Audio & Podcasts
MAS produces a variety of audio podcasts to further its advocacy, make its public programs more widely available, and allow New Yorkers and visitors to the city to take self-guided tours.
Click on the ‘audio MP3′ icons below to begin listening, or, visit the MAS page on iTunes (requires iTunes software) to download podcasts.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
The State of Our Rails on National Train Day
To mark National Train Day — this Saturday, May 8 — MAS spoke with renowned rail reporter and train enthusiast Don Philips about what’s happening with America’s railroads. From foreign competition for contracts for increasingly popular and lucrative commuter rail lines, to some major top-down changes at Amtrak, to Warren Buffet’s quiet, but major, investment in freight rail, Don told us that right now may well be the most pivotal period in America’s railroads for decades.
The State of Our Rails on National Train Day
To mark National Train Day — this Saturday, May 8 — MAS spoke with renowned rail reporter and train enthusiast Don Philips about what’s happening with America’s railroads. From foreign competition for contracts for increasingly popular and lucrative commuter rail lines, to some major top-down changes at Amtrak, to Warren Buffet’s quiet, but major, investment in freight rail, Don told us that right now may well be the most pivotal period in America’s railroads for decades.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
The Complete Street: Sustainable, Healthy & Pleasurable – Summary
Last Thursday, at Scandinavia House, MAS hosted a fascinating program on the city streets of today and tomorrow. Focused on the key challenges to, and best practices in, contemporary street design, and highlighting examples from the Netherlands, Chicago and New York City, Paul Steely-White of Transportation Alternatives moderated an expert panel including: Gary Toth of Projects for Public Spaces (PPS); Andrew Wiley-Schwartz, assistant commissioner for of NYC DOT, Nicole LaRusso of ADNY; and Janet Attarian of Chicago DOT.
The Complete Street: Sustainable, Healthy & Pleasurable – Summary
Last Thursday, at Scandinavia House, MAS hosted a fascinating program on the city streets of today and tomorrow. Focused on the key challenges to, and best practices in, contemporary street design, and highlighting examples from the Netherlands, Chicago and New York City, Paul Steely-White of Transportation Alternatives moderated an expert panel including: Gary Toth of Projects for Public Spaces (PPS); Andrew Wiley-Schwartz, assistant commissioner for of NYC DOT, Nicole LaRusso of ADNY; and Janet Attarian of Chicago DOT.
Friday, April 17, 2010
Light Fight: What’s Effective, Sustainable & Affordable? – Summary
If you missed Tuesday night’s panel, Light Fight: What’s Effective, Sustainable & Affordable, you can now listen to a summary of the fascinating discussion about the future of New York City’s street lighting that took place between some of America’s most prominent lighting designers and engineers and City officials in this podcast.
Light Fight: What’s Effective, Sustainable & Affordable? – Summary
If you missed Tuesday night’s panel, Light Fight: What’s Effective, Sustainable & Affordable, you can now listen to a summary of the fascinating discussion about the future of New York City’s street lighting that took place between some of America’s most prominent lighting designers and engineers and City officials in this podcast.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Light Fight: What’s Effective, Sustainable & Affordable? – Trailer
Ahead of the panel discussion Light Fight: What’s Effective, Sustainable & Affordable? in which she is a panelist, internationally-renowned lighting designer Denise Fong talks to Tamara Coombs of MAS about the challenges and complexities of what is a fundamental issue of urban livability and public safety: street lighting. More details.
Light Fight: What’s Effective, Sustainable & Affordable? – Trailer
Ahead of the panel discussion Light Fight: What’s Effective, Sustainable & Affordable? in which she is a panelist, internationally-renowned lighting designer Denise Fong talks to Tamara Coombs of MAS about the challenges and complexities of what is a fundamental issue of urban livability and public safety: street lighting. More details.
