The sculpture corresponds to the large sculptural group on Grand Central's south facade. Finally, the architects who serve on our board no doubt were surprised to hear that the society promotes commissions for its own board members since, as often as not, the society opposes projects designed by its own members. Rather than proposing architects for specific commissions, we often sponsor design competitions for such important projects as Times Square, the West Side waterfront and Columbus Circle. On occasion, we hire architects to explore creative alternatives for large projects. Commercial development in New York unquestionably needs to be better.
Debate is crucial to that process, but so is a balanced accounting of the facts.
The writer is the president of the Municipal Art Society of New York. Privacy Information Stay connected to the news that interests you with free e-mail alerts from The New York Times.