American Experience (1988) s14e02 Episode Script

1
NARRATOR: In the spring of
1944, as the Second World War
dragged into its third long
1944, as the Second World War
dragged into its third long
year, a 26-year-old photographer
dragged into its third long
year, a 26-year-old photographer
and native-born New Yorker named
year, a 26-year-old photographer
and native-born New Yorker named
Helen Levitt carried a 16-
and native-born New Yorker named
Helen Levitt carried a 16-
millimeter movie camera up to
Helen Levitt carried a 16-
millimeter movie camera up to
the crowded tenement district of
millimeter movie camera up to
the crowded tenement district of
East Harlem in New York, once
the crowded tenement district of
East Harlem in New York, once
predominantly Italian but now
East Harlem in New York, once
predominantly Italian but now
increasingly filled with black
predominantly Italian but now
increasingly filled with black
and Spanish-speaking newcomers.
Increasingly filled with black
and Spanish-speaking newcomers.
Over the next three years, with
and Spanish-speaking newcomers.
Over the next three years, with
her friends James Agee and
Over the next three years, with
her friends James Agee and
Janice Loeb, she struggled to
her friends James Agee and
Janice Loeb, she struggled to
capture on film the countless
Janice Loeb, she struggled to
capture on film the countless
daily dramas and heart-stopping
capture on film the countless
daily dramas and heart-stopping
beauty of life in New York's
daily dramas and heart-stopping
beauty of life in New York's
poorest neighborhoods in a film
beauty of life in New York's
poorest neighborhoods in a film
she called simply In the Street.
Poorest neighborhoods in a film
she called simply In the Street.
READER: "The streets of the
she called simply In the Street.
READER: "The streets of the
poorer quarters of great cities
READER: "The streets of the
poorer quarters of great cities
are, above all, a theater and a
poorer quarters of great cities
are, above all, a theater and a
battleground.
Are, above all, a theater and a
battleground.
There, unaware and unnoticed,
battleground.
There, unaware and unnoticed,
every human being is a poet, a
There, unaware and unnoticed,
every human being is a poet, a
masker, a warrior, and in his
every human being is a poet, a
masker, a warrior, and in his
innocent artistry projects
masker, a warrior, and in his
innocent artistry projects
against the turmoil of the
innocent artistry projects
against the turmoil of the
street an image of existence."
against the turmoil of the
street an image of existence."
James Agee.
Street an image of existence."
James Agee.
ROBERT A. CARO: You say,
James Agee.
ROBERT A. CARO: You say,
"What is a city?"
Well, a city is many things, but
one of the things that a city is
one of the things that a city is
is a home to its people.
If you think of the great cities
If you think of the great cities
of history, Athens is glory, you
say.
Of history, Athens is glory, you
say.
Rome is grandeur or power.
Say.
Rome is grandeur or power.
Let's say Paris is culture.
Rome is grandeur or power.
Let's say Paris is culture.
What is New York?
Let's say Paris is culture.
What is New York?
New York is a home.
What is New York?
New York is a home.
New York's great gift to the
New York is a home.
New York's great gift to the
world was that people from all
New York's great gift to the
world was that people from all
over the world could come here.
World was that people from all
over the world could come here.
They could create their own
over the world could come here.
They could create their own
communities, their own
They could create their own
communities, their own
neighborhoods.
Communities, their own
neighborhoods.
So people felt a sense of
neighborhoods.
So people felt a sense of
community, a sense of belonging,
So people felt a sense of
community, a sense of belonging,
a sense of neighborhood.
Community, a sense of belonging,
a sense of neighborhood.
That's really the basis of human
a sense of neighborhood.
That's really the basis of human
endeavor.
That's really the basis of human
endeavor.
If people feel that they belong,
endeavor.
If people feel that they belong,
they can go on to other things.
If people feel that they belong,
they can go on to other things.
Now, all of a sudden, that was
they can go on to other things.
Now, all of a sudden, that was
going to be harder for New York
Now, all of a sudden, that was
going to be harder for New York
than ever before because at this
going to be harder for New York
than ever before because at this
crucial moment in the city's
than ever before because at this
crucial moment in the city's
history, the city loses its way.
Crucial moment in the city's
history, the city loses its way.
Whereas before neighborhoods
history, the city loses its way.
Whereas before neighborhoods
were created, now neighborhoods
Whereas before neighborhoods
were created, now neighborhoods
are destroyed.
Were created, now neighborhoods
are destroyed.
MAN: I have received this
are destroyed.
MAN: I have received this
afternoon a message from the
MAN: I have received this
afternoon a message from the
Japanese government in reply to
afternoon a message from the
Japanese government in reply to
the message forwarded to that
Japanese government in reply to
the message forwarded to that
government by the secretary of
the message forwarded to that
government by the secretary of
state on August 11.
Government by the secretary of
state on August 11.
NARRATOR: At 7:01 p.m. on the
state on August 11.
NARRATOR: At 7:01 p.m. on the
hot, sultry evening of August
NARRATOR: At 7:01 p.m. on the
hot, sultry evening of August
14, 1945, after five tense days
hot, sultry evening of August
14, 1945, after five tense days
of conflicting rumors and false
14, 1945, after five tense days
of conflicting rumors and false
reports, word reached New York
of conflicting rumors and false
reports, word reached New York
that the Japanese high command
reports, word reached New York
that the Japanese high command
had surrendered at last,
that the Japanese high command
had surrendered at last,
bringing to an end the bloodiest
had surrendered at last,
bringing to an end the bloodiest
and most costly war in human
bringing to an end the bloodiest
and most costly war in human
history.
And most costly war in human
history.
As the news raced through the
history.
As the news raced through the
city, millions of New Yorkers
As the news raced through the
city, millions of New Yorkers
converged on Times Square,
city, millions of New Yorkers
converged on Times Square,
laughing, shouting, weeping, and
converged on Times Square,
laughing, shouting, weeping, and
embracing in a spontaneous
laughing, shouting, weeping, and
embracing in a spontaneous
celebration that lasted all
embracing in a spontaneous
celebration that lasted all
through the night and on into
celebration that lasted all
through the night and on into
the early hours of the morning.
KENNETH T. JACKSON: On August
the 14th when President Truman
the 14th when President Truman
announces the surrender of
announces the surrender of
Japan, I mean, the tumultuous
Japan, I mean, the tumultuous
scenes in the city of course
scenes in the city of course
we think of celebrations all
we think of celebrations all
around the United States and
around the United States and
indeed all around the world, but
indeed all around the world, but
no place like Times Square.
That's the moment, that's the
That's the moment, that's the
place where the real end of the
war is announced and celebrated.
Place where the real end of the
war is announced and celebrated.
NARRATOR: Twice a month now,
war is announced and celebrated.
NARRATOR: Twice a month now,
in the delirious, jubilant days
NARRATOR: Twice a month now,
in the delirious, jubilant days
following the close of the war,
in the delirious, jubilant days
following the close of the war,
the two greatest ocean liners in
following the close of the war,
the two greatest ocean liners in
the world, the Queen Mary and
the two greatest ocean liners in
the world, the Queen Mary and
the Queen Elizabeth, which in
the world, the Queen Mary and
the Queen Elizabeth, which in
four years had ferried more than
the Queen Elizabeth, which in
four years had ferried more than
two million men to war, could be
four years had ferried more than
two million men to war, could be
seen steaming into port,
two million men to war, could be
seen steaming into port,
bringing their fragile human
seen steaming into port,
bringing their fragile human
cargo back home.
Bringing their fragile human
cargo back home.
As the great sister ships
cargo back home.
As the great sister ships
entered the Upper Bay, their
As the great sister ships
entered the Upper Bay, their
decks crammed with American
entered the Upper Bay, their
decks crammed with American
soldiers, a gigantic cheer went
decks crammed with American
soldiers, a gigantic cheer went
up at the sight of the ravishing
soldiers, a gigantic cheer went
up at the sight of the ravishing
skyline of New York, which had
up at the sight of the ravishing
skyline of New York, which had
never seemed more precious or
skyline of New York, which had
never seemed more precious or
more filled with promise for the
never seemed more precious or
more filled with promise for the
future.
ALFRED KAZIN: Every inch of
land in New Jersey and Staten
land in New Jersey and Staten
Island, New York, was crowded
Island, New York, was crowded
with people cheering and the
with people cheering and the
whole thing was such an amazing
whole thing was such an amazing
vision of people brought
vision of people brought
together, which they usually are
together, which they usually are
not in New York, and cheering,
not in New York, and cheering,
you know, "God Bless you boys"
You know, "God Bless you boys"
All that stuff.
All that stuff.
DAVID McCULLOUGH: If I could
DAVID McCULLOUGH: If I could
pick a time to be there, I would
pick a time to be there, I would
probably be in the spring of
probably be in the spring of
1946 when the troops were coming
1946 when the troops were coming
home from the war and to have
home from the war and to have
seen the great ocean liners
seen the great ocean liners
loaded to the brim with
loaded to the brim with
returning soldiers from Europe.
We were at the pinnacle then.
We were at the pinnacle then.
New York may have been, not just
the greatest city in the world,
New York may have been, not just
the greatest city in the world,
but that may have been the
the greatest city in the world,
but that may have been the
greatest time in New York.
But that may have been the
greatest time in New York.
NARRATOR: With the great
greatest time in New York.
NARRATOR: With the great
harbor filled with ships and
NARRATOR: With the great
harbor filled with ships and
tens of thousands of factories
harbor filled with ships and
tens of thousands of factories
churning out goods in record
tens of thousands of factories
churning out goods in record
volumes, the halcyon months
churning out goods in record
volumes, the halcyon months
following the end of the war
volumes, the halcyon months
following the end of the war
were in many ways the highest
following the end of the war
were in many ways the highest
point of the city's entire
were in many ways the highest
point of the city's entire
history.
Point of the city's entire
history.
The terrible conflict itself had
history.
The terrible conflict itself had
proved in many ways to be the
The terrible conflict itself had
proved in many ways to be the
city's salvation, lifting at
proved in many ways to be the
city's salvation, lifting at
last the decade-long depression
city's salvation, lifting at
last the decade-long depression
and reconfirming New York's
last the decade-long depression
and reconfirming New York's
status as the unofficial capital
and reconfirming New York's
status as the unofficial capital
of what was now the most
status as the unofficial capital
of what was now the most
powerful nation on earth.
Of what was now the most
powerful nation on earth.
MAN: And general, you ain't
powerful nation on earth.
MAN: And general, you ain't
seen or heard nothing yet.
MAN: And general, you ain't
seen or heard nothing yet.
NARRATOR: As Fiorello La
seen or heard nothing yet.