Monday, December 21, 2009
A Personal History of the Villard Houses with Clarence Fahnestock Michalis
After nearly 30 years at the Villard Houses, MAS is moving its headquarters to the Steinway Hall Building, at 111 W.57th Street in mid-January. As we prepare to vacate our erstwhile home, it is an opportune time to consider the history of this notable palazzo-style brownstone building that was originally built as six townhouses. And who better to do this with than MAS Richard Morris Hunt Patron Clarence Fahnestock Michalis, who was born in the Villard Houses at 455 Madison Avenue more than 80 years ago? MAS Director of Annual Giving Robin Lynn traces the early days of these buildings with Mr. Michalis who reflects on their changing identity and ownership over the intervening 124 years.
A Personal History of the Villard Houses with Clarence Fahnestock Michalis
After nearly 30 years at the Villard Houses, MAS is moving its headquarters to the Steinway Hall Building, at 111 W.57th Street in mid-January. As we prepare to vacate our erstwhile home, it is an opportune time to consider the history of this notable palazzo-style brownstone building that was originally built as six townhouses. And who better to do this with than MAS Richard Morris Hunt Patron Clarence Fahnestock Michalis, who was born in the Villard Houses at 455 Madison Avenue more than 80 years ago? MAS Director of Annual Giving Robin Lynn traces the early days of these buildings with Mr. Michalis who reflects on their changing identity and ownership over the intervening 124 years.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
New York City Museum of Complaint with editor Matthew Bakkum
Artist and editor of the new book The New York City Museum of Complaint Matthew Bakkom and Tamara Coombs of MAS take us on a nostalgic, yet grumpy, journey through New York City’s archives looking at letters of complaint to the Mayor from 1751 to 1969. Ranging in subject from the removal of dead animals to lost baseballs to accusations of corruption, the book’s 132 letters not only chronicle issues affecting New Yorkers through the ages but the development of their voice as citizens. Join Bakkom, director of the NYC Municipal Archives Kenneth Cobb, and celebrated essayist and native New Yorker Phillip Lopate, who will read selected letters from the book, on Tuesday, December 1, at 7:00 p.m. at MAS. More details.
New York City Museum of Complaint with editor Matthew Bakkum
Artist and editor of the new book The New York City Museum of Complaint Matthew Bakkom and Tamara Coombs of MAS take us on a nostalgic, yet grumpy, journey through New York City’s archives looking at letters of complaint to the Mayor from 1751 to 1969. Ranging in subject from the removal of dead animals to lost baseballs to accusations of corruption, the book’s 132 letters not only chronicle issues affecting New Yorkers through the ages but the development of their voice as citizens. Join Bakkom, director of the NYC Municipal Archives Kenneth Cobb, and celebrated essayist and native New Yorker Phillip Lopate, who will read selected letters from the book, on Tuesday, December 1, at 7:00 p.m. at MAS. More details.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Jane Jacobs Forum 2009: Designing Urban Farms to Feed Our City
Last week at the 2009 Jane Jacobs Forum, an expert panel, representing a variety of perspectives on sustainable agriculture, architecture and planning, and touching on issues as diverse as zoning, organic farming, national agricultural policy, and climate change, addressed the question: Can New York, a city with a growing population and shrinking acreage, eventually grow enough food within its boundaries to become self-sufficient?
Jane Jacobs Forum 2009: Designing Urban Farms to Feed Our City
Last week at the 2009 Jane Jacobs Forum, an expert panel, representing a variety of perspectives on sustainable agriculture, architecture and planning, and touching on issues as diverse as zoning, organic farming, national agricultural policy, and climate change, addressed the question: Can New York, a city with a growing population and shrinking acreage, eventually grow enough food within its boundaries to become self-sufficient?
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Dickson Despommiers: Vertical Farming Can Our Planet
Dr. Dickson Despommier, panelist at the upcoming 2nd Annual Jane Jacobs Forum Re-Imagining New York: Designing Urban Farms to Feed our City, recently spoke to Tamara Coombs of MAS about why he sees urban “vertical farms” as key to the future, not just of cities, but of the planet. More details.
