Woodlawn in the Bronx: A Small Town in the Big City
Explore this well defined former village of Westchester County that retains many of its small-town elements — main street, churches, schools, post office, library, railroad station, green spaces — after being absorbed into the NYC grid more than 100 years ago. We’ll talk a bit about Woodlawn’s role in a Revolutionary War skirmish, its history as one of the Bronx’s “Irishtowns”, and its connection to NYC’s 19th-century aqueduct projects. But mostly we’ll walk across a portion of Woodlawn’s predominantly residential streets to illustrate how Jane Jacob’s philosophy of “well-used” city streets and sidewalks have preserved Woodlawn as a stable, safe, thriving urban neighborhood. We’ll end at a local venue for refreshments and conversation.
Time: 1:00pm-2:30pm
Date: Sunday May 6, 2012
Event Start: East Side of Van Cortlandt Park E. and E. 242nd St, on island at flag pole
Event End: TBD
Host: Allison Jaffe
Registration: No need to sign up, just show up at the posted meeting location.
Accessibility: Partially Accessible – curbs, uneven terrain, busy sidewalks
While most only see Riverdale as a residential neighborhood of the Bronx, William Kent will prove the opposite by leading Jane’s Walkers to the secret destinations in the area, including old Dutch Churches and an “oasis in the city”.
NOTE: This Jane’s Walk will require the use of public transportation, so walkers should bring a Metrocard with a few rides on it.
Time: 12:00pm-2:00pm
Date: Sunday May 6, 2012
Event Start/End: 231st St. & Broadway (near 1 train stop)
Host: William Kent
Registration: No need to sign up, just show up at the posted meeting location.
Accessibility: Not Accessible – stairs, obstacles, uneven terrain, steep paths
