The Power Broker #1: Robert Caro

Displacement

Robert Caro's exploration of community displacement reveals the profound human cost of Robert Moses' urban development projects. Caro describes how entire communities were uprooted, with residents given just 90 days to vacate their homes, leading to widespread loneliness and loss of community bonds 1. He highlights the emotional toll on those displaced, emphasizing that Moses could have chosen less disruptive routes but often did not 2. Caro reflects on the impact of these decisions, noting, "Lonely is a word, you know, in my opinion, you don't use the word lonely about yourself unless it's very, very overwhelming in your life."

Lonely is a word, you know, in my opinion, you don't use the word lonely about yourself unless it's very, very overwhelming in your life.

--- Robert Caro

These forced relocations underscore the harsh realities of Moses' vision, which prioritized infrastructure over the well-being of individuals.

   

Transport Choices

Moses' transportation choices had lasting effects on urban mobility, often prioritizing roads over public transit options. Caro explains how Moses ignored advice to include a light rail line in the Long Island Expressway, condemning generations to long commutes 3. This decision reflects a broader theme in Caro's work, where infrastructure choices were presented as inevitable rather than deliberate 4. Caro notes, "You say he condemned not just one generation, but generation after generation after generation of people to spend these hours of what otherwise could have been a life driving."

You say he condemned not just one generation, but generation after generation after generation of people to spend these hours of what otherwise could have been a life driving.

--- Robert Caro

These choices highlight the enduring legacy of Moses' decisions on New York's transportation landscape.