NARRATOR: As Fiorello La
Guardia finished his third term
NARRATOR: As Fiorello La
Guardia finished his third term
as mayor and as Robert Moses,
Guardia finished his third term
as mayor and as Robert Moses,
unable to build during four long
as mayor and as Robert Moses,
unable to build during four long
years of war, prepared to throw
unable to build during four long
years of war, prepared to throw
himself into a frenzy of
years of war, prepared to throw
himself into a frenzy of
construction, every force that
himself into a frenzy of
construction, every force that
had brought New York to
construction, every force that
had brought New York to
greatness seemed to be operating
had brought New York to
greatness seemed to be operating
at peak capacity.
RAY SUAREZ: It was the apex,
the time when it was like
the time when it was like
Imperial Rome, a standard
Imperial Rome, a standard
setter, a trend recognizer, a
setter, a trend recognizer, a
place that translated the world
place that translated the world
to America.
When you look at New York in the
When you look at New York in the
late '40s and early '50s, when
it mattered, it just mattered in
late '40s and early '50s, when
it mattered, it just mattered in
a way that other places didn't.
It mattered, it just mattered in
a way that other places didn't.
Don't if you come from other
a way that other places didn't.
Don't if you come from other
places, don't be upset.
Don't if you come from other
places, don't be upset.
I mean, it just did.
Places, don't be upset.
I mean, it just did.
And it was also a place that was
I mean, it just did.
And it was also a place that was
producing a bewildering array of
And it was also a place that was
producing a bewildering array of
stuff and people were working:
producing a bewildering array of
stuff and people were working:
ladies' hats and musical
stuff and people were working:
ladies' hats and musical
instruments and table lamps and
ladies' hats and musical
instruments and table lamps and
printers' inks and shellac and
instruments and table lamps and
printers' inks and shellac and
sugar and beer and bread and
printers' inks and shellac and
sugar and beer and bread and
skin creams.
Sugar and beer and bread and
skin creams.
The thing about New York was
skin creams.
The thing about New York was
that there was no one thing, you
The thing about New York was
that there was no one thing, you
know, that you said,
that there was no one thing, you
know, that you said,
"Pittsburgh: steel.
Know, that you said,
"Pittsburgh: steel.
Detroit: cars.
"Pittsburgh: steel.
Detroit: cars.
Akron: rubber.
Detroit: cars.
Akron: rubber.
New York: everything."
Akron: rubber.
New York: everything."
And that's why New York really
New York: everything."
And that's why New York really
sort of looked down on the rest
And that's why New York really
sort of looked down on the rest
of America from Olympus and
sort of looked down on the rest
of America from Olympus and
the seeds of its downfall might
of America from Olympus and
the seeds of its downfall might
have been in that as well.
The seeds of its downfall might
have been in that as well.
PETE HAMILL: The core of it
have been in that as well.
PETE HAMILL: The core of it
was that it was still a
PETE HAMILL: The core of it
was that it was still a
manufacturing town, which meant
was that it was still a
manufacturing town, which meant
that people like my father with
manufacturing town, which meant
that people like my father with
an eighth-grade education, Irish
that people like my father with
an eighth-grade education, Irish
immigrant, could first of all
an eighth-grade education, Irish
immigrant, could first of all
form a family and then support
immigrant, could first of all
form a family and then support
it.
Form a family and then support
it.
And that sense that you would
it.
And that sense that you would
get of working men permeated the
And that sense that you would
get of working men permeated the
city.
I remember one of things that I
miss the most was what it felt
miss the most was what it felt
like in the subway between the
like in the subway between the
hours of 5:00 and 7:00 and being
hours of 5:00 and 7:00 and being
on packed subway cars with
on packed subway cars with
working men on those cars guys
working men on those cars guys
stained with sweat, the smell of
stained with sweat, the smell of
perspiration, the raw-knuckled
perspiration, the raw-knuckled
hands, tool boxes, heading home.
Nobody would mess with guys like
Nobody would mess with guys like
that and they were very proud in
the fact that they were working
that and they were very proud in
the fact that they were working
in the biggest city in the
the fact that they were working
in the biggest city in the
United States.
In the biggest city in the
United States.
They were functioning people.
United States.
They were functioning people.
NARRATOR: And yet, more than
They were functioning people.
NARRATOR: And yet, more than
most people realized at the
NARRATOR: And yet, more than
most people realized at the
time, in the giddy postwar
most people realized at the
time, in the giddy postwar
atmosphere of triumph and
time, in the giddy postwar
atmosphere of triumph and
success, by 1945, much of the
atmosphere of triumph and
success, by 1945, much of the
fate of the postwar city had
success, by 1945, much of the
fate of the postwar city had
already been written and the
fate of the postwar city had
already been written and the
stage had been set for one of
already been written and the
stage had been set for one of
the most complex and troubling
stage had been set for one of
the most complex and troubling
periods in the city's entire
the most complex and troubling
periods in the city's entire
history.
Periods in the city's entire
history.
The war itself had vastly
history.
The war itself had vastly
accelerated a fateful shift in
The war itself had vastly
accelerated a fateful shift in
power in America, begun during
accelerated a fateful shift in
power in America, begun during
the depression and the New Deal,
power in America, begun during
the depression and the New Deal,
that in the years to come would
the depression and the New Deal,
that in the years to come would
challenge New York's once
that in the years to come would
challenge New York's once
unrivaled claim to economic
challenge New York's once
unrivaled claim to economic
supremacy and alter forever the
unrivaled claim to economic
supremacy and alter forever the
relation of the city and the
supremacy and alter forever the
relation of the city and the
country.
Relation of the city and the
country.
MIKE WALLACE: It is true that
country.
MIKE WALLACE: It is true that
there was defense spending going
MIKE WALLACE: It is true that
there was defense spending going
to New York City, but there was
there was defense spending going
to New York City, but there was
far more of it going to the
to New York City, but there was
far more of it going to the
South and far more of it going
far more of it going to the
South and far more of it going
to the West.
South and far more of it going
to the West.
Huge quantities of money were
to the West.
Huge quantities of money were
flowing to shipbuilding
Huge quantities of money were
flowing to shipbuilding
operations on the West Coast.
Flowing to shipbuilding
operations on the West Coast.
Money was going to develop in
operations on the West Coast.
Money was going to develop in
the Carolinas new modern
Money was going to develop in
the Carolinas new modern
garment-manufacturing facilities
the Carolinas new modern
garment-manufacturing facilities
that'll turn out uniforms, not
garment-manufacturing facilities
that'll turn out uniforms, not
in these crowded little
that'll turn out uniforms, not
in these crowded little
sweatshops, you know?
So while New York comes out of
the war, in a sense, in an
the war, in a sense, in an
unparalleled position of power
unparalleled position of power
and it is now, in a sense, the
and it is now, in a sense, the
capital of the world, these
capital of the world, these
undertows have been operating
undertows have been operating
and the city's long-term
and the city's long-term
position, although it's not
position, although it's not
apparent yet, is in fact going
apparent yet, is in fact going
to be a lot weaker than it had
to be a lot weaker than it had
been going into that war.
NARRATOR: Certainly no one
NARRATOR: Certainly no one
could have imagined in the
triumphant years following the
could have imagined in the
triumphant years following the
war that in little more than
triumphant years following the
war that in little more than
three decades the mighty
war that in little more than
three decades the mighty
metropolis on the banks of the
three decades the mighty
metropolis on the banks of the
Hudson would be shaken to its
metropolis on the banks of the
Hudson would be shaken to its
very foundations and fighting
Hudson would be shaken to its
very foundations and fighting
for its very existence.
Very foundations and fighting
for its very existence.
Late one night in the waning
for its very existence.
Late one night in the waning
days of December 1945, as
Late one night in the waning
days of December 1945, as
Fiorello La Guardia's third and
days of December 1945, as
Fiorello La Guardia's third and
final term wound quietly to a
Fiorello La Guardia's third and
final term wound quietly to a
close, an aide named Louis
final term wound quietly to a
close, an aide named Louis
Yavner, returning to City Hall
close, an aide named Louis
Yavner, returning to City Hall
to attend to some last-minute
Yavner, returning to City Hall
to attend to some last-minute
paperwork, was surprised to hear
to attend to some last-minute
paperwork, was surprised to hear
the sound of a lone typewriter
paperwork, was surprised to hear
the sound of a lone typewriter
clattering down the darkened
the sound of a lone typewriter
clattering down the darkened
hallway.
Clattering down the darkened
hallway.
In an office at the end of the
hallway.
In an office at the end of the
hall, he found La Guardia
In an office at the end of the
hall, he found La Guardia
himself hunched over his
hall, he found La Guardia
himself hunched over his
secretary's desk.
Himself hunched over his
secretary's desk.
"Hello, Lou," the mayor said.
Secretary's desk.
"Hello, Lou," the mayor said.
"I've got these letters to get
"Hello, Lou," the mayor said.
"I've got these letters to get
out and there was no one else
"I've got these letters to get
out and there was no one else
around.
Out and there was no one else
around.
Can you type?"
around.
Can you type?"
HAMILL: But even La Guardia
Can you type?"
HAMILL: But even La Guardia
wore out.
HAMILL: But even La Guardia
wore out.
The city wore him out.
Wore out.
The city wore him out.
You know, by the end of his
The city wore him out.
You know, by the end of his
third term he was an exhausted,
You know, by the end of his
third term he was an exhausted,
tired man.
Third term he was an exhausted,
tired man.
It had beaten him up, the
tired man.
It had beaten him up, the
process of it.
It had beaten him up, the
process of it.
Remember, this is a city that
process of it.
Remember, this is a city that
almost went bankrupt under as
Remember, this is a city that
almost went bankrupt under as
soon as he showed up.
Almost went bankrupt under as
soon as he showed up.
It's depression New York that he
soon as he showed up.
It's depression New York that he
was the mayor of.
It's depression New York that he
was the mayor of.
And for all of his amazing
was the mayor of.
And for all of his amazing
gifts, that third term was very,
And for all of his amazing
gifts, that third term was very,
very hard for him.
Gifts, that third term was very,
very hard for him.
NARRATOR: By the time La
very hard for him.
NARRATOR: By the time La
Guardia left office in January
NARRATOR: By the time La
Guardia left office in January
1946, to be succeeded by a tough
Guardia left office in January
1946, to be succeeded by a tough
but genial ex-policeman named
1946, to be succeeded by a tough
but genial ex-policeman named
William O'Dwyer, the city he
but genial ex-policeman named
William O'Dwyer, the city he
loved had completely rebounded
William O'Dwyer, the city he
loved had completely rebounded
from the decade-long depression,
loved had completely rebounded
from the decade-long depression,
thanks in large part to the New
from the decade-long depression,
thanks in large part to the New
Deal and the war.
Thanks in large part to the New
Deal and the war.
But La Guardia himself was
Deal and the war.
