It's been nearly two years since Chase erected fences around its downtown Manhattan plaza, and it doesn't look like the two-acre space will reopen to the public any time soon. Chase says the fence is up because they are repairing water damage to the plaza?a complicated task since the plaza is also the roof of a bank?but when neighbors sued earlier this year to get the plaza reopened, Chase argued that it's private space and if they wanted to keep it closed, they damn well would. A spokesperson gave the Times a super vague response, which makes it seem like the plaza will never be as free as it used to be: "Once construction is complete, we intend to operate the building in a way that makes the plaza available to the public for passive use and enjoyment, in accordance with appropriate rules." [NYT; previously]
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