Dickson Despommiers: Vertical Farming Can Our PlanetDr. Dickson Despommier, panelist at the upcoming 2nd Annual Jane Jacobs Forum Re-Imagining New York: Designing Urban Farms to Feed our City, recently spoke to Tamara Coombs of MAS about why he sees urban “vertical farms” as key to the future, not just of cities, but of the planet. More details.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Designing Urban Farms to Feed New York
Ahead of the upcoming 2nd Annual Jane Jacobs Forum — which encourages New Yorkers to re-imagine their city with urban farms, MAS’ Tamara Coombs and forum panelist and greenhouse director at Gotham Greens Jennifer Nelkin, discussed the prospects of developing commercial-scale agriculture in New York City and how to grow fresh produce at the South Pole. More details.
Designing Urban Farms to Feed New YorkAhead of the upcoming 2nd Annual Jane Jacobs Forum — which encourages New Yorkers to re-imagine their city with urban farms, MAS’ Tamara Coombs and forum panelist and greenhouse director at Gotham Greens Jennifer Nelkin, discussed the prospects of developing commercial-scale agriculture in New York City and how to grow fresh produce at the South Pole. More details.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
When Young People Talk… People Listen
MAS recently sat down with four young people from the Bronx and Brooklyn who are confronting neighborhood planning challenges head-on. Armed with information, enthusiasm and a supportive network of adults, these young people are taking the lead in addressing critical neighborhood issues. More details.
When Young People Talk… People ListenMAS recently sat down with four young people from the Bronx and Brooklyn who are confronting neighborhood planning challenges head-on. Armed with information, enthusiasm and a supportive network of adults, these young people are taking the lead in addressing critical neighborhood issues. More details.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer:
I Was A Teenage Community Board Member
There was a time in New York when the appointment of a young person to a community-board made the headlines. Back in 1977, current Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer was featured in The New York Times when was appointed to Manhattan Community Board 12 (Washington Heights/Inwood) at the age of 16. Still in public service three decades later, Borough President Stringer spoke to Sideya Sherman of MAS about why he first got involved in his community board level and why young New Yorkers should do likewise. More details.
Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer:I Was A Teenage Community Board Member
There was a time in New York when the appointment of a young person to a community-board made the headlines. Back in 1977, current Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer was featured in The New York Times when was appointed to Manhattan Community Board 12 (Washington Heights/Inwood) at the age of 16. Still in public service three decades later, Borough President Stringer spoke to Sideya Sherman of MAS about why he first got involved in his community board level and why young New Yorkers should do likewise. More details.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
MAS Talks Community Activism, Environmental Justice with Elizabeth Yeampierre of UPROSE
Sideya Sherman of MAS talks with former Yolanda Garcia Community Planner award recipient Elizabeth Yeampierre about her organization UPROSE, how and why she became involved in community activism and environmental justice, and why global climate change is a major issue in this field. More details.
MAS Talks Community Activism, Environmental Justice with Elizabeth Yeampierre of UPROSESideya Sherman of MAS talks with former Yolanda Garcia Community Planner award recipient Elizabeth Yeampierre about her organization UPROSE, how and why she became involved in community activism and environmental justice, and why global climate change is a major issue in this field. More details.
Monday, May 18, 2009
MAS Celebrates Activism with Yolanda Garcia Community Planner Award
Ahead of this year’s Yolanda Garcia Community Planner Award, MAS’ Lacey Tauber talks community activism in the Far Rockaways with last years’ Garcia Award winner, Jeanne Dupont, Executive Director of the Rockaway Waterfront Alliance. More details.
MAS Celebrates Activism with Yolanda Garcia Community Planner AwardAhead of this year’s Yolanda Garcia Community Planner Award, MAS’ Lacey Tauber talks community activism in the Far Rockaways with last years’ Garcia Award winner, Jeanne Dupont, Executive Director of the Rockaway Waterfront Alliance. More details.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
The Future of Manufacturing in New York?
Eve Baron and Susanna Schaller of MAS recap the main talking points from last week’s panel discussion Manufacturing a Greener New York: More Industries, More Jobs, and talk generally about the role manufacturing can play in New York City’s sustainable economy. Find out more about MAS advocacy on manufacturing here.