But La Guardia himself was
already seriously ill with
But La Guardia himself was
already seriously ill with
cancer of the pancreas and less
already seriously ill with
cancer of the pancreas and less
than two years later he died,
cancer of the pancreas and less
than two years later he died,
leaving his wife, Marie, $8,000
than two years later he died,
leaving his wife, Marie, $8,000
in war bonds, and a heavily
leaving his wife, Marie, $8,000
in war bonds, and a heavily
mortgaged house in the Bronx.
In war bonds, and a heavily
mortgaged house in the Bronx.
He was 64 years old.
Mortgaged house in the Bronx.
He was 64 years old.
READER: "A city of which he
He was 64 years old.
READER: "A city of which he
was a part as much as any public
READER: "A city of which he
was a part as much as any public
building awoke to find the
was a part as much as any public
building awoke to find the
little firebrand dead.
Building awoke to find the
little firebrand dead.
Its people had laughed with him
little firebrand dead.
Its people had laughed with him
and at him.
Its people had laughed with him
and at him.
They had been entertained by
and at him.
They had been entertained by
his antics, and they had been
They had been entertained by
his antics, and they had been
sobered by his warnings.
His antics, and they had been
sobered by his warnings.
And they found it difficult to
sobered by his warnings.
And they found it difficult to
believe that the voice he had
And they found it difficult to
believe that the voice he had
raised on their behalf in the
believe that the voice he had
raised on their behalf in the
legislative halls of city and
raised on their behalf in the
legislative halls of city and
nation, on street corners
legislative halls of city and
nation, on street corners
and on the radio, was stilled
nation, on street corners
and on the radio, was stilled
forever."
and on the radio, was stilled
forever."
The New York Times.
Forever."
The New York Times.
NARRATOR: More than most
The New York Times.
NARRATOR: More than most
people realized, La Guardia's
NARRATOR: More than most
people realized, La Guardia's
death marked the end of an era
people realized, La Guardia's
death marked the end of an era
in New York.
Death marked the end of an era
in New York.
FIORELLO LA GUARDIA: Let's
in New York.
FIORELLO LA GUARDIA: Let's
see what Dick Tracy is doing.
FIORELLO LA GUARDIA: Let's
see what Dick Tracy is doing.
NARRATOR: For 12 long years
see what Dick Tracy is doing.
NARRATOR: For 12 long years
he had struggled to reconcile
NARRATOR: For 12 long years
he had struggled to reconcile
two competing visions of the
he had struggled to reconcile
two competing visions of the
city: the shining vision of the
two competing visions of the
city: the shining vision of the
city of tomorrow championed by
city: the shining vision of the
city of tomorrow championed by
men like Robert Moses, beholden
city of tomorrow championed by
men like Robert Moses, beholden
to the car and the highway and
men like Robert Moses, beholden
to the car and the highway and
to forces beyond the city's
to the car and the highway and
to forces beyond the city's
borders, and the old, working
to forces beyond the city's
borders, and the old, working
city of Walt Whitman, Al Smith,
borders, and the old, working
city of Walt Whitman, Al Smith,
and Emma Lazarus the city of
city of Walt Whitman, Al Smith,
and Emma Lazarus the city of
the block and the neighborhood
and Emma Lazarus the city of
the block and the neighborhood
and the crowded urban street
the block and the neighborhood
and the crowded urban street
that, however shabby and rundown
and the crowded urban street
that, however shabby and rundown
in appearance, he had always
that, however shabby and rundown
in appearance, he had always
known was New York's great
in appearance, he had always
known was New York's great
strength, heartbeat, and true
known was New York's great
strength, heartbeat, and true
glory.
Strength, heartbeat, and true
glory.
Without him, in the years to
glory.
Without him, in the years to
come, those two cities would
Without him, in the years to
come, those two cities would
come to seem increasingly
come, those two cities would
come to seem increasingly
incompatible as the forces of
come to seem increasingly
incompatible as the forces of
change unleashed by the war
incompatible as the forces of
change unleashed by the war
pulled New York into the orbit
change unleashed by the war
pulled New York into the orbit
of an immense new order
pulled New York into the orbit
of an immense new order
increasingly indifferent to the
of an immense new order
increasingly indifferent to the
values and beliefs La Guardia
increasingly indifferent to the
values and beliefs La Guardia
had cared for most deeply.
Values and beliefs La Guardia
had cared for most deeply.
CARO: After La Guardia was
had cared for most deeply.
CARO: After La Guardia was
mayor, he was sitting one day in
CARO: After La Guardia was
mayor, he was sitting one day in
the Engineers Club in New York,
mayor, he was sitting one day in
the Engineers Club in New York,
and a friend of his, Walter
the Engineers Club in New York,
and a friend of his, Walter
Binger, came over.
And a friend of his, Walter
Binger, came over.
He said, "Major," which is what
Binger, came over.
He said, "Major," which is what
everyone called La Guardia who
He said, "Major," which is what
everyone called La Guardia who
really knew him, "Major, you're
everyone called La Guardia who
really knew him, "Major, you're
really looking down."
really knew him, "Major, you're
really looking down."
He said, "Robert Moses has too
really looking down."
He said, "Robert Moses has too
much power today."
He said, "Robert Moses has too
much power today."
And Binger, who really disliked
much power today."
And Binger, who really disliked
Moses, said, "Well, who gave it
And Binger, who really disliked
Moses, said, "Well, who gave it
to him, Major?"
Moses, said, "Well, who gave it
to him, Major?"
And La Guardia said, "But I
to him, Major?"
And La Guardia said, "But I
could control him.
And La Guardia said, "But I
could control him.
Now no one will be able to
could control him.
Now no one will be able to
control him."
Now no one will be able to
control him."
NARRATOR: By 1945, a bold new
control him."
NARRATOR: By 1945, a bold new
attitude towards urban life had
NARRATOR: By 1945, a bold new
attitude towards urban life had
begun to come to the fore in New
attitude towards urban life had
begun to come to the fore in New
York and in cities across
begun to come to the fore in New
York and in cities across
America.
York and in cities across
America.
For more than two decades, a
America.
For more than two decades, a
growing number of architects and
For more than two decades, a
growing number of architects and
urban planners, disturbed by the
growing number of architects and
urban planners, disturbed by the
increasing congestion and chaos
urban planners, disturbed by the
increasing congestion and chaos
of the modern city, had been
increasing congestion and chaos
of the modern city, had been
arguing that the old urban order
of the modern city, had been
arguing that the old urban order
of narrow streets and blocks be
arguing that the old urban order
of narrow streets and blocks be
left behind and replaced with an
of narrow streets and blocks be
left behind and replaced with an
entirely new one.
Left behind and replaced with an
entirely new one.
Consecrated to the car and the
entirely new one.
Consecrated to the car and the
highway and the dream of
Consecrated to the car and the
highway and the dream of
infinite mobility, this vision
highway and the dream of
infinite mobility, this vision
of a radiant new city of
infinite mobility, this vision
of a radiant new city of
tomorrow had found its purest
of a radiant new city of
tomorrow had found its purest
expression before the war in the
tomorrow had found its purest
expression before the war in the
awesome public works of Robert
expression before the war in the
awesome public works of Robert
Moses, in the ravishing exhibits
awesome public works of Robert
Moses, in the ravishing exhibits
of the World's Fair, and in the
Moses, in the ravishing exhibits
of the World's Fair, and in the
writings of a visionary Swiss
of the World's Fair, and in the
writings of a visionary Swiss
architect and urban theorist
writings of a visionary Swiss
architect and urban theorist
named Le Corbusier, who had been
architect and urban theorist
named Le Corbusier, who had been
amongst the first to sense that
named Le Corbusier, who had been
amongst the first to sense that
cities themselves had been
amongst the first to sense that
cities themselves had been
rendered completely obsolete by
cities themselves had been
rendered completely obsolete by
the advent of the automobile.
Rendered completely obsolete by
the advent of the automobile.
MARSHALL BERMAN: There's a
the advent of the automobile.
MARSHALL BERMAN: There's a
wonderful passage from Le
MARSHALL BERMAN: There's a
wonderful passage from Le
Corbusier.
He walks out in the streets of
Paris near the university, and
Paris near the university, and
he feels very nostalgic and he
he feels very nostalgic and he
says, "In the good old days,
says, "In the good old days,
when I was a student, we used to
when I was a student, we used to
walk these streets and we would
walk these streets and we would
stand in the middle of the
stand in the middle of the
street and argue.
We could have races with each
We could have races with each
other and we could play games,
but now we're swept away by the
other and we could play games,
but now we're swept away by the
cars."
but now we're swept away by the
cars."
And he's very bitter about that
cars."
And he's very bitter about that
and he says, "What can we do?"
And he's very bitter about that
and he says, "What can we do?"
And then there's, like, a kind
and he says, "What can we do?"
And then there's, like, a kind
of cognitive leap which is, "We
And then there's, like, a kind
of cognitive leap which is, "We
have to somehow merge with the
of cognitive leap which is, "We
have to somehow merge with the
cars.
Have to somehow merge with the
cars.
We have to, if we can,
cars.
We have to, if we can,
completely identify with them
We have to, if we can,
completely identify with them
and forget this paradise lost
completely identify with them
and forget this paradise lost
from our youth when the streets
and forget this paradise lost
from our youth when the streets
belonged to us."
from our youth when the streets
belonged to us."
Because that's the refrain: The
belonged to us."
Because that's the refrain: The
streets belonged to us then.
Because that's the refrain: The
streets belonged to us then.
But if you can forget that and
streets belonged to us then.
But if you can forget that and
repress the part of you that
But if you can forget that and
repress the part of you that
loved the streets and felt at
repress the part of you that
loved the streets and felt at
home in them and that feels very
loved the streets and felt at
home in them and that feels very
angry that you can't you
home in them and that feels very
angry that you can't you
know, that there's too much
angry that you can't you
know, that there's too much
traffic for you now, that you
know, that there's too much
traffic for you now, that you
don't fit in, that, like,
traffic for you now, that you
don't fit in, that, like,
history has surpassed you, you
don't fit in, that, like,
history has surpassed you, you
can make a leap and surpass it.
History has surpassed you, you
can make a leap and surpass it.
And the way that he did was
can make a leap and surpass it.
And the way that he did was
through this concept of the
And the way that he did was
through this concept of the
highway system and the flow that
through this concept of the
highway system and the flow that
would never end and the traffic
highway system and the flow that
would never end and the traffic
that would always be moving.
Would never end and the traffic
that would always be moving.
And what he wanted to do in
that would always be moving.
And what he wanted to do in
Paris and New York was to
And what he wanted to do in
Paris and New York was to
basically kill the street, tear
Paris and New York was to
basically kill the street, tear
it all down, and put up giant
basically kill the street, tear
it all down, and put up giant
slabs connected by highways.
It all down, and put up giant
slabs connected by highways.
And I think he's probably the
slabs connected by highways.
And I think he's probably the
greatest metaphysician of the
And I think he's probably the
greatest metaphysician of the
highway system anywhere, and
greatest metaphysician of the
highway system anywhere, and
Moses was certainly his greatest
highway system anywhere, and
Moses was certainly his greatest
disciple.
