Podcast, Interview, Fireside Chat
Kenneth T. Jackson - Robert Moses, Hero of New York?
- New York and London are projected to maintain their status as the top two global cities throughout the 21st century and potentially through the year 2100, possibly surpassing Tokyo and standing as the only two cities at the apex of the global hierarchy.
- A social drift back to urban centers is expected as pandemic-induced work and living habits revert to pre-pandemic norms, with approximately 25% of the population permanently favoring dense, mixed environments like New York.
- Massive infrastructure projects, including potential land bridges or flood prevention measures, will be necessary to address rising water levels, though the city likely cannot support additional car tunnels due to existing congestion and parking limitations.
- Systemic reforms are anticipated to be required to overcome current litigation and public obstructionism, as a single powerful figure similar to Robert Moses could no longer replicate mid-20th-century achievements or bypass the "omelet breaking" governance philosophy.
- The city may see a conversion of office buildings into residential units and a reduced reliance on cars as young Americans increasingly skip obtaining driver's licenses and walk more for health reasons.
- Future infrastructure needs may prioritize a hybrid model utilizing buses and the internet while reducing fossil fuel dependence, potentially requiring a future leader to specialize in tunnel construction rather than just bridge building.
- Historical preservation systems and NIMBYism are identified as insufficient barriers that may prevent necessary construction, maintenance, and the replacement of older buildings with new housing.
- New York is expected to maintain its unique status as a global hub with a physical presence for almost every ethnic group, relying on "urbanity" and social density to attract residents over smaller towns or mountain locations.
- Economic benefits from historic public works and highways may continue, yet challenges may arise if density is reduced, underground transportation is removed, or if the city relies solely on reactive emergency responses rather than proactive improvement.
- The interpretation of Robert Moses's legacy and the book The Power Broker may be revised as new research emerges, potentially leading to criticism regarding specific details on neighborhood destruction, public transit, and low bridges.