Robert Moses

Robert Moses
C.M. Stieglitz, World Telegram staff photographer · Public domain · source
Name	Robert Moses
Birth date	December 18, 1888
Birth place	New Haven, Connecticut
Death date	July 29, 1981
Death place	New York City, New York
Occupation	Public official, urban planner

Robert Moses was a prominent figure in the development of New York City, serving as the city's Park Commissioner and Triborough Bridge Authority chairman. He worked closely with Mayor John Purroy Mitchel and Governor Alfred E. Smith to implement various infrastructure projects, including the construction of the Triborough Bridge and the Henry Hudson Parkway. Moses's efforts were influenced by his interactions with notable figures such as Franklin D. Roosevelt and Nelson Rockefeller. His work had a significant impact on the city's landscape, with projects like the Van Cortlandt Park and Jones Beach State Park.

● Early Life and Education

Moses was born in New Haven, Connecticut, to a family of Jewish descent, and later moved to New York City with his family. He attended Yale University, where he studied classics and philosophy, and later earned a degree from Oxford University. Moses's education was also influenced by his time at Columbia University, where he earned a Ph.D. in public administration. During his time at university, Moses was exposed to the ideas of Theodore Roosevelt and Herbert Croly, which would later shape his approach to urban planning. He also developed relationships with notable figures such as Lewis Mumford and Jane Jacobs, who would become prominent critics of his work.

● Career

Moses began his career in public service as a member of the New York State Legislature, where he worked on various committees, including the Committee on Cities. He later served as the secretary to Governor Alfred E. Smith, playing a key role in the development of the New York State Park System. Moses's work with Smith led to the creation of the Long Island State Park Commission, which oversaw the development of parks such as Jones Beach State Park and Robert Moses State Park. He also collaborated with Fiorello La Guardia on various urban planning projects, including the construction of the LaGuardia Airport and the New York City Housing Authority. Moses's career was marked by his interactions with other notable figures, including Harry Truman and Dwight D. Eisenhower.

● Public Works and Legacy

Moses is perhaps best known for his work on various public works projects, including the construction of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway and the Cross Bronx Expressway. He also oversaw the development of the New York City Subway system, including the construction of the IND Eighth Avenue Line and the IRT Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line. Moses's work on these projects was influenced by his interactions with engineers such as Ralph Modjeski and Othmar Ammann, who designed the George Washington Bridge and the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. He also worked with architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright and Le Corbusier on various projects, including the Guggenheim Museum and the United Nations Headquarters. Moses's legacy can be seen in the many parks and public spaces he developed, including the Flushing Meadows Corona Park and the Central Park Zoo.

● Criticism and Controversy

Despite his many accomplishments, Moses's career was not without controversy. He was criticized by figures such as Jane Jacobs and Lewis Mumford for his approach to urban planning, which they saw as prioritizing the needs of cars over those of pedestrians and communities. Moses's work on the Cross Bronx Expressway was particularly contentious, as it resulted in the displacement of thousands of residents and the destruction of several neighborhoods. He also faced criticism for his handling of the New York City Housing Authority, which was plagued by corruption and mismanagement. Moses's relationships with other notable figures, including Richard Nixon and Nelson Rockefeller, were also subject to scrutiny.

● Later Life and Death

In his later years, Moses continued to work on various projects, including the development of the 1964 New York World's Fair and the construction of the Shea Stadium. He also wrote several books, including "Working for the People", which detailed his approach to public administration. Moses passed away on July 29, 1981, at the age of 92, leaving behind a legacy that continues to shape the city of New York City. His death was marked by tributes from figures such as Mayor Edward Koch and Governor Hugh Carey, who praised his contributions to the city's development.

● Impact on Urban Planning

Moses's impact on urban planning can be seen in the many cities that have followed his approach to development. His emphasis on the importance of infrastructure and public works has influenced the development of cities such as Los Angeles and Chicago. However, his approach has also been criticized for prioritizing the needs of cars over those of pedestrians and communities. Figures such as Jane Jacobs and Lewis Mumford have argued that Moses's approach to urban planning is outdated and that cities should prioritize the needs of people over those of cars. Despite these criticisms, Moses's legacy continues to shape the field of urban planning, with many cities continuing to grapple with the challenges of development and growth. His work has also influenced the development of organizations such as the Urban Land Institute and the American Planning Association, which continue to play a key role in shaping the field of urban planning.