The Future of Manufacturing in New York?Eve Baron and Susanna Schaller of MAS recap the main talking points from last week’s panel discussion Manufacturing a Greener New York: More Industries, More Jobs, and talk generally about the role manufacturing can play in New York City’s sustainable economy. Find out more about MAS advocacy on manufacturing here.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
City of Art: New York’s Treasures Revealed
Ahead of the panel discussion City of Art: New York’s Hidden Treasures Revealed MAS is hosting on Thursday, April 16, panelist and public artist George Trakas talks about the creative process he goes through in his work and describes some of his recent projects in New York City.
City of Art: New York’s Treasures RevealedAhead of the panel discussion City of Art: New York’s Hidden Treasures Revealed MAS is hosting on Thursday, April 16, panelist and public artist George Trakas talks about the creative process he goes through in his work and describes some of his recent projects in New York City.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Celebrate the Centennial of the Manhattan & Queensboro Bridges with MAS
Architectural historian John Kriskiewicz talks to Tamara Coombs of MAS about his April 2 lecture celebrating the centennial of the Manhattan and Queensboro Bridges, and explains why their construction marks New York’s metamorphosis from an island city to a modern metropolis. More details.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
By Way of Broadway Opens Tonight at MAS
Renowned architectural photographer and long-time Broadway resident Cervin Robinson chats with Elizabeth Werbe of MAS about the images and inspiration behind his exhibition By Way of Broadway: New York Photographs by Cervin Robinson, which opens with a reception tonight, Wednesday, March 25, 6:00 p.m., at MAS.This collection of black & white and color photographs explores New York’s visual landscape with thirty views of the 17-mile length of Manhattan’s main street taken over the course of three decades. More details.
By Way of Broadway Opens Tonight at MASRenowned architectural photographer and long-time Broadway resident Cervin Robinson chats with Elizabeth Werbe of MAS about the images and inspiration behind his exhibition By Way of Broadway: New York Photographs by Cervin Robinson, which opens with a reception tonight, Wednesday, March 25, 6:00 p.m., at MAS.This collection of black & white and color photographs explores New York’s visual landscape with thirty views of the 17-mile length of Manhattan’s main street taken over the course of three decades. More details.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Meet Business Owners in Gowanus, Brooklyn
The Department of City Planning is holding a hearing today about its proposal to rezone 25 blocks along the Gowanus Canal to allow for a mix of uses, including residential, commercial, retail, light industrial, community facility and artist spaces. MAS believes that existing businesses in this thriving manufacturing district should be nurtured and safeguarded, and that the rezoning presents a tremendous opportunity to create space for new industries and jobs. We are concerned that, given the area’s industrial past and present, and the lack of adequate sewage and storm-water infrastructure, new residential development may not be the best solution for the Gowanus neighborhood. More details.
Meet Business Owners in Gowanus, BrooklynThe Department of City Planning is holding a hearing today about its proposal to rezone 25 blocks along the Gowanus Canal to allow for a mix of uses, including residential, commercial, retail, light industrial, community facility and artist spaces. MAS believes that existing businesses in this thriving manufacturing district should be nurtured and safeguarded, and that the rezoning presents a tremendous opportunity to create space for new industries and jobs. We are concerned that, given the area’s industrial past and present, and the lack of adequate sewage and storm-water infrastructure, new residential development may not be the best solution for the Gowanus neighborhood. More details.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Night & Light in the City with Howard Brandston
Noted lighting designer Howard Brandston, whose commissions include the Statue of Liberty and Battery Park City, will be leading a free walking tour on Thursday, March 5, 6:30 p.m., to examine how different kinds of electric light can highlight architecture and increase livability or decrease visibility and hamper livability. He talks lighting, perception, crime and property values with MAS Director of Tours & Programs Tamara Coombs. More details.
