The Power Broker #06: Mike Schur

Infrastructure Impact

The impact of Robert Moses's infrastructure projects on urban landscapes is profound and often controversial. Elliott Kalan and Roman Mars discuss how Moses's plans, such as the construction of a six-lane highway through Inwood Hill Park, threatened untouched natural areas in New York City 1. This development not only destroyed ecological refuges but also divided communities, as seen in the Bronx neighborhood of Spuyten Duyvil. Mars expresses frustration over the irreversible environmental damage caused by these projects, highlighting the loss of trees and marshlands 2.

It's just like, you know, while people are discussing things, he just does what he always does. And of the places he controls, he just destroys them so that there's nothing to save.

--- Roman Mars

The discussion underscores the lasting consequences of prioritizing infrastructure over environmental preservation.

   

Design Philosophy

Robert Moses's design philosophy reveals a tension between progress and preservation. Roman Mars compares Moses's approach to urban planning with that of Chicago, where preservation of public access to waterfronts was prioritized over commercial development 3. This contrast highlights Moses's focus on building for cars, often at the expense of community and environmental considerations. Elliott Kalan likens Moses to figures like Elon Musk and Walt Disney, who had singular visions but struggled to adapt to broader societal needs 4.

Moses has this one good idea, which is we need to have a way for people to get from one place to another, but then he doesn't have the best solution for it.

--- Elliott Kalan

This section explores the complexities of Moses's legacy, questioning the sustainability and inclusivity of his urban designs.