March 3: Historic Context and Infrastructure
a. The development of the city is tied closely to the growth of mass transit. Originally a series of disconnected railroads, New York City’s subway is the world’s most extensive underground system. Nestor Danyluk, Senior Planner with the Department of City Planning, will chart its historical growth along with the development of housing in the adjoining neighborhoods.
• Derrick, Peter. 2002. “Tunneling to the Future: The Story of the Great Subway Expansion That Saved New York” Rapid Transit to Save New York. New York: New York University Press [pp.90-122].
b. Planning policies and infrastructure investments in the mid and late Twentieth Century resulted in major changes in New York City’s built environment. Discuss the following readings:
• Caro, Robert A. 1974. The Power Broker: Robert Moses and the Fall of New York. Vintage Books. [pp. 837-884 – please use your own copy of the Power Broker].
• Jacobs, Jane. 1961. The Death and Life of Great American Cities. Vintage Books. [pp.3-25]
Reading Guides:
There is no reading guide for the “Tunneling to the Future.” You must, however, read it before class. The following readings require written responses:
The Power Broker by Robert A. Caro
Chapter 36 – The Meat Ax; pages 837-849
1. What physical obstacles lay in the path of the proposed Cross Bronx Expressway? (pp 840-841)
2. How did Robert Moses deal with the red tape of government approvals? (pp. 844-845)
3. How did Moses feel about the democratic process in achieving his goals? (p. 848)
Chapter 37- One Mile; pages 850-884
1. What elements of the East Tremont community were deemed to be important to the residents? (pp. 852-853)
2. What was Moses’ opinion of the homes in East Tremont? How did it differ from that of the residents (p. 854=855)
3. What proposed minor alteration to the plan would have saved the neighborhood? (pp. 863-864)
4. What woman fought hard to save the neighborhood and what were some of the forces that defeated her efforts? (p.869-877)
5. Why did Robert Moses object to changing the route? (p.878)
6. What was the short-term result of this massive relocation project? (p.884)
The Death and Life of Great American Cities by Jane Jacobs, Introduction (pp. 3-25)
Based on your readings by Jane Jacobs and about Robert Moses:
1. List three adjectives describing the personality of Jane Jacobs
2. List three adjectives describing the personality of Robert Moses
3. In a paragraph, describe how Jane Jacobs approaches planning.
4. In a paragraph, describe how Robert Moses approaches planning.