The Public Health Future of NYC
There is a dream that I have for New York City. It all starts with when I was a teenager and I had high hopes for what the future of our world could be. I would watch movies like Back to the Future II – seeing the hoverboard, the flying cars, all the amazing possibilities, and I would think to myself, “wow, I can’t wait to live in that world.” Even today, I research Walt Disney’s original plans for Disney World in Florida, and I’m inspired all over again like when I was a kid. Re-watching his original broadcast from October 1966, and seeing his concept for the original plans of E.P.C.O.T. (the Experimental Prototype City Of Tomorrow) was truly awe-inspiring . All the possible advancements in planning and designing the integrating of flows and different aspects of one’s life and lifestyle, it really gets you thinking ‘outside the box.’ It was odd though, because while I was left with an immense feeling of wonder after all my research and nostalgia, I couldn’t help but feel some sadness in the pit of my stomach.I felt like we felt like we fell short of the future we should have had. That feeling combined with my experiences growing up and witnessing how people actually treat one another within their environment pushed me into what I’m most passionate about now, social wellness and urban revitalization of NYC in 2021. The promise of an innovative and integrated NYC of the future is possible. But to get there, we can no longer tolerate empty words, corruption, non-integration of critical systems and departments, leadership that lacks vision and accountability. Don’t get me wrong, we have come a long way since the crime-ridden streets of the 70s, 80s, and early 90s. But we can do better, we can continue to evolve. We need to focus on outcomes that positively impact the greatest number of NYers, not just personal or special interest groups. Projects and initiatives that take into account the full complexity, diversity and flavour of our great city. . For God sakes, we’re New Yorkers. The people of this town can do so much when we come together. So, now that I got that off my chest lol, what is my dream you ask? My dream is developing buildings that are designed and built for growth, sustainability, agriculture, and smart technology. I want buildings where each