What needs to happen is more density in the outer suburbs of the city and increased transit . NYC also needs to develop as well, since the outer boroughs face the same problems the New Jersey region face. This would actually help the city in a global economic standpoint because it would have many financial districts to fall back on. But this can only work if the metro area continues to experience high growth. Manhattan is great and all,but it doesn't need to be the only powerhouse in Greater New York. There is great potential to make the whole region in that fashion.