P.J. Lloyd’s Reviews > The Power Broker: Robert Moses and the Fall of New York > Status Update

Moses wants the entirety of Castle Clinton demolished, announcing his plan in 1940. For 15 years, reformers delay the demolition from taking place, but Moses strips the fort of its roof and other foundations. Eventually, the reformers save the fort thru federal intervention; however, it is not a clear victory…

(Pt. 1) Moses seeks revenge on the reformers that prevented his construction of the Battery Bridge by stripping Castle Clinton of its aquarium. Since Castle Clinton is a park property, Moses has all the power to have his revenge, and the once beloved aquarium is removed. However; Moses goes even further…

Moses pushes for construction of Brooklyn Battery Bridge, but is met with disapproval from Lower Manhattan’s wealthy residents. Further reasons to delay construction on the bridge stem from the much needed construction of hospitals, schools, and other facilities. Will Robert Moses get his way? Probably.

Moses finally solidifies his power in a way that he hitherto was never able to do: by amending the checks and balances of “public authorities” and streamlining revenue from toll booths. He can essentially build whatever he pleases now, and he no longer needs approval from governors or mayors.

(Pt. 4) For years, even decades, Paul would try reaching Robert, only to then hear from a secretary that “he was not in” to talk. After a certain point, the didn’t speak for 20 years. Nothing. Nada. Zip.

(Pt. 3) On top of that, Paul is completely ostracized by his entire family. Even his cousin won’t talk to him anymore. At the end of his life, he is left almost penniless, even sleeping in a Salvation Army lodging house at one point. With that, Paul began feeling an obsessive hatred for Robert.

(Pt. 2) What happened to Paul was this: he was robbed of his mother’s inheritance because Robert rewrote the will and had their mother sign it on her death bed. Not only that, but Robert (it’s assumed) prevented Paul from ever getting jobs in which his engineering expertise would’ve been beneficial.

(Pt. 1) We now focus on Robert’s brother, Paul. A genius and idealist in his own right, he has many of the same qualities that Robert has. Unfortunately, his story is a tragic tale and Paul was to hold only resentment and bitterness towards his younger brother at the end of his life…

(Pt. 3) Even the slightest bit of protest or disagreement is flushed out by the press (which he controls). Instead, he receives awards, honorary degrees, and numerous other accolades. He’s seen as an honest, incorruptible hero.

Will this adoration last?

(Pt. 2) With Moses’ inability to listen, inability to accept criticism, and his utter disdain for minorities, these grandiose projects cost the city a “majestic waterfront, a majestic forest, a residential community, and the last fresh-water marsh” on the island of Manhattan…