Research Catalog

Title

Mobilizing the metropolis : how the Port Authority built New York / Philip Mark Plotch and Jen Nelles.

Author

Plotch, Philip Mark, 1961-

Publication

• Ann Arbor : University of Michigan Press, [2023]
• ©2023

Items in the Library & Off-site

Details

Additional Authors

• Nelles, Jen, 1979-
• Michigan Publishing (University of Michigan), publisher.

Description

x, 376 pages) : illustrations, maps; 23 cm

Summary

"The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has morphed in ways that would be unrecognizable to its founders. Its mission evolved from improving rail freight to building motor vehicle crossings, airports, office towers, and industrial parks and taking control of a failing commuter rail line. In its early years, the agency was often viewed with admiration; however as it drew up plans, negotiated to take control of airfields and marine terminals, and constructed large bridges and tunnels, the Port Authority became the object of less favorable attention. It was attacked as a "super-government" that must be reined in, while the mayors of New York and Newark argued that it should be broken up with its pieces given to local governments for their own use. Despite its criticisms and travails, for over half a century the Port Authority overcame hurdles that had frustrated other public and private efforts, built the world's longest suspension bridge, and took a leading role in creating an organization to reduce traffic delays in the New York-New Jersey region. How did the Port Authority achieve these successes? And what lessons does its history offer to other cities and regions in the United States and beyond? In a time when public agencies are often condemned as inefficient and corrupt, this history should provide some positive lessons for governmental officials and social reformers. In 2021, the Port Authority marked its 100th birthday. Its history reveals a struggle between the public and private sectors, the challenges of balancing democratic accountability and efficiency, and the tension between regional and local needs. From selected Port Authority successes and failures, Philip Mark Plotch and Jen Nelles produce a significant and engaging account of a powerful governmental entity that offers durable lessons on collaboration, leadership, and the challenge of overcoming complex political challenges in modern America"--Publisher's description.

Subject

• Port Authority of New York and New Jersey > History
• Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
• 1900-2099
• Harbors > New York (State) > New York > History
• City planning > New York (State) > New York > History
• City planning
• Harbors
• Politics and government
• New York (N.Y.) > History
• New York (N.Y.) > Politics and government
• New York Harbor (N.Y. and N.J.) > History > 20th century
• New York Harbor (N.Y. and N.J.) > History > 21st century
• New York (State) > New York
• United States > New York Harbor

Genre/Form

History.

Bibliography (note)

• Includes bibliographical references (pages 309-360) and index.

Call Number

JFE 24-695

ISBN

• 9780472076130
• 0472076132
• 9780472056132
• 0472056131

OCLC

1330895754

Author

Plotch, Philip Mark, 1961- author.

Title

Mobilizing the metropolis : how the Port Authority built New York / Philip Mark Plotch and Jen Nelles.

Publisher

Ann Arbor : University of Michigan Press, [2023]

Copyright Date

©2023

Type of Content

text

still image

Type of Medium

unmediated

Type of Carrier

volume

Bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages 309-360) and index.

Chronological Term

1900-2099

Added Author

Nelles, Jen, 1979- author.

Michigan Publishing (University of Michigan), publisher.

Research Call Number

JFE 24-695