The WQXR blog reports that back in 1966 there was a plan to build a pathway from Lincoln Center to Central Park. One of the grandiose schemes would have entailed the razing of several architecturally significant buildings, including the 1930 West Side Y.M.C.A. and the meeting house for the Society for Ethical Culture to develop a vast pedestrian mall.
The larger idea was to connect Lincoln Center with Central Park, create an open vista, and ostensibly, relieve traffic congestion at the intersections of Columbus Ave., Broadway and West 65th Street.
The plans were met with mixed reactions, and in a 1966 commentary, Robert C. Weinberg, WNYC’s critic at large in architecture and planning, expressed skepticism for two of the plans.
Neither of the plans went through. You can listen to the commentry aa well as read the article by clicking here.