The Highway Fight that Changed Cities Forever

Summary

This video recounts the historic battle between Robert Moses, a powerful urban planner, and Jane Jacobs, a grassroots activist, over the future of New York City. At stake was the proposed Lower Manhattan Expressway, a project Moses championed to alleviate traffic but which threatened to destroy neighborhoods like Soho and Little Italy. Jacobs fought to preserve the unique character of urban spaces, advocating for local communities. The video highlights their contrasting philosophies and the lasting impact of their conflict on city planning, while also reflecting on the relevance of their ideas today.

Takeaways

• 🏙️ Robert Moses and Jane Jacobs clashed over urban planning approaches in New York City, representing top-down and bottom-up philosophies, respectively.
• 🛣️ Moses proposed the Lower Manhattan Expressway (Lomex), a highway to connect key bridges and reduce traffic but which would have displaced thousands of residents in Soho and Little Italy.
• 📚 Jane Jacobs, a writer and activist, opposed the project, arguing for preserving neighborhoods and focusing on strengthening communities rather than demolishing them.
• 🏗️ Moses, known for his power in New York urban development, oversaw massive infrastructure projects including highways, bridges, and public housing, shaping modern New York.
• 🚦 Moses prioritized efficiency and modernism, often disregarding the local impact, such as displacing communities for the sake of urban renewal.
• 🏘️ Jacobs fought to save neighborhoods targeted for urban renewal, arguing they had value and vibrant communities worth preserving, influencing urban planning philosophies.
• ⚖️ The Lomex project became a pivotal battle, with Jacobs and community coalitions halting the plan after extensive protests, and this marked a shift away from Moses' dominance.
• 📉 Moses' influence waned as urban renewal projects became increasingly criticized for displacing low-income residents, including cases like Lincoln Center, which replaced the vibrant San Juan Hill neighborhood.
• 🏗️ Despite Moses' fall, some argue today that his ability to build high-quality, long-lasting infrastructure efficiently is missed in current times of rising construction costs and aging infrastructure.
• 🏙️ The legacies of both Moses and Jacobs are being reassessed, with some seeing Jacobs' resistance to urban redevelopment as potentially contributing to modern issues like gentrification and NIMBYism.

Q & A

Who were the two key figures in the battle over the Lower Manhattan Expressway?

The two key figures were Robert Moses, a master builder known for top-down urban planning, and Jane Jacobs, an activist and author who advocated for bottom-up, grassroots city planning.

What was the main difference in the urban planning philosophies of Robert Moses and Jane Jacobs?

Robert Moses focused on efficiency, large-scale infrastructure projects, and urban renewal, often at the expense of local neighborhoods. Jane Jacobs emphasized preserving local communities, mixed-use development, and planning that respected the organic growth of cities.

What was the Lower Manhattan Expressway (Lomax), and why was it controversial?

The Lower Manhattan Expressway was a proposed highway designed to connect the Holland Tunnel with the Williamsburg and Manhattan Bridges, cutting through Lower Manhattan. It was controversial because it would have displaced thousands of people, destroyed neighborhoods like Soho and Little Italy, and prioritized suburban commuters over inner-city residents.

How did Robert Moses justify the displacement of residents for his projects?

Robert Moses argued that displacing residents would improve their living conditions, as the areas targeted for redevelopment were often low-income and seen as dilapidated. He believed that the projects would alleviate traffic congestion and increase property values.

How did Jane Jacobs and her supporters oppose the Lower Manhattan Expressway?

Jane Jacobs and her supporters formed a grassroots coalition that organized protests, marches, and picketing campaigns. They raised awareness through media outlets like the Village Voice and argued that the expressway would harm neighborhoods and not effectively reduce traffic.

What was the outcome of the battle over the Lower Manhattan Expressway?

The expressway project was ultimately canceled in 1969 after Jane Jacobs' coalition successfully lobbied against it. Mayor John Lindsay and Governor Nelson Rockefeller withdrew support, and the project was officially 'demapped,' ending Moses's plans.

How did Jane Jacobs’ views on city planning challenge the mainstream approach of her time?

Jane Jacobs challenged the prevailing notion of urban renewal, which often involved large-scale demolitions and modern infrastructure projects. She argued for preserving the social fabric of neighborhoods, advocating for mixed-use development, small blocks, and community-driven planning.

What were some of Robert Moses's most significant urban projects in New York City?

Some of Moses's major projects included the construction of highways, bridges like the Triborough Bridge, public housing, tunnels, and parks. He was also instrumental in the development of Lincoln Center, which displaced the San Juan Hill neighborhood.

What was the significance of Jane Jacobs' book 'The Death and Life of Great American Cities'?

'The Death and Life of Great American Cities,' published in 1961, is considered one of the most important books on urban planning. It critiqued modern city planning practices and advocated for a human-centered approach that valued the complexities and social interactions of urban life.

How has the legacy of Robert Moses and Jane Jacobs been re-evaluated in modern times?

While Robert Moses is often criticized for his disregard for communities and his authoritarian style, some argue that his ability to build lasting infrastructure efficiently is missed today. Jane Jacobs' ideas on preserving urban neighborhoods are celebrated, but some critics point out that her principles can now be associated with gentrification and nimbyism. Both figures' legacies are viewed through the lens of current urban challenges.