ABSTRACT
This chapter offers a brief sketch of the processes that are impacting upon the production of urban public space in capitalist cities. It provides some brief examples of how the propositions might be applied through a discussion of streets in New York City and ‘broken windows’ style policing of graffiti. Public space in New York City has been a flashpoint in the wider politics of social inequality, gentrification and neighborhood resource equity. Thus, in New York City distributive justice must take into consideration the entire city to consider where and when the distribution of streets and sidewalks are equal or unequal to the needs of users. Many New York City sidewalks are privatized in a variety of ways. For example, Broadway between 34th and 35th is lined with large, protective planters that restrict where people can walk.
