Viewing page 28 of 128

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

restaurant capacity-and faster, improved transportation facilities to and from and within the entire metropolitan area will be essential. Courageous planning and action are needed now to meet this mounting necessity and to keep our city moving forward and continuing in its position as capital of the world.

If we in the City of New York do not prepare ourselves aggressively and intelligently, our leadership can easily go to some other city. After all, ships that move in the air do not require large protected harbors or rivers. They merely require man-made landing areas. Other cities can, and will, make themselves attractive and accessible. They will do so in order to persuade businesses and people to come to them. We must not be smug and self-satisfied. We must not let this happen.

I do not for one moment believe that the flying machine will eliminate any other type of short-haul transportation. I believe that each type has its place in the transportation scheme and each can serve its purpose. I do believe, however, that the era of vertical flight with its ability to land passengers in midtown has arrived.

I am sure we all recognize the stake each of us has in the prosperity and welfare of the Greater New York area and, I believe, you will agree with me that this depends in large measure on the quick development of a total transportation system which will meet the rapidly growing and urgent needs of this great City.

                         14