Night & Light in the City with Howard BrandstonNoted lighting designer Howard Brandston, whose commissions include the Statue of Liberty and Battery Park City, will be leading a free walking tour on Thursday, March 5, 6:30 p.m., to examine how different kinds of electric light can highlight architecture and increase livability or decrease visibility and hamper livability. He talks lighting, perception, crime and property values with MAS Director of Tours & Programs Tamara Coombs. More details.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Jane Jacobs Forum 2008: Housing New Yorkers in the 21st-Century
With the generous support of the Rockefeller Foundation, MAS brought together a panel of experts in the field of housing for the 2008 Jane Jacobs Forum in November, in conjunction with the annual Jane Jacobs Award. Moderator Vicki Been of the Furman Center for Real Estate and Urban Policy introduced the issues and an expert panel including: Jerilyn Perine of Citizens Housing and Planning Council; Holly Leicht of the New York City Department of Housing, Preservation and Development; Michelle de la Uz of Fifth Avenue Committee; and Mark Ginsberg, FAIA, of Curtis + Ginsberg Architects, LLP.
Jane Jacobs Forum 2008: Housing New Yorkers in the 21st-CenturyWith the generous support of the Rockefeller Foundation, MAS brought together a panel of experts in the field of housing for the 2008 Jane Jacobs Forum in November, in conjunction with the annual Jane Jacobs Award. Moderator Vicki Been of the Furman Center for Real Estate and Urban Policy introduced the issues and an expert panel including: Jerilyn Perine of Citizens Housing and Planning Council; Holly Leicht of the New York City Department of Housing, Preservation and Development; Michelle de la Uz of Fifth Avenue Committee; and Mark Ginsberg, FAIA, of Curtis + Ginsberg Architects, LLP.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Recycling New York’s Industrial Past: Inspiration From Home and Abroad
Ward Dennis introduces a panel including: Lisa Kersavagee, director of advocacy and policy at MAS; Andrew Kimball, president and chief operating officer, Brooklyn Navy Yard; Robert Powers, president, Powers & Co., Inc.; and moderator, Mary Habstritt, president, Society for Industrial Archaeology, in a discussion of industrial retention and adaptive reuse as a means of preserving industrial buildings, illustrated with imaginative projects from near and far.
Recycling New York’s Industrial Past: Inspiration From Home and AbroadWard Dennis introduces a panel including: Lisa Kersavagee, director of advocacy and policy at MAS; Andrew Kimball, president and chief operating officer, Brooklyn Navy Yard; Robert Powers, president, Powers & Co., Inc.; and moderator, Mary Habstritt, president, Society for Industrial Archaeology, in a discussion of industrial retention and adaptive reuse as a means of preserving industrial buildings, illustrated with imaginative projects from near and far.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Solutions for Preserving New York’s Neighborhood Businesses
Lisa Kersavage, MAS Director of Advocacy & Policy introduces a panel moderated by Adam Friedman, Executive Director of New York Industrial Retention Network, including: Vicki Weiner, Director of Planning and Preservation, Pratt Center for Community Development; Tom Cowell, Economic Development Policy Analyst, Office of the Manhattan Borough President; Makalé Faber Cullen, Director of Social Ventures, Center for the Urban Environment; and John Shapiro, Chair, Graduate Center for Planning and Environment, and Partner of Phillips Preiss Shapiro Associates, in a discussion of the complex questions that relate to the increasing threat chain stores and banks are presenting to the survival of local business in the city.
Solutions for Preserving New York’s Neighborhood BusinessesLisa Kersavage, MAS Director of Advocacy & Policy introduces a panel moderated by Adam Friedman, Executive Director of New York Industrial Retention Network, including: Vicki Weiner, Director of Planning and Preservation, Pratt Center for Community Development; Tom Cowell, Economic Development Policy Analyst, Office of the Manhattan Borough President; Makalé Faber Cullen, Director of Social Ventures, Center for the Urban Environment; and John Shapiro, Chair, Graduate Center for Planning and Environment, and Partner of Phillips Preiss Shapiro Associates, in a discussion of the complex questions that relate to the increasing threat chain stores and banks are presenting to the survival of local business in the city.
