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New York City recently hosted the delegates from the International Olympic Committee (IOC), who are on tour to visit the final nominees to host the Olympics in 2012; Paris, Moscow, London, Madrid being the other cities. For the first time, an American city starts out as an underdog against its European counterparts (Paris is a hot favorite). As you know, I am an Olympics enthusiast and love the activity that precedes and follows the “greatest show on earth”. Of course, the sixteen days of pure sporting extravaganza are a pure delight too.
Michael Bloomberg, the NYC mayor welcomed the delegation on a snowy morning and even jokingly offered to host the “Winter Olympics” alluding to the generous sprinkling of white all over the city. The city, according to me is best suited to host this great event. Of course, the city’s resources will be strained with the massive influx of visitor, not ignoring the high likelihood of terror attacks during the event. But that is exactly what great cities are known for – to rebound after any great tragedy and take in its stride all infrastructural problems and put on a brave smiling face for the world with open welcoming arms.
New York is the epitome of a melting pot culture with almost 120 languages spoken inside its metropolitan boundaries and clearly is a world city. The still-unbuilt stadium on Manhattan’s West Side has already attracted opposition from New Yorkers but that is mere hiccups in the larger scheme of things. I have had the opportunity to work on the across-the-river waterfront development in Queens and Brooklyn. Although publicized as city’s redevelopment plans, I had the feeling while working that this was merely preparation to tie in the development to the Olympian plans. I was proven right when the Greepoint-Williamsburg area [PDF link] in Queens was earmarked for the Olympic Housing Village, Swimming pool complex, and Beach Volleyball. Infrastructural Development – always invisible to our eyes – is the first step in preparing your city for hosting the Olympics. I hope New York succeeds when the IOC members vote in mid-July. Be sure to check out the snazzy Bid Book.
PS. The NYC 2012 logo is cool. I love it.
by Patrix | on Monday, February 21st, 2005 at 11:05 pm | 
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February 22nd, 2005 at 6:48 am reply
they want to change their name to “your second home” or something like that……….it doesnt change the fact that they dont have the infrastructure- facilities- or most important- space to make it a pleasant experience.
February 22nd, 2005 at 9:00 am reply
NYC - the world’s second home …
Hmm, having never been there, I have the vague idea that NY is a super glam congested metro like Bby (lot of people have made that comparision). And frankly, I cant imagine anything remotely like the Olympics being held in a city like Bby.
But of course, the way thing work here is way different from back home, and Im sure they’ll do their best to make it work. It sure will be interesting to see the results though !
February 22nd, 2005 at 10:55 am reply
M - I suggest you should take a look at their Bid Book. They have done an admirable job and the space planning looks decent.
Ash - NYC can be only superficially compared to Bombay. Bombay certainly can’t handle the load; basically because of its geography and already strained commuter services.
February 22nd, 2005 at 1:10 pm reply
everthing can be made to look great on paper………..or on the computer in this case……..execution is another ballgame altogether.
February 22nd, 2005 at 1:32 pm reply
M - Why the skepticism? If Greeks could make everything work at the last minute, Americans are much better.
February 22nd, 2005 at 6:44 pm reply
if it was basket ball or football i would believe and have faith……..as for the greeks - their heritage was at stake…..
February 24th, 2005 at 8:08 pm reply
M - Not anymore. The Olympics is all about izzat ka sawal hai for all nations irrespective of past traditions.
March 10th, 2005 at 8:31 am reply
Being from the New York area, I can say that although New York is very congested it has the only public transportation system that is open 24 hours a day in the world. It has an extremely large public transportation system that can handle the large influx of ppl to the olympics.