A thoroughly enjoyable day – I have become convinced that Governor Island is now officially my favorite place in the city. It’s complete lack of hustle and aggression, diversity without antagonism, good design with zero corporate profit motive, authenticity without decrepitude, just a lot of different people and bikes, activities of every kind, good and not too expensive food from every kind of the world, accessible but not stupid or exploitive art – and no cars!

This is just what happens when a government spends enough money, hires people who care, and then runs something well.

Of course, there is also a new fenced off area that I didn’t see earlier this summer, proclaiming a “spa and hotel, coming in 2020”, which tells me that the last remaining summer of 2019 when this place belongs to all people will be all the more precious.