Robert Moses is a seminal figure in the history of New York City. He transformed the city rapidly during his tenure, reshaping the skyline in a way that only he could. But he also destroyed swathes of land and neighborhoods, earning him the ire of many New Yorkers. Throughout his storied career, Moses created beautiful parks and thoroughfares, earning him the nickname of “Master Builder,” but his disregard for the people and their wants tainted his legacy in their eyes.
Robert Moses: The Basics
Robert Moses was born on December 18, 1888. His parents were both immigrants from Germany, and moved to the United States to escape poverty. Moses attended Cornell University, earning a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in 1909.
He went on to serve in the Navy during World War I and afterwards held several jobs in the public sector. It was during this time that he began to effect a number of changes to New York City, earning him the nickname of “Master Builder.”
Moses held a number of public positions, including being appointed the chairman of the Long Island State Parks Commission in 1924, the president of the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority in 1934, and becoming commissioner of the Parks Department in 1934.
The Impact of Robert Moses
The impact of Robert Moses was far-reaching, and mostly positive. During his time in power, he created numerous parks and opened up areas of land to all sorts of development, making formerly rural counties, like Nassau, available to populate.
His projects are often seen as modernist marvels and some of the most influential pieces of architecture ever erected in the United States. Moses built many bridges, expressways, freeways, and parkways, all designed to connect Manhattan to the suburbs and beyond.
His projects were controversial, though. Many neighborhoods were completely wiped out in order to make room for bridges, expressways, and parkways. This displacement led to negative sentiments from the people who were uprooted from their homes.
Robert Moses: The Controversial Figure
The projects of Robert Moses were seen as controversial, even by modern standards. He erected structures all over the city that blocked public access, widened avenues, and destroyed entire communities.
This upheaval uprooted many families and businesses. Moses was successful in getting the projects approved, often times without consulting the public, and his disregard for communities and their wants made him notorious.
Despite being labeled as controversial, many of Moses’ projects still stand today and are accepted as part of the New York City landscape. His projects include Coney Island Park, Jones Beach State Park, the Triborough Bridge, the Henry Hudson Parkway, and the Cross Bronx Expressway.
The Legacy of Robert Moses
The legacy of Robert Moses is complex, but his lasting impact on New York City cannot be denied. He is remembered as both a savior and a villian, whose work reshaped the city in innumerable ways.
Today, it’s impossible to talk about New York City without mentioning Moses. He is credited for creating roads, bridges, parks and beaches, many of which are still enjoy today. These parks provide New Yorkers with a much-needed respite from their hectic city lives.
But it’s also impossible to ignore the damage Moses caused through his projects. He and his team tore down countless homes and neighborhoods and the people who lived there had to bear the brunt of his decisions. While there is much to admire about Robert Moses’ incredible accomplishments, his errors can never be forgotten.
Robert Moses was a decidedly complex figure–his accomplishments and controversies live on in New York City. He left an indelible mark on the city and will never be forgotten. Though New York City has moved on from the days when Moses was in power, his legacy will cast a long shadow over New York City and it’s inhabitants for generations to come.
