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The high Line in Manhattan: 10 meters above the ground
One of the most unusual of the new York parks – the high Line. Prior to 1980, it was a functioning railway line, but after the decision was made to close this branch, and the rails passed the last freight train. For nearly twenty years the rails were empty, while local architects-enthusiasts Joshua David and Robert Hammond are not made at a public meeting a proposal to give a second life to the railway track, turning it into a Park for recreation. Work continued for several months on the charitable donations of concerned Americans.
In 2009, the high Line became one of the most visited places in new York. Every year it welcomes about 4 million Americans. The Manhattan architectural experiment was so successful that it was repeated in London, Chicago, Philadelphia and Rotterdam.
This branch railway was opened in Manhattan in 1934. In this part of new York there were a lot of factories and warehouses, so the transportation of goods in this way helped to "relieve" traffic. However, by 1950-th years the volume of freight traffic fell sharply, so the railway has become essentially useless. By the end of 1990-ies in place of the once lively road was overgrown with grass and shrubs rails, so the mayor of new York Rudy Giuliani made the decision about the necessity of dismantling the railroad.
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