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POPS-ing OFF

By Matt Chaban 3:48pm

POPS-ing OFF

Kings Cross Central, one of London's newest "private estates."

New York Is Not the Only Place Struggling With Privately Owned Public Space

Until last fall and the occupation of Zucotti Park, privately owned public spaces, or POPS, were a mystery to most New Yorkers. Ever since, people have been debating the fate of these spaces and what the city should do to ensure their accessibility at the same time to public is expected to behave themselves.

But it turns out such contentious urban space is not the sole preserve of New York. As a recent report in The Guardian reveals, our arch-nemesis London has been grappling with “private estates.” Read More

By Matt Chaban 4/12/12 12:27pm

POPS-ing OFF

How much? (Getty)

Just How Much Is That Privately Owned Public Space Worth? Millions and Millions of Dollars, Probably

Since Occupy Wall Street set up camp in Zucotti Park last fall, privately owned public spaces, or POPS, have gone from planners’ secret sidewalks to every New Yorkers favorite hangout.

The New York World  had the brilliant idea of quantifying just how valuable a few of the city’s POPS are, and it turns out to be tens, and in some cases, hundreds of millions of dollars. Which gives lie to the argument that every time a landlord tries to keep people out, New Yorkers are seriously getting ripped off. Below is a sampling of the POPS and their sticker prices, about which you can find more details on The World‘s site. Read More

By Matt Chaban 10/18/11 5:42pm

POPS-ing OFF

Sony is watching. (The Nation)

Keep Off the Plaza! Brookfield and Rudins Get Proactive About Occupy Wall Street

In addition to Zuccotti Park, the Occupy Wall Street demonstrators have taken over the Brooklyn Bridge, Park Avenue, Washington Square Park, Times Square, the local McDonald’s, and tonight they march on Lincoln Center. Fearing new encampments in the plazas outside of their Midtown towers, the already-occupied Brookfield Properties, as well as the august Rudin Management and the corporate godheads at Sony, have begun putting out new signs forbidding a litany of activities, according to The Times. Read More