The Future of Brooklyn

A historical account written in the late 19th century. It presents an analysis of Brooklyn's growth, development, and building statistics as of 1888, reflecting on the urbanization and population trends of the city. The document serves as Mayor Chapin's message to the Common Council, emphasizing the city’s trajectory and the pressing infrastructure needs driven by its increasing population. In this detailed report, Chapin highlights various statistical analyses reflecting Brooklyn's population growth in relation to other major cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Chicago. He notes a significant upward trend in building permits and construction, stressing the necessity for adequate public services, infrastructure, and housing to accommodate the anticipated increase in residents. The mayor argues that Brooklyn is poised for extensive growth, partly due to improvements in transportation and its evolving relationship with New York City. Ultimately, Chapin calls for proactive measures to ensure that Brooklyn is equipped to sustain its burgeoning population and to foster a thriving and modern urban community.