Moses was certainly his greatest
disciple.
NARRATOR: In the years
disciple.
NARRATOR: In the years
following the war, as urban
NARRATOR: In the years
following the war, as urban
planners proposed remaking the
following the war, as urban
planners proposed remaking the
city on a breathtaking scale,
planners proposed remaking the
city on a breathtaking scale,
New York would begin to take
city on a breathtaking scale,
New York would begin to take
leave of the past as never
New York would begin to take
leave of the past as never
before and rush headlong into
leave of the past as never
before and rush headlong into
the future.
Before and rush headlong into
the future.
In little more than half a
the future.
In little more than half a
decade, many of the streets and
In little more than half a
decade, many of the streets and
neighborhoods Helen Levitt had
decade, many of the streets and
neighborhoods Helen Levitt had
documented so painstakingly
neighborhoods Helen Levitt had
documented so painstakingly
would be razed to the ground to
documented so painstakingly
would be razed to the ground to
make way for block after block
would be razed to the ground to
make way for block after block
of towering high-rise housing
make way for block after block
of towering high-rise housing
projects.
Of towering high-rise housing
projects.
Le Corbusier himself would
projects.
Le Corbusier himself would
return to New York in the boom
Le Corbusier himself would
return to New York in the boom
years following the war to begin
return to New York in the boom
years following the war to begin
work on an austere new complex
years following the war to begin
work on an austere new complex
of buildings along the East
work on an austere new complex
of buildings along the East
River, determined to turn
of buildings along the East
River, determined to turn
Manhattan itself into a bold new
River, determined to turn
Manhattan itself into a bold new
city of the future.
Manhattan itself into a bold new
city of the future.
READER: "New York is not a
city of the future.
READER: "New York is not a
capital city.
READER: "New York is not a
capital city.
It is not a national capital or
capital city.
It is not a national capital or
a state capital, but is by way
It is not a national capital or
a state capital, but is by way
of becoming the capital of the
a state capital, but is by way
of becoming the capital of the
world.
Of becoming the capital of the
world.
Along the East River, from the
world.
Along the East River, from the
razed slaughterhouses of Turtle
Along the East River, from the
razed slaughterhouses of Turtle
Bay, men are carving out the
razed slaughterhouses of Turtle
Bay, men are carving out the
permanent headquarters of the
Bay, men are carving out the
permanent headquarters of the
United Nations the greatest
permanent headquarters of the
United Nations the greatest
housing project of them all.
United Nations the greatest
housing project of them all.
In its stride, New York takes on
housing project of them all.
In its stride, New York takes on
one more interior city to
In its stride, New York takes on
one more interior city to
shelter, this time, all
one more interior city to
shelter, this time, all
governments and to clear the
shelter, this time, all
governments and to clear the
slum called war."
governments and to clear the
slum called war."
E.B. White.
Slum called war."
E.B. White.
JACKSON: The real shift to
E.B. White.
JACKSON: The real shift to
New York becoming the capital of
JACKSON: The real shift to
New York becoming the capital of
the world comes after World War
New York becoming the capital of
the world comes after World War
II, when the United States
the world comes after World War
II, when the United States
emerges from the conflict as
II, when the United States
emerges from the conflict as
indisputably the most powerful
emerges from the conflict as
indisputably the most powerful
militarily and economic force on
indisputably the most powerful
militarily and economic force on
earth.
Militarily and economic force on
earth.
And I think the placement of the
earth.
And I think the placement of the
United Nations in New York City
And I think the placement of the
United Nations in New York City
kind of symbolizes New York's
United Nations in New York City
kind of symbolizes New York's
emergence as the capital of the
kind of symbolizes New York's
emergence as the capital of the
world.
Emergence as the capital of the
world.
ROBERT A.M. STERN: Let's put
world.
ROBERT A.M. STERN: Let's put
it this way.
If the United Nations hadn't
come to New York, I think a lot
come to New York, I think a lot
of people would have killed
of people would have killed
themselves, would just have gone
themselves, would just have gone
berserk.
It just seemed the right place
It just seemed the right place
for the United Nations to be.
It wasn't inevitable that it
for the United Nations to be.
It wasn't inevitable that it
would come to New York.
It wasn't inevitable that it
would come to New York.
Le Corbusier, who in many ways
would come to New York.
Le Corbusier, who in many ways
plays the evil spirit in this
Le Corbusier, who in many ways
plays the evil spirit in this
story, didn't want it to come to
plays the evil spirit in this
story, didn't want it to come to
New York.
Story, didn't want it to come to
New York.
And as the leading architect, he
New York.
And as the leading architect, he
had a great say.
And as the leading architect, he
had a great say.
He wanted it to be, if it had to
had a great say.
He wanted it to be, if it had to
be near New York, to be on some
He wanted it to be, if it had to
be near New York, to be on some
estate in Pound Ridge or
be near New York, to be on some
estate in Pound Ridge or
Westchester.
Estate in Pound Ridge or
Westchester.
They looked at all kinds of
Westchester.
They looked at all kinds of
places.
They looked at all kinds of
places.
My god, they even thought of
places.
My god, they even thought of
Philadelphia.
My god, they even thought of
Philadelphia.
NARRATOR: Little more than a
Philadelphia.
NARRATOR: Little more than a
year after of the end of the
NARRATOR: Little more than a
year after of the end of the
war, thanks in large part to the
year after of the end of the
war, thanks in large part to the
immense power of the Rockefeller
war, thanks in large part to the
immense power of the Rockefeller
family and to the administrative
immense power of the Rockefeller
family and to the administrative
genius of Robert Moses, a site
family and to the administrative
genius of Robert Moses, a site
in New York had been settled on
genius of Robert Moses, a site
in New York had been settled on
on the east side of Manhattan,
in New York had been settled on
on the east side of Manhattan,
along the East River.
On the east side of Manhattan,
along the East River.
The startling shapes that soon
along the East River.
The startling shapes that soon
began to arise on a 17-acre
The startling shapes that soon
began to arise on a 17-acre
tract of land called Blood
began to arise on a 17-acre
tract of land called Blood
Alley, once filled with
tract of land called Blood
Alley, once filled with
stockyards and slaughterhouses,
Alley, once filled with
stockyards and slaughterhouses,
were unlike anything ever built
stockyards and slaughterhouses,
were unlike anything ever built
in New York or anywhere else
were unlike anything ever built
in New York or anywhere else
for that matter.
In New York or anywhere else
for that matter.
STERN: The slab of glass a
for that matter.
STERN: The slab of glass a
totally new form developed out
STERN: The slab of glass a
totally new form developed out
of Le Corbusier's earlier work
Totally new form developed out
of Le Corbusier's earlier work
sheer slab.
Of Le Corbusier's earlier work
sheer slab.
He'd never gone so extreme:
sheer slab.
He'd never gone so extreme:
glass facing east and west, no
He'd never gone so extreme:
glass facing east and west, no
windows facing north and south,
glass facing east and west, no
windows facing north and south,
on some kind of idea of solar
windows facing north and south,
on some kind of idea of solar
orientation.
On some kind of idea of solar
orientation.
Then the assembly building with
orientation.
Then the assembly building with
its swooping roof a new kind
Then the assembly building with
its swooping roof a new kind
of shape that has nothing to do
its swooping roof a new kind
of shape that has nothing to do
with the city, has to be in a
of shape that has nothing to do
with the city, has to be in a
park because of its sculptural
with the city, has to be in a
park because of its sculptural
force.
Park because of its sculptural
force.
Basically, there had never been
force.
Basically, there had never been
a building like that seen in New
Basically, there had never been
a building like that seen in New
York or virtually anywhere
a building like that seen in New
York or virtually anywhere
else all that glass.
York or virtually anywhere
else all that glass.
It's what everybody has been
else all that glass.
It's what everybody has been
dreaming about.
It's what everybody has been
dreaming about.
It's what a little bit of
dreaming about.
It's what a little bit of
what you could have got a hint
It's what a little bit of
what you could have got a hint
of if you'd gone to the fair in
what you could have got a hint
of if you'd gone to the fair in
'39, and people are thrilled.
Of if you'd gone to the fair in
'39, and people are thrilled.
NARRATOR: The arrival of the
'39, and people are thrilled.
NARRATOR: The arrival of the
United Nations was the harbinger
NARRATOR: The arrival of the
United Nations was the harbinger
of a new kind of globalism in
United Nations was the harbinger
of a new kind of globalism in
New York.
Of a new kind of globalism in
New York.
By the fall of 1952, as
New York.
By the fall of 1952, as
delegates from around the world
By the fall of 1952, as
delegates from around the world
arrived for the first general
delegates from around the world
arrived for the first general
session in the new headquarters,
arrived for the first general
session in the new headquarters,
a sleek, new, international
session in the new headquarters,
a sleek, new, international
style had begun to transform the
a sleek, new, international
style had begun to transform the
look and feel of central
style had begun to transform the
look and feel of central
Manhattan, not only in
look and feel of central
Manhattan, not only in
architecture and diplomacy, but
Manhattan, not only in
architecture and diplomacy, but
in corporate culture itself.
Architecture and diplomacy, but
in corporate culture itself.
STERN: The UN building is
in corporate culture itself.
STERN: The UN building is
decisive in reestablishing New
STERN: The UN building is
decisive in reestablishing New
York.
Decisive in reestablishing New
York.
And then with the completion of
York.
And then with the completion of
that building, New York enters
And then with the completion of
that building, New York enters
yet another phase of its life
that building, New York enters
yet another phase of its life
and it becomes more than ever
yet another phase of its life
and it becomes more than ever
office capital of the world.
And it becomes more than ever
office capital of the world.
More new office space is built
office capital of the world.
More new office space is built
in New York roughly between 1950
More new office space is built
in New York roughly between 1950
and 1960 than there is in the
in New York roughly between 1950
and 1960 than there is in the
entire of the downtown business
and 1960 than there is in the
entire of the downtown business
district of Chicago all of it,
entire of the downtown business
district of Chicago all of it,
not just what was built there,
district of Chicago all of it,
not just what was built there,
but everything that ever was
not just what was built there,
but everything that ever was
built there.
But everything that ever was
built there.
New York becomes headquarters
built there.
New York becomes headquarters
city.
New York becomes headquarters
city.
Every major corporation, even
city.
Every major corporation, even
more than in the robber-baron
Every major corporation, even
more than in the robber-baron
days, finds that it has to be in
more than in the robber-baron
days, finds that it has to be in
New York, feels that it has to
days, finds that it has to be in
New York, feels that it has to
be in New York, because American
New York, feels that it has to
be in New York, because American
corporations recognize they have
be in New York, because American
corporations recognize they have
to operate on the international
corporations recognize they have
to operate on the international
stage, and New York is the
to operate on the international
stage, and New York is the
logical place.
Stage, and New York is the
logical place.
NARRATOR: Even as a gleaming
logical place.
NARRATOR: Even as a gleaming
new city of glass and steel
NARRATOR: Even as a gleaming
new city of glass and steel
thrust skyward in midtown
new city of glass and steel
thrust skyward in midtown
Manhattan, another kind of
thrust skyward in midtown
Manhattan, another kind of
transformation was underway, far
Manhattan, another kind of
transformation was underway, far
from the white-collar ramparts
transformation was underway, far
from the white-collar ramparts
of Park and Sixth Avenues, as
from the white-collar ramparts
of Park and Sixth Avenues, as
hundreds of thousands of African
of Park and Sixth Avenues, as
hundreds of thousands of African
Americans from the rural south
hundreds of thousands of African
Americans from the rural south
poured into the city's poorest
Americans from the rural south
poured into the city's poorest
neighborhoods looking for work
poured into the city's poorest
neighborhoods looking for work
and a new beginning.
Neighborhoods looking for work
and a new beginning.
READER: "So they came from
and a new beginning.
READER: "So they came from
all parts of the South.
READER: "So they came from
all parts of the South.
The Georgians came as soon as
all parts of the South.
The Georgians came as soon as
they were able to pick train
The Georgians came as soon as
they were able to pick train
fare off the peach trees.
They were able to pick train
fare off the peach trees.
They came from South Carolina
fare off the peach trees.
They came from South Carolina
where the cotton stalks were
They came from South Carolina
where the cotton stalks were
bare.
Where the cotton stalks were
bare.
The North Carolinians came with
bare.
The North Carolinians came with
tobacco tar beneath their
The North Carolinians came with
tobacco tar beneath their
fingernails.
Tobacco tar beneath their
fingernails.
Even while planning the trip,
fingernails.
Even while planning the trip,
they sang spirituals such as
Even while planning the trip,
they sang spirituals such as
'Jesus Take My Hand' and
they sang spirituals such as
'Jesus Take My Hand' and
chanted, 'Hallelujah, I'm on my
'Jesus Take My Hand' and
chanted, 'Hallelujah, I'm on my
way to the promised land.'"
chanted, 'Hallelujah, I'm on my
way to the promised land.'"
Claude Brown.
Way to the promised land.'"
Claude Brown.
NARRATOR: By 1950, as the
Claude Brown.
NARRATOR: By 1950, as the
great black migration swelled to
NARRATOR: By 1950, as the
great black migration swelled to
a flood, another immense influx
great black migration swelled to
a flood, another immense influx
was underway.
A flood, another immense influx
was underway.
Within a year of the end of the
was underway.
Within a year of the end of the
war, the first regularly
Within a year of the end of the
war, the first regularly
scheduled flights had begun
war, the first regularly
scheduled flights had begun
taking off from San Juan Airport
scheduled flights had begun
taking off from San Juan Airport
on the island of Puerto Rico,
taking off from San Juan Airport
on the island of Puerto Rico,
bound for New York City the
on the island of Puerto Rico,
bound for New York City the
forerunners of thousands more,
bound for New York City the
forerunners of thousands more,
as hundreds of thousands of
forerunners of thousands more,
as hundreds of thousands of
Spanish-speaking newcomers
as hundreds of thousands of
Spanish-speaking newcomers
streamed north from the
Spanish-speaking newcomers
streamed north from the
Caribbean, many fleeing
streamed north from the
Caribbean, many fleeing
desperate poverty.
Caribbean, many fleeing
desperate poverty.
READER: "This immigration is
desperate poverty.
READER: "This immigration is
different.
READER: "This immigration is
different.
The Puerto Ricans come not by
different.
The Puerto Ricans come not by
ship, huddled in the steerage,
The Puerto Ricans come not by
ship, huddled in the steerage,
but by plane.
Ship, huddled in the steerage,
but by plane.
Being U.S. citizens, they beat
but by plane.
Being U.S. citizens, they beat
at no immigration bars, never
Being U.S. citizens, they beat
at no immigration bars, never
had their picture taken in
at no immigration bars, never
had their picture taken in
colorful native costume behind
had their picture taken in
colorful native costume behind
the wire enclosures of Ellis
colorful native costume behind
the wire enclosures of Ellis
Island.
The wire enclosures of Ellis
Island.
They simply seeped in, landing
Island.
They simply seeped in, landing
by the 20s and 30s from battered
They simply seeped in, landing
by the 20s and 30s from battered
planes at La Guardia field and
by the 20s and 30s from battered
planes at La Guardia field and
Newark, suddenly appearing
planes at La Guardia field and
Newark, suddenly appearing
beside their cardboard suitcases
Newark, suddenly appearing
beside their cardboard suitcases
on the city's sidewalks outside
beside their cardboard suitcases
on the city's sidewalks outside
a hole-in-the-wall travel
on the city's sidewalks outside
a hole-in-the-wall travel
agency.
A hole-in-the-wall travel
agency.
To them, the U.S. means New York
agency.
To them, the U.S. means New York
City, and 300,000 of them now
To them, the U.S. means New York
City, and 300,000 of them now
live in its five boroughs."
City, and 300,000 of them now
live in its five boroughs."
Time magazine, 1949.
Live in its five boroughs."
Time magazine, 1949.
READER: "Yesterday, it was
Time magazine, 1949.
READER: "Yesterday, it was
the 'brutal and uncouth' Irish.
READER: "Yesterday, it was
the 'brutal and uncouth' Irish.
Then it was the 'knife-wielding'
the 'brutal and uncouth' Irish.
Then it was the 'knife-wielding'
Italians.
Then it was the 'knife-wielding'
Italians.
Later, it was the 'clannish'
Italians.
Later, it was the 'clannish'
Jews with their 'strange' ways.
Later, it was the 'clannish'
Jews with their 'strange' ways.
Yesterday, it was the Negro.
Jews with their 'strange' ways.
Yesterday, it was the Negro.
Today, it is the Puerto Ricans
Yesterday, it was the Negro.
Today, it is the Puerto Ricans
and the Negroes who are
Today, it is the Puerto Ricans
and the Negroes who are
relegated to the last step of
and the Negroes who are
relegated to the last step of
New York's social ladder."
relegated to the last step of
New York's social ladder."
Jesus Colon.
New York's social ladder."
Jesus Colon.
NARRATOR: Like their African-
Jesus Colon.
NARRATOR: Like their African-
American counterparts, many of
NARRATOR: Like their African-
American counterparts, many of
the Puerto Rican newcomers found
American counterparts, many of
the Puerto Rican newcomers found
it increasingly hard to rise,
the Puerto Rican newcomers found
it increasingly hard to rise,
trapped in menial jobs and
it increasingly hard to rise,
trapped in menial jobs and
dilapidated slums by racism and
trapped in menial jobs and
dilapidated slums by racism and
discrimination and by an ominous
dilapidated slums by racism and
discrimination and by an ominous
new trend stealing over the
discrimination and by an ominous
new trend stealing over the
city's blue-collar economy.
New trend stealing over the
city's blue-collar economy.
Within a decade of the end of
city's blue-collar economy.
Within a decade of the end of
the Second World War, it was
Within a decade of the end of
the Second World War, it was
beginning to be clear that New
the Second World War, it was
beginning to be clear that New
York's great industrial engine,
beginning to be clear that New
York's great industrial engine,
for more than a century the
York's great industrial engine,
for more than a century the
first step on the ladder for
for more than a century the
first step on the ladder for
newly-arrived immigrants, had
first step on the ladder for
newly-arrived immigrants, had
started to falter and slow.
Newly-arrived immigrants, had
started to falter and slow.
Far from taking on thousands of
started to falter and slow.
Far from taking on thousands of
new workers each year as in the
Far from taking on thousands of
new workers each year as in the
past, factory owners now often
new workers each year as in the
past, factory owners now often
struggled simply to keep the
past, factory owners now often
struggled simply to keep the
positions they had in the face
struggled simply to keep the
positions they had in the face
of stiff new competition from
positions they had in the face
of stiff new competition from
manufacturers in the South and
of stiff new competition from
manufacturers in the South and
West and the city's own suburbs.
Manufacturers in the South and
West and the city's own suburbs.
SUAREZ: The writer Earl
West and the city's own suburbs.
SUAREZ: The writer Earl
Shorris in his book,
SUAREZ: The writer Earl
Shorris in his book,
Latinos, says that one of the
Shorris in his book,
Latinos, says that one of the
great tragedies of Puerto Ricans
Latinos, says that one of the
great tragedies of Puerto Ricans
in the 20th century is that they
great tragedies of Puerto Ricans
in the 20th century is that they
came to New York of all places.
In the 20th century is that they
came to New York of all places.
Had they come to New York
came to New York of all places.
Had they come to New York
earlier or gone somewhere else
Had they come to New York
earlier or gone somewhere else
when they came to the United
earlier or gone somewhere else
when they came to the United
States, they probably would have
when they came to the United
States, they probably would have
done a lot better.
States, they probably would have
done a lot better.
But they came to a city that was
done a lot better.
But they came to a city that was
just about to begin its
But they came to a city that was
just about to begin its
transition to a postindustrial
just about to begin its
transition to a postindustrial
economy, and they came to be
transition to a postindustrial
economy, and they came to be
industrial workers, and that was
economy, and they came to be
industrial workers, and that was
their undoing.
Industrial workers, and that was
their undoing.
JACKSON: In 1945, 1950, New
their undoing.
JACKSON: In 1945, 1950, New
York seemed literally to be on
JACKSON: In 1945, 1950, New
York seemed literally to be on
top of the world: the largest
York seemed literally to be on
top of the world: the largest
city in the world, the richest
top of the world: the largest
city in the world, the richest
city in the world, the most
city in the world, the richest
city in the world, the most
powerful city in the world, the
city in the world, the most
powerful city in the world, the
capital of the world.
Powerful city in the world, the
capital of the world.
Everything seemed to be working
capital of the world.
Everything seemed to be working
in place.
Everything seemed to be working
in place.
But we now see in retrospect
in place.
But we now see in retrospect
that there were ominous signs on
But we now see in retrospect
that there were ominous signs on
the horizon.
That there were ominous signs on
the horizon.
The first was the loss of
the horizon.
The first was the loss of
industry.
The first was the loss of
industry.
New York City has more than a
industry.
New York City has more than a
million industrial jobs in 1950.
New York City has more than a
million industrial jobs in 1950.
Those jobs, over the next half
million industrial jobs in 1950.
Those jobs, over the next half
century, fall to well below
Those jobs, over the next half
century, fall to well below
200,000.
Century, fall to well below
200,000.
So, essentially, a whole
200,000.
So, essentially, a whole
gigantic sector of New York's
So, essentially, a whole
gigantic sector of New York's
economy leaves.
Gigantic sector of New York's
economy leaves.
In this, New York again is a
economy leaves.
In this, New York again is a
leader.
In this, New York again is a
leader.
We've seen this happen first in
leader.
We've seen this happen first in
cities and then in states and
We've seen this happen first in
cities and then in states and
now for the whole entire United
cities and then in states and
now for the whole entire United
States, as jobs move out where
now for the whole entire United
States, as jobs move out where
there are lower production
States, as jobs move out where
there are lower production
costs first to the suburbs,
there are lower production
costs first to the suburbs,
then to the South, then off
costs first to the suburbs,
then to the South, then off
shore to Asia or wherever.
Then to the South, then off
shore to Asia or wherever.
NARRATOR: The loss of
shore to Asia or wherever.
NARRATOR: The loss of
industry was the harbinger of an
NARRATOR: The loss of
industry was the harbinger of an
even vaster transformation, as
industry was the harbinger of an
even vaster transformation, as
year after year the center of
even vaster transformation, as
year after year the center of
gravity of the entire nation
year after year the center of
gravity of the entire nation
continued to shift away from New
gravity of the entire nation
continued to shift away from New
York and away from older urban
continued to shift away from New
York and away from older urban
places everywhere, as a massive
York and away from older urban
places everywhere, as a massive
new economic order finished
places everywhere, as a massive
new economic order finished
taking hold, linked to the
new economic order finished
taking hold, linked to the
highway and the automobile and
taking hold, linked to the
highway and the automobile and
incompatible with the structure
highway and the automobile and
incompatible with the structure
of cities as they had existed
incompatible with the structure
of cities as they had existed
for hundreds of years.
Of cities as they had existed
for hundreds of years.
BERMAN: Well, I think the
for hundreds of years.
BERMAN: Well, I think the
Second World War changes the
BERMAN: Well, I think the
Second World War changes the
ball game and creates an economy
Second World War changes the
ball game and creates an economy
on an enormous scale that really
ball game and creates an economy
on an enormous scale that really
dwarfs anything that's existed
on an enormous scale that really
dwarfs anything that's existed
before.
Dwarfs anything that's existed
before.
And after the war you get
before.
And after the war you get
a permanent war economy.
And after the war you get
a permanent war economy.
On one hand, it's an industrial
a permanent war economy.
On one hand, it's an industrial
bonanza.
On one hand, it's an industrial
bonanza.
But New York was almost entirely
bonanza.
But New York was almost entirely
left out of this because it's
But New York was almost entirely
left out of this because it's
really very hard to build
left out of this because it's
really very hard to build
aircraft factories, say, in or
really very hard to build
aircraft factories, say, in or
close to New York or any other
aircraft factories, say, in or
close to New York or any other
city.
Close to New York or any other
city.
The sense of space is completely
city.
The sense of space is completely
different.
The sense of space is completely
different.
Whereas the grid involves
different.
Whereas the grid involves
bringing people together and
Whereas the grid involves
bringing people together and
creating concentration
bringing people together and
creating concentration
vertically going up, the war
creating concentration
vertically going up, the war
economy and the highway system
vertically going up, the war
economy and the highway system
built in the Eisenhower period
economy and the highway system
built in the Eisenhower period
builds across.
Built in the Eisenhower period
builds across.
And it depends on these enormous
builds across.
And it depends on these enormous
horizontal units and on one hand
And it depends on these enormous
horizontal units and on one hand
creates bonanzas in many areas
horizontal units and on one hand
creates bonanzas in many areas
that were pretty distressed, and
creates bonanzas in many areas
that were pretty distressed, and
on the other hand draws talent,
that were pretty distressed, and
on the other hand draws talent,
energy, and money enormous
on the other hand draws talent,
energy, and money enormous
amounts of money away from
energy, and money enormous
amounts of money away from
areas like New York.
Amounts of money away from
areas like New York.
NARRATOR: In the years to
areas like New York.
NARRATOR: In the years to
come, as the entire nation was
NARRATOR: In the years to
come, as the entire nation was
integrated into a unified flow
come, as the entire nation was
integrated into a unified flow
whose lifeblood, one man later
integrated into a unified flow
whose lifeblood, one man later
said, was the automobile, the
whose lifeblood, one man later
said, was the automobile, the
dense fabric of older urban
said, was the automobile, the
dense fabric of older urban
places and the very concept of
dense fabric of older urban
places and the very concept of
urban public space itself would
places and the very concept of
urban public space itself would
begin to come under attack as
urban public space itself would
begin to come under attack as
never before, as cities like New
begin to come under attack as
never before, as cities like New
York were increasingly seen as
never before, as cities like New
York were increasingly seen as
places to escape from or as
York were increasingly seen as
places to escape from or as
problems to be solved or as
places to escape from or as
problems to be solved or as
landscapes to be transformed.
Problems to be solved or as
landscapes to be transformed.
To a remarkable degree, the man
landscapes to be transformed.
To a remarkable degree, the man
in the middle of the whirlwind
To a remarkable degree, the man
in the middle of the whirlwind
of forces sweeping through New
in the middle of the whirlwind
of forces sweeping through New
York in the postwar period was
of forces sweeping through New
York in the postwar period was
the driven, insatiable builder
York in the postwar period was
the driven, insatiable builder
who by 1945 had been
the driven, insatiable builder
who by 1945 had been
transforming the city for almost
who by 1945 had been
transforming the city for almost
20 years Robert Moses.
Transforming the city for almost
20 years Robert Moses.
CARO: If you saw Moses
20 years Robert Moses.
CARO: If you saw Moses
standing in front of a map with
CARO: If you saw Moses
standing in front of a map with
his pencil going over it in
standing in front of a map with
his pencil going over it in
sweeping gestures, you would see
his pencil going over it in
sweeping gestures, you would see
the dreamer, the visionary, the
sweeping gestures, you would see
the dreamer, the visionary, the
artist.
The dreamer, the visionary, the
artist.
He saw New York and of course,
artist.
He saw New York and of course,
by "New York" I mean New York
He saw New York and of course,
by "New York" I mean New York
and its suburbs 2,100 square
by "New York" I mean New York
and its suburbs 2,100 square
miles, right?
And its suburbs 2,100 square
miles, right?
An area in which when he was
miles, right?
An area in which when he was
building, 12 million people
An area in which when he was
building, 12 million people
lived.
Building, 12 million people
lived.
He saw this all as a canvas.
Lived.
He saw this all as a canvas.
He was going to build his roads
He saw this all as a canvas.
He was going to build his roads
across it.
He was going to build his roads
across it.
He was going to build his roads
across it.
He was going to build his roads
around it.
He was going to build his roads
around it.
There were going to be parks
around it.
There were going to be parks
here and parks there.
There were going to be parks
here and parks there.
"And you see, then we're going
here and parks there.
"And you see, then we're going
to have public housing here, so
"And you see, then we're going
to have public housing here, so
we'll do this."
to have public housing here, so
we'll do this."
He saw the whole thing as one
we'll do this."
He saw the whole thing as one
great mural, you know.
He saw the whole thing as one
great mural, you know.
One huge, wonderful mural.
Great mural, you know.
One huge, wonderful mural.
It all had the unity, the unity
One huge, wonderful mural.
It all had the unity, the unity
of a vision, and that is the
It all had the unity, the unity
of a vision, and that is the
vision to which New York and its
of a vision, and that is the
vision to which New York and its
suburbs were shaped.
Vision to which New York and its
suburbs were shaped.
MAN: I am privileged to
suburbs were shaped.
MAN: I am privileged to
present the winner of the Grand
MAN: I am privileged to
present the winner of the Grand
National Award, Robert Moses of
present the winner of the Grand
National Award, Robert Moses of
New York.
National Award, Robert Moses of
New York.
( applause)
New York.
( applause)
NARRATOR: No one embodied the
( applause)
NARRATOR: No one embodied the
power and promise of postwar New
NARRATOR: No one embodied the
power and promise of postwar New
York more than Robert Moses, the
power and promise of postwar New
York more than Robert Moses, the
visionary administrator who had
York more than Robert Moses, the
visionary administrator who had
rebuilt the city in the depths
visionary administrator who had
rebuilt the city in the depths
of the depression.
Rebuilt the city in the depths
of the depression.
Intent on uniting the immense
of the depression.
Intent on uniting the immense
metropolis into a single
Intent on uniting the immense
metropolis into a single
coherent whole and linking it to
metropolis into a single
coherent whole and linking it to
the rest of the nation by
coherent whole and linking it to
the rest of the nation by
highways, he had accomplished
the rest of the nation by
highways, he had accomplished
more in 20 years than most men
highways, he had accomplished
more in 20 years than most men
dreamed of in a lifetime.
More in 20 years than most men
dreamed of in a lifetime.
And now with the vastly
dreamed of in a lifetime.
And now with the vastly
increased resources of the
And now with the vastly
increased resources of the
federal government behind him,
increased resources of the
federal government behind him,
he looked forward to realizing
federal government behind him,
he looked forward to realizing
his vision on an even vaster
he looked forward to realizing
his vision on an even vaster
scale.
His vision on an even vaster
scale.
The tragedy, in the end, would
scale.
The tragedy, in the end, would
be that such a man and such an
The tragedy, in the end, would
be that such a man and such an
era should have held out such
be that such a man and such an
era should have held out such
great promise and that so much
era should have held out such
great promise and that so much
of it should have gone so
great promise and that so much
of it should have gone so
terribly astray.
Of it should have gone so
terribly astray.
CARO: Immediately after the
terribly astray.
CARO: Immediately after the
Second World War, Robert Moses's
CARO: Immediately after the
Second World War, Robert Moses's
power increased exponentially to
Second World War, Robert Moses's
power increased exponentially to
something far greater than
power increased exponentially to
something far greater than
before.
Something far greater than
before.
Its base was still these
before.
Its base was still these
revenues the toll revenues
Its base was still these
revenues the toll revenues
from all his bridges and all his
revenues the toll revenues
from all his bridges and all his
tunnels, which, of course, were
from all his bridges and all his
tunnels, which, of course, were
increasing as he was building
tunnels, which, of course, were
increasing as he was building
more.
Increasing as he was building
more.
But he now gets control of the
more.
But he now gets control of the
city housing authority.
But he now gets control of the
city housing authority.
Huge moneys are now being spent
city housing authority.
Huge moneys are now being spent
by the federal government on
Huge moneys are now being spent
by the federal government on
public housing, low-income
by the federal government on
public housing, low-income
housing.
Public housing, low-income
housing.
In New York, those moneys were
housing.
In New York, those moneys were
spent at the command of Robert
In New York, those moneys were
spent at the command of Robert
Moses.
Spent at the command of Robert
Moses.
Up to that point, Robert Moses
Moses.
Up to that point, Robert Moses
had been building mostly parks
Up to that point, Robert Moses
had been building mostly parks
and bridges and parkways.
Had been building mostly parks
and bridges and parkways.
He was building these on a
and bridges and parkways.
He was building these on a
tabula rasa on the open spaces
He was building these on a
tabula rasa on the open spaces
of Long Island, on Jones Beach,
tabula rasa on the open spaces
of Long Island, on Jones Beach,
where there was nothing there.
Of Long Island, on Jones Beach,
where there was nothing there.
Now he's going to be building in
where there was nothing there.
Now he's going to be building in
the city not on an empty
Now he's going to be building in
the city not on an empty
canvas, but on the most crowded
the city not on an empty
canvas, but on the most crowded
canvas in the world.
Canvas, but on the most crowded
canvas in the world.
That was going to make all the
canvas in the world.
That was going to make all the
difference.
That was going to make all the
difference.
It was going to make the story
difference.
It was going to make the story
of Robert Moses become very
It was going to make the story
of Robert Moses become very
dark, because whether he was
of Robert Moses become very
dark, because whether he was
building in an area with no
dark, because whether he was
building in an area with no
people or an area filled with
building in an area with no
people or an area filled with
people, Robert Moses was going
people or an area filled with
people, Robert Moses was going
to build.
People, Robert Moses was going
to build.
"If you want to create public
to build.
"If you want to create public
works in a crowded metropolis,"
"If you want to create public
works in a crowded metropolis,"
he said, "you have to swing the
works in a crowded metropolis,"
he said, "you have to swing the
meat ax."
he said, "you have to swing the
meat ax."
And he liked swinging the meat
meat ax."
And he liked swinging the meat
ax.
And he liked swinging the meat
ax.
ROBERT MOSES: I enjoy getting
ax.
ROBERT MOSES: I enjoy getting
things done
ROBERT MOSES: I enjoy getting
things done
MAN: And if that means
things done
MAN: And if that means
MOSES: getting rid of
MAN: And if that means
MOSES: getting rid of
obstacles that are in the way by
MOSES: getting rid of
obstacles that are in the way by
whatever means.
Obstacles that are in the way by
whatever means.
MAN: And if that means being
whatever means.
MAN: And if that means being
a little lonely along the way,
MAN: And if that means being
a little lonely along the way,
you will put up with that
a little lonely along the way,
you will put up with that
temporarily, right?
You will put up with that
temporarily, right?
MOSES: Yes, and make as few
temporarily, right?
MOSES: Yes, and make as few
compromises as possible.
MOSES: Yes, and make as few
compromises as possible.
Izzy Rummel had a very funny
compromises as possible.
Izzy Rummel had a very funny
phrase, a little bit on the
Izzy Rummel had a very funny
phrase, a little bit on the
cynical side, and there's a
phrase, a little bit on the
cynical side, and there's a
grain of truth in it.
Cynical side, and there's a
grain of truth in it.
He said, "If the end doesn't
grain of truth in it.
He said, "If the end doesn't
justify the means, what does?"
He said, "If the end doesn't
justify the means, what does?"
NARRATOR: No one could have
justify the means, what does?"
NARRATOR: No one could have
predicted the magnitude of the
NARRATOR: No one could have
predicted the magnitude of the
explosion that would overtake
predicted the magnitude of the
explosion that would overtake
New York in the decades
explosion that would overtake
New York in the decades
following World War II.
New York in the decades
following World War II.
Great as was the federal
following World War II.
Great as was the federal
involvement in public works
Great as was the federal
involvement in public works
before the war, it was nothing
involvement in public works
before the war, it was nothing
compared to the massive new
before the war, it was nothing
compared to the massive new
initiatives signed into law as
compared to the massive new
initiatives signed into law as
soon as it was ended, not only
initiatives signed into law as
soon as it was ended, not only
for highways, but for housing
soon as it was ended, not only
for highways, but for housing
and urban development,
for highways, but for housing
and urban development,
propelling changes on a scale
and urban development,
propelling changes on a scale
city planners had scarcely
propelling changes on a scale
city planners had scarcely
dreamed of only a few years
city planners had scarcely
dreamed of only a few years
earlier.
Dreamed of only a few years
earlier.
Eager to extend his dominion
earlier.
Eager to extend his dominion
over every public construction
Eager to extend his dominion
over every public construction
project in the city, Robert
over every public construction
project in the city, Robert
Moses quickly moved to wrest
project in the city, Robert
Moses quickly moved to wrest
control of the new federal funds
Moses quickly moved to wrest
control of the new federal funds
before the ink was even dry on
control of the new federal funds
before the ink was even dry on
the new legislation.
Before the ink was even dry on
the new legislation.
CARO: He says, "I'd like to
the new legislation.
CARO: He says, "I'd like to
be construction coordinator.
CARO: He says, "I'd like to
be construction coordinator.
By the way, I have a bill here
be construction coordinator.
By the way, I have a bill here
that the legislature will pass
By the way, I have a bill here
that the legislature will pass
creating the office of
that the legislature will pass
creating the office of
construction coordinator."
creating the office of
construction coordinator."
Nobody realizes that there is a
construction coordinator."
Nobody realizes that there is a
sentence in there that says that
Nobody realizes that there is a
sentence in there that says that
the construction coordinator
sentence in there that says that
the construction coordinator
shall no choice shall
the construction coordinator
shall no choice shall
represent the city in all its
shall no choice shall
represent the city in all its
dealings with the federal
represent the city in all its
dealings with the federal
government.
Dealings with the federal
government.
That means that any city request
government.
That means that any city request
for federal money is going to go
That means that any city request
for federal money is going to go
through the office of
for federal money is going to go
through the office of
construction coordinator.
Through the office of
construction coordinator.
And he therefore has control
construction coordinator.
And he therefore has control
over public housing.
And he therefore has control
over public housing.
He has control over the federal
over public housing.
He has control over the federal
highway money.
He has control over the federal
highway money.
And something much huger is
highway money.
And something much huger is
about to happen.
And something much huger is
about to happen.
One day in the end of 1948, an
about to happen.
One day in the end of 1948, an
old classmate of Moses's from
One day in the end of 1948, an
old classmate of Moses's from
Yale, Robert Taft Senator
old classmate of Moses's from
Yale, Robert Taft Senator
Robert Taft comes down to talk
Yale, Robert Taft Senator
Robert Taft comes down to talk
to Robert Moses about a new
Robert Taft comes down to talk
to Robert Moses about a new
proposal that's going through
to Robert Moses about a new
proposal that's going through
the Senate of the United States.
Proposal that's going through
the Senate of the United States.
"We're going to call it Title
the Senate of the United States.
"We're going to call it Title
One.
"We're going to call it Title
One.
It's the slum-clearance program,
One.
It's the slum-clearance program,
the urban-renewal program."
It's the slum-clearance program,
the urban-renewal program."
Moses had this mind that leaped
the urban-renewal program."
Moses had this mind that leaped
at power like a terrier.
Moses had this mind that leaped
at power like a terrier.
As soon as Taft leaves his
at power like a terrier.
As soon as Taft leaves his
office, he is drafting the
As soon as Taft leaves his
office, he is drafting the
necessary documents so that the
office, he is drafting the
necessary documents so that the
mayor will have a Slum Clearance
necessary documents so that the
mayor will have a Slum Clearance
Committee, Robert Moses
mayor will have a Slum Clearance
Committee, Robert Moses
chairman.
Committee, Robert Moses
chairman.
NARRATOR: There had been
chairman.
NARRATOR: There had been
housing programs before and
NARRATOR: There had been
housing programs before and
attempts to clear the slums, but
housing programs before and
attempts to clear the slums, but
never on this scale.
Attempts to clear the slums, but
never on this scale.
Intended, in part, to relieve
never on this scale.
Intended, in part, to relieve
the severe postwar housing
Intended, in part, to relieve
the severe postwar housing
crisis and to provide affordable
the severe postwar housing
crisis and to provide affordable
housing for the poor, the bill's
crisis and to provide affordable
housing for the poor, the bill's
first section, known forever
housing for the poor, the bill's
first section, known forever
after as Title One, would go on
first section, known forever
after as Title One, would go on
to become one of the most
after as Title One, would go on
to become one of the most
controversial and in many ways
to become one of the most
controversial and in many ways
catastrophic federal programs
controversial and in many ways
catastrophic federal programs
ever visited upon city dwellers
catastrophic federal programs
ever visited upon city dwellers
anywhere.
Ever visited upon city dwellers
anywhere.
WALLACE: The bottom line for
anywhere.
WALLACE: The bottom line for
the urban-renewal program is
WALLACE: The bottom line for
the urban-renewal program is
that the federal government is
the urban-renewal program is
that the federal government is
going to pay for the city to use
that the federal government is
going to pay for the city to use
its power of eminent domain to
going to pay for the city to use
its power of eminent domain to
confiscate land and to assemble
its power of eminent domain to
confiscate land and to assemble
large parcels of land from lots
confiscate land and to assemble
large parcels of land from lots
of little, sort of, slum owners
large parcels of land from lots
of little, sort of, slum owners
in, sort of, blighted, rundown
of little, sort of, slum owners
in, sort of, blighted, rundown
areas.
In, sort of, blighted, rundown
areas.
Then they're going to tear down
areas.
Then they're going to tear down
that land, and they're going to
Then they're going to tear down
that land, and they're going to
give it to private developers to
that land, and they're going to
give it to private developers to
build housing on, theoretically
give it to private developers to
build housing on, theoretically
for poor people.
Build housing on, theoretically
for poor people.
In the real world, that's not
for poor people.
In the real world, that's not
the way it works out.
In the real world, that's not
the way it works out.
In the real world, you get a
the way it works out.
In the real world, you get a
constellation of different kinds
In the real world, you get a
constellation of different kinds
of players who have got an
constellation of different kinds
of players who have got an
interest in becoming the
of players who have got an
interest in becoming the
developers who acquire Title One
interest in becoming the
developers who acquire Title One
land.
Developers who acquire Title One
land.
There's a huge range of
land.
There's a huge range of
possibilities, but all of these
There's a huge range of
possibilities, but all of these
people share one thing in
possibilities, but all of these
people share one thing in
common: they're not interested
people share one thing in
common: they're not interested
in building housing for poor
common: they're not interested
in building housing for poor
people.
In building housing for poor
people.
They're interested in building
people.
They're interested in building
housing, at the least, for
They're interested in building
housing, at the least, for
middle-class people.
Housing, at the least, for
middle-class people.
And in fact, they're also
middle-class people.
And in fact, they're also
particularly not interested in
And in fact, they're also
particularly not interested in
housing for blacks and
particularly not interested in
housing for blacks and
Hispanics, who are increasingly
housing for blacks and
Hispanics, who are increasingly
in the postwar period a growing
Hispanics, who are increasingly
in the postwar period a growing
percentage of the population
in the postwar period a growing
percentage of the population
most in need of housing.
Percentage of the population
most in need of housing.
NARRATOR: Hailed as a victory
most in need of housing.
NARRATOR: Hailed as a victory
for the working poor, Title One
NARRATOR: Hailed as a victory
for the working poor, Title One
quickly proved to be an enormous
for the working poor, Title One
quickly proved to be an enormous
bonanza, not for those most in
quickly proved to be an enormous
bonanza, not for those most in
need, but for landowners and
bonanza, not for those most in
need, but for landowners and
real-estate developers who,
need, but for landowners and
real-estate developers who,
under provisions of the act,
real-estate developers who,
under provisions of the act,
were not required to build
under provisions of the act,
were not required to build
housing slum dwellers could
were not required to build
housing slum dwellers could
afford or even to build new
housing slum dwellers could
afford or even to build new
housing at all.
Afford or even to build new
housing at all.
Despite solemn assurances to the
housing at all.
Despite solemn assurances to the
contrary, few of those evicted
Despite solemn assurances to the
contrary, few of those evicted
under Title One found housing in
contrary, few of those evicted
under Title One found housing in
the neighborhoods they had once
under Title One found housing in
the neighborhoods they had once
called home.
The neighborhoods they had once
called home.
Many were not rehoused at all.
Called home.
Many were not rehoused at all.
And many of those that were
Many were not rehoused at all.
And many of those that were
found themselves relocated to
And many of those that were
found themselves relocated to
massive new low-income housing
found themselves relocated to
massive new low-income housing
projects thrown up in districts
massive new low-income housing
projects thrown up in districts
segregated as never before by
projects thrown up in districts
segregated as never before by
race and class.
Segregated as never before by
race and class.
WALLACE: The reality of it
race and class.
WALLACE: The reality of it
was that it was a massive
WALLACE: The reality of it
was that it was a massive
program of removal of, usually,
was that it was a massive
program of removal of, usually,
the people who had the least
program of removal of, usually,
the people who had the least
political clout, and those
the people who had the least
political clout, and those
tended to be blacks and
political clout, and those
tended to be blacks and
Hispanics and working-class Jews
tended to be blacks and
Hispanics and working-class Jews
and working-class Italians.
Hispanics and working-class Jews
and working-class Italians.
Now, the man at the center of
and working-class Italians.
Now, the man at the center of
this operation is Robert Moses.
Now, the man at the center of
this operation is Robert Moses.
Moses is the coordinator of all
this operation is Robert Moses.
Moses is the coordinator of all
these Title One programs, and
Moses is the coordinator of all
these Title One programs, and
Moses is cutting deals left and
these Title One programs, and
Moses is cutting deals left and
right.
Moses is cutting deals left and
right.
By 1959 there are 16 huge Title
right.
By 1959 there are 16 huge Title
One projects that have been
By 1959 there are 16 huge Title
One projects that have been
completed.
One projects that have been
completed.
They have moved out roughly
completed.
They have moved out roughly
100,000 poor people.
They have moved out roughly
100,000 poor people.
SUAREZ: Robert Moses
100,000 poor people.
SUAREZ: Robert Moses
personified an age where the
SUAREZ: Robert Moses
personified an age where the
interests of working-class and
personified an age where the
interests of working-class and
poor people were very easily
interests of working-class and
poor people were very easily
dismissed as secondary to the
poor people were very easily
dismissed as secondary to the
interests of middle-class,
dismissed as secondary to the
interests of middle-class,
upper-middle-class, and wealthy
interests of middle-class,
upper-middle-class, and wealthy
people.
Upper-middle-class, and wealthy
people.
So if it meant tearing down
people.
So if it meant tearing down
hundreds of old brownstone
So if it meant tearing down
hundreds of old brownstone
tenements to build a new
hundreds of old brownstone
tenements to build a new
performing-arts center, that was
tenements to build a new
performing-arts center, that was
going to happen.
Performing-arts center, that was
going to happen.
If it meant clearing land in the
going to happen.
If it meant clearing land in the
hope that commercial developers
If it meant clearing land in the
hope that commercial developers
would want to come in and build
hope that commercial developers
would want to come in and build
skyscrapers instead, then that's
would want to come in and build
skyscrapers instead, then that's
what you did.
Skyscrapers instead, then that's
what you did.
And often when really poor
what you did.
And often when really poor
communities were fragmented in
And often when really poor
communities were fragmented in
this way, where did they go?
Communities were fragmented in
this way, where did they go?
They went to the next
this way, where did they go?
They went to the next
neighborhood over.
They went to the next
neighborhood over.
They went to the next
neighborhood over.
They went to the next
neighborhood that might be
They went to the next
neighborhood that might be
showing some signs of weakness
neighborhood that might be
showing some signs of weakness
in the rental market, might be
showing some signs of weakness
in the rental market, might be
showing some signs of weakness
in the rental market, might be
showing some signs of weakness
in the housing market.
Showing some signs of weakness
in the housing market.
And the problems of one
in the housing market.
And the problems of one
neighborhood became the problems
And the problems of one
neighborhood became the problems
of another far away.
CRAIG STEVEN WILDER: One of
the things that Moses does, to
the things that Moses does, to
his shame, is he fills the Slum
his shame, is he fills the Slum
Clearance Committee with a bunch
Clearance Committee with a bunch
of his banker and insurance and
of his banker and insurance and
developer friends.
Developer friends.
And they begin to use the Slum
And they begin to use the Slum
Clearance Committee's power,
Clearance Committee's power,
public power, to remove nonwhite
public power, to remove nonwhite
people from areas where the
people from areas where the
developers want to create white
developers want to create white
neighborhoods.
The result is that they uproot
The result is that they uproot
hundreds and thousands of black
New Yorkers and force them into
hundreds and thousands of black
New Yorkers and force them into
these expanding ghettoes in
New Yorkers and force them into
these expanding ghettoes in
Bedford-Stuyvesant and Harlem.
These expanding ghettoes in
Bedford-Stuyvesant and Harlem.
NARRATOR: As striking as the
Bedford-Stuyvesant and Harlem.
NARRATOR: As striking as the
racial politics of the slum-
NARRATOR: As striking as the
racial politics of the slum-
clearance program was its
racial politics of the slum-
clearance program was its
staggering scale.
Clearance program was its
staggering scale.
Convinced that partial
staggering scale.
Convinced that partial
reconstruction of targeted
Convinced that partial
reconstruction of targeted
neighborhoods was doomed from
reconstruction of targeted
neighborhoods was doomed from
the start, Title One made slum-
neighborhoods was doomed from
the start, Title One made slum-
clearance funds available on one
the start, Title One made slum-
clearance funds available on one
condition: that nearly every
clearance funds available on one
condition: that nearly every
structure in a designated area
condition: that nearly every
structure in a designated area
be destroyed.
Structure in a designated area
be destroyed.
Over the next 15 years, the
be destroyed.
Over the next 15 years, the
maelstrom of destruction that
Over the next 15 years, the
maelstrom of destruction that
would go forward in New York in
maelstrom of destruction that
would go forward in New York in
the name of urban renewal would
would go forward in New York in
the name of urban renewal would
dwarf anything that had come
the name of urban renewal would
dwarf anything that had come
before in the city's history, as
dwarf anything that had come
before in the city's history, as
thousands of acres of teeming
before in the city's history, as
thousands of acres of teeming
city blocks were reduced to
thousands of acres of teeming
city blocks were reduced to
giant swaths of rubble.
City blocks were reduced to
giant swaths of rubble.
"In New York, who needs an
giant swaths of rubble.
"In New York, who needs an
atomic bomb?" the novelist
"In New York, who needs an
atomic bomb?" the novelist
Bernard Malamud wrote.
Atomic bomb?" the novelist
Bernard Malamud wrote.
"If you walked away from a
Bernard Malamud wrote.
"If you walked away from a
place, they tore it down."
"If you walked away from a
place, they tore it down."
STERN: Well, sometimes I
place, they tore it down."
STERN: Well, sometimes I
think the United States embarked
STERN: Well, sometimes I
think the United States embarked
on urban renewal out of some
think the United States embarked
on urban renewal out of some
kind of elaborate guilt trip
on urban renewal out of some
kind of elaborate guilt trip
over bombing so many places in
kind of elaborate guilt trip
over bombing so many places in
the course of the Second World
over bombing so many places in
the course of the Second World
War in Europe, because we saw
the course of the Second World
War in Europe, because we saw
that by clearing these sites,
War in Europe, because we saw
that by clearing these sites,
suddenly the bombs made it
that by clearing these sites,
suddenly the bombs made it
possible for new kinds of
suddenly the bombs made it
possible for new kinds of
developments and a way to
possible for new kinds of
developments and a way to
modernize cities.
Developments and a way to
modernize cities.
How to tackle the problem here?
Modernize cities.
How to tackle the problem here?
We really used the same
How to tackle the problem here?
We really used the same
techniques.
We really used the same
techniques.
We declared whole areas, after
techniques.
We declared whole areas, after
some kind of study of the
We declared whole areas, after
some kind of study of the
declining demographics,
some kind of study of the
declining demographics,
susceptible to demolition.
Declining demographics,
susceptible to demolition.
You just simply moved people
susceptible to demolition.
You just simply moved people
out.
You just simply moved people
out.
It became incredibly disruptive
out.
It became incredibly disruptive
to people's lives.
It became incredibly disruptive
to people's lives.
You scattered neighborhoods
to people's lives.
You scattered neighborhoods
which might have been very, very
You scattered neighborhoods
which might have been very, very
poor but still had a very dense
which might have been very, very
poor but still had a very dense
network of associations.
Poor but still had a very dense
network of associations.
And you began through urban
network of associations.
And you began through urban
renewal in a city like New
And you began through urban
renewal in a city like New
York but it's true in Chicago
renewal in a city like New
York but it's true in Chicago
and elsewhere that process
York but it's true in Chicago
and elsewhere that process
which we are still reeling under
and elsewhere that process
which we are still reeling under
of wrenching communities apart
which we are still reeling under
of wrenching communities apart
and then families collapsing.
Of wrenching communities apart
and then families collapsing.
The whole support system of the
and then families collapsing.
The whole support system of the
less well advantaged in our
The whole support system of the
less well advantaged in our
society collapses, and we wonder
less well advantaged in our
society collapses, and we wonder
why they then become
society collapses, and we wonder
why they then become
increasingly unable to function
why they then become
increasingly unable to function
in the society as a whole.
Increasingly unable to function
in the society as a whole.
NARRATOR: And there were
in the society as a whole.
NARRATOR: And there were
other problems as well with
NARRATOR: And there were
other problems as well with
what was being created, as well
other problems as well with
what was being created, as well
as with what was being
what was being created, as well
as with what was being
destroyed.
As with what was being
destroyed.
Though for many New Yorkers the
destroyed.
Though for many New Yorkers the
new public-housing projects
Though for many New Yorkers the
new public-housing projects
rising from the rubble
new public