Urban studies alum comments on development in Manhattan

George M. Janes, urban planning expert and Wayne State alum from the mid-1970s, was quoted in an article that appeared in the May 23 issue of the New York Times.

The article discusses narrow lots that New York city developers create in order to circumvent zoning regulations and build taller than otherwise they would be able to.

"There's lots of little lots in Manhattan, some that are five square feet, but they're relics, or they provide access," said George M. Janes, a planning expert who has been working with local opponents of the tower. "This is novel; this is new; this is a very aggressive strategy."

Story: 4-Foot-Wide Lot, Carved Out by Developers, Causes Big Stir in Manhattan