How has urban development impacted NYC?

Urban development in New York City, particularly under figures like Robert Moses, profoundly influenced the city's infrastructure and growth. Moses, known for his relentless pursuit of power, contributed significantly to the construction of various highways and bridges which greatly affected urban mobility and spatial organization. Notably, Moses was instrumental in building highways like the Northern State Parkway and the Southern State Parkway that facilitated easier transportation across Long Island and parts of New York City. Additionally, his contributions were not limited to New York City but extended to upstate New York and other regions with public works projects.

Kenneth T. Jackson highlights that Moses’ initiative in building expressways allowed for much quicker transit across the city, which historically would have taken hours. This development is credited with helping the city retain its population even as other cities in the Midwest and Northeast experienced significant declines. Although criticized for neglecting the subway system, the comparative preservation and modern improvement of New York’s public transit system contrasts sharply with the fate of public transit elsewhere in the country. Essentially, Moses' endeavors in urban development resulted in a lasting and expansive impact, shaping New York City into the metropolis it is today while also influencing urban planning on a broader scale 1 .