essays from over thirty thinkers who update the insights of Jane Jacobs. As he back cover states: “Thirty-five contemporary thinkers offer insight into the workings of vibrant ecological, equitable communities and their economies.”  Contributors include Michael Sorkin, Ray Suarez, Mindy Thompson Fullilove, Alexie M. Torres-Fleming, Daniel Kemmis, Janette Sadik-Khan, Saskia Sassen, and Ron Shiffman.

One of the most interesting essays is Roberta’s contribution: “Jane Jacobs: Environmental Preservationist.”  It begins with the provocative statement:  “Preservationists make good environmentalists; environmentalists do not make good preservationists.” At a time when preservation and conservation are at least dating heavily, if not already engaged, this is an essay that should be required reading for all preservationists!  Though we are sad to see Roberta leave the Landmarks Preservation Commission, we are lucky she has been appointed to the Mayor’s Sustainability Advisory Board.

In her essay Roberta cautions that “a green Wal-Mart is an oxymoron.” She goes on: “New energy-saving green buildings, with all the latest technology bells and whistles, are the current fad of new construction.  But the new is valued at the expense of the often still functional old.  The value calculation for the new should be measured by a formula that gives appropriate value to what is being lost.”  It is refreshing to know Roberta will be contributing her insights to the administration.

Again, thanks to those who made it to the Bard Breakfast this year and to those who supported it but could not attend. In addition to kicking off the preservation holiday season and enjoying the insights of Roberta Gratz, you helped the New York Preservation Archive Project successfully meet its $15,000 challenge grant from the Roberta A. and Elizabeth R. Jeffe Foundation.  Now that’s one incredible stocking stuffer for the holidays!  Thanks to you all!