Modern ports and historic cities: Genoa and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Historically the administrative functions of modern ports and cities were completely separate. Decisions made by one were without consideration of the other. Although historically not the case, the boundary between port and city is often a contested one. Overlapping zones are the battleground of modern planning in many cities. Often ports fear that urban development, particularly luxury waterfront housing, will influence and ultimately restrict essential port operations. Likewise, cities fear that an increase in port business will create more traffic and noise in residential areas.