There’s going to be a panel discussion on this subject on Wednesday.

Wednesday, October 3, 6:30 p.m., at Donnell Library Center, 20 W. 53rd St. (east entrance)I think it costs 12 bucks and they recommend purchasing in advance.

“Today’s New York City is safer and more economically robust than anyone could have imagined in the gritty 1970s, or even the early 1990s. But there is more to city life than economic success. As blocks and neighborhoods begin to respond to success, some have lost elements of the character that made them distinctive. National chain stores, bank branches, drugstores and cellphone outlets abound, seemingly beyond all measure, and housing costs have soared beyond the reach of the middle classes, never mind the bohemians.”

To purchase tickets for this event online, click here. Be sure to bring your e-mail receipt with you to the event as your ticket.

I think Jane would call what’s happening, “oversuccess” and in my humble opinion the main cause of it is an issue of supply and demand. The kind of diverse,convenient,safe, organic mixed use city life that she cherished is not something widely available in America, in fact in most cities government policies have made it pretty much illegal and that has made the few cities that come close to it insanely expensive. Is it Bloomberg’s fault? No. Can it be stopped? No. Do I wish I was back in the day when most rich and middle class white people thought Jersey was cool? Yes!!!!!