> The whole NYC island was cut into grid lots without taking into things like utilities, just lots, by a realtor First of all, NYC is not an island. It's 5 dif

> The whole NYC island was cut into grid lots without taking into things like utilities, just lots, by a realtor First of all, NYC is not an island. It's 5 different boroughs, four of which are spread across 3 islands with one connected to the mainland. Manhattan is just one borough; it's not the biggest by size or population by a long shot (that would be Queens). Second: I don't know why you think this. Manhattan's grid plan was produced in 1811 by a handful of leading citizen types[1]. It's worth noting that utilities in the sense we mean today weren't really a thing they could plan for in 1811. But, as far as I know, the city's grid really hasn't been an impediment to the city's utility system, besides trash collection. [1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commissioners%27_Plan_of_1811 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commissioners%27_Plan_of_1811