99% Invisible: "New Year, New Neighborhood" - Detailed Summary

Introduction: The Significance of New Year's Eve in Times Square

Roman Mars opens the episode by highlighting the universal anticipation surrounding New Year's Eve, particularly in iconic locations like Times Square. He introduces Katie Thornton, who expresses her ambivalence towards the event, balancing her enjoyment of festivities with the pressure to set a positive tone for the entire year.

Katie Thornton (01:18): "I'm not much of a New Year's Eve person myself."

Times Square: A Historical Overview

Origins as Longacre Square

Times Square, originally known as Longacre Square, was initially a hub for the carriage trade with numerous livery stables. Professor Emerita Len Segallen elucidates the area's quieter past before its transformation.

Len Segallen (04:01): "Before it was Times Square, it was a place called Longacre Square, which was a place for the carriage trade, all kinds of livery stables, and the like."

Transformation into Times Square

The pivotal moment came in 1903 when the New York Times established its headquarters in the area, prompting a name change to Times Square. This development, coupled with the opening of a subway stop and the proliferation of theaters, marked the beginning of Times Square's rise as a premier entertainment district.

Katie Thornton (05:08): "Thanks to the theaters and the subway and the vote of confidence from the paper of record, the neighborhood was happening."

The Golden Era

By the early 20th century, Times Square blossomed into a vibrant venue for celebrations, work, and nightlife. Daniel Kudla describes the neighborhood as the epicenter of America's theater scene, replete with rooftop restaurants and bustling nightlife.

Daniel Kudla (05:31): "So it became the most famous theater street in the world."

The Decline of Times Square

The Impact of the Stock Market Crash

The prosperity of Times Square faced a severe setback in 1929 with the stock market crash. Economic hardships led to the shuttering of playhouses and the closure of restaurants, signaling the beginning of the neighborhood's decline.

Roman Mars (07:02): "But the neighborhood only had a few glorious decades as New York's hottest club, because in 1929, everything changed when the stock market crashed."

Wartime Effects and Postwar Decline

World War II exacerbated the neighborhood's troubles with blackouts and electricity rationing, dimming its famed neon lights. Post-war suburban migration and industrial exodus left Times Square struggling, now dominated by low-cost movie theaters and carnival attractions.

Len Segallen (07:30): "And then after the war, people fled to the suburbs. A lot of industry left the area..."

The Pornographic Era

By the mid-20th century, Times Square became synonymous with the sex industry. The landmark Supreme Court case, Miller v. California (1973), legalized explicit displays in New York, transforming Times Square into the city's pornographic hub. Daniel Kudla recounts the explosion of various commercial sex enterprises that plagued the area.

Daniel Kudla (09:52): "Times Square stepped onto the scene as the definitive porn capital of New York City."

The Efforts to Revitalize Times Square

Eminent Domain and Urban Renewal Plans

In the early 1980s, New York City, grappling with its declining image, initiated a comprehensive plan to cleanse Times Square of its unsavory elements using eminent domain—a controversial tool historically used to reshape public spaces at significant social costs.

Len Segallen (15:10): "In New York, eminent domain had been used before to build Central Park, expand New York's drinking water reservoir, build Lincoln Center..."

Arthur Sulzberger Jr. and the Role of the Times Family

Arthur O. Sulzberger Jr., heir to the New York Times, spearheaded the transformation efforts. Recognizing the need to restore Times Square's prestige, Sulzberger rallied property owners to adopt innovative urban planning strategies.

Roman Mars (17:24): "Arthur O. Sulzberger, Jr. Son of the paper's publisher and heir to the title, had a vested interest in making the neighborhood shine again."

The Birth of Business Improvement Districts (BIDs)

Sulzberger introduced Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) as a pivotal tool for Times Square's renewal. Daniel Kudla explains that BIDs are private organizations funded by local businesses and property owners to enhance and manage urban spaces.

Tom Harris (18:11): "These are kind of like private organizations that are managing urban space."

The Transformation via BIDs

Initial Strategies and Events

The newly formed Times Square BID implemented various initiatives to rejuvenate the area. These included employing unarmed security, enhancing cleanliness through dedicated street sweepers, and organizing public events that nostalgically celebrated Times Square's storied past.

Sharon Zukin (21:09): "So from the bids formation, we tried to celebrate each one of those in a unique way."

The 1993 New Year's Eve Overhaul

A landmark event in Times Square's revival was the 1993 New Year's Eve celebration. The BID revamped the annual ball drop, introducing fireworks, confetti, and live performances, transforming the event into a magical spectacle that attracted global attention.

Daniel Kudla (22:48): "They made it a performance. They were presenting the essence of entertainment, of joy..."

Katie Thornton (23:04): "In the first moments of 1993, fireworks. Lit up Times Square, dazzling visitors."

Rapid Market Recovery and Attraction

The successful rebranding of New Year's Eve spurred increased tourism and investment. Property owners capitalized on the renewed interest, benefiting from tax breaks and attracting renowned businesses like Disney. By 1998, Times Square had metamorphosed into one of the world's most coveted commercial real estate areas.

Roman Mars (25:11): "By 1998, the neighborhood had been completely transformed, with the New York Times saying that Times Square was arguably the Most sought after 13 acres of commercial property in the world."

The Rise of BIDs Nationwide

Following Times Square's success, the BID model proliferated across North America. Today, approximately 1,000 BIDs operate in the United States, managing diverse urban districts by funding security, beautification, and promotional activities tailored to their locales.

Roman Mars (25:42): "What happened here wasn't a one off. In the years since the Times Square bid, through their first New Year's Eve party, the bid model has been used again and again to shape cities across the country."

Criticisms and Controversies Surrounding BIDs

Homogenization and Gentrification

Critics like Sharon Zukin and Nina Patuk argue that BIDs contribute to gentrification, prioritizing commercial interests over community needs. They contend that BIDs often lead to the displacement of small businesses and marginalized populations, exacerbating social inequalities.

Nina Patuk (26:39): "...you have exclusion orders to keep people out of certain neighborhoods and used high tech surveillance to monitor public space."

Control Over Public Space

There is concern over BIDs assuming control of public spaces, traditionally managed by municipal governments. Critics question the democratic legitimacy of private entities dictating urban policies and prioritizing profit over public welfare.

Nina Patuk (33:37): "I don't think we have a full democracy in a city if we allow private organizations to control who can use public space."

Displacement of Small Businesses

BIDs' focus on elevating property values often results in increased rents, making it challenging for small, local businesses to survive. This economic pressure fosters a homogenized commercial landscape dominated by larger, often non-local enterprises.

Nina Patuk (29:13): "The business improvement districts are not concerned if rents rise, if commercial rents rise."

Defenses and Support for BIDs

Perspectives from BID Representatives

Proponents like Tom Harris defend BIDs by highlighting their role in swiftly addressing community needs and enhancing urban spaces. They argue that BIDs provide essential services and foster a safe, aesthetically pleasing environment that benefits both businesses and visitors.

Sharon Zukin (30:40): "Bids are a little bit more nimble and can move quicker than the city government."

Positive Impacts and Case Examples

Supporters point to successful initiatives such as pedestrianizing Broadway and hosting cultural events, which have revitalized public spaces and enriched the urban experience. The Times Square BID, for instance, is lauded for its inclusive approach and community-oriented projects.

Sharon Zukin (32:23): "Pedestrianizing Broadway has been probably one of the greatest things for public space in the last 40 years."

Conclusion: The Dual Nature of BIDs

Business Improvement Districts, exemplified by Times Square’s transformation, illustrate the complex interplay between private initiative and public space management. While BIDs can effectively revitalize urban areas and enhance economic vitality, they also raise critical questions about equity, inclusivity, and democratic governance in shaping the cities we inhabit.

Roman Mars (34:35): "Perhaps the thing that should make us the most squeamish about all this is just how much a bid looks like a mini democracy."

The episode underscores the necessity of balancing commercial interests with community needs, advocating for a nuanced understanding of BIDs' roles in contemporary urban landscapes.

Notable Quotes Summary

• Katie Thornton (01:18): "I'm not much of a New Year's Eve person myself."
• Len Segallen (04:01): "Before it was Times Square, it was a place called Longacre Square, which was a place for the carriage trade, all kinds of livery stables, and the like."
• Daniel Kudla (09:52): "Times Square stepped onto the scene as the definitive porn capital of New York City."
• Tom Harris (18:11): "These are kind of like private organizations that are managing urban space."
• Nina Patuk (33:37): "I don't think we have a full democracy in a city if we allow private organizations to control who can use public space."

Further Resources

For an in-depth exploration of the queer history of Times Square, readers are encouraged to refer to the book Times Square Red Times Square Blue by Samuel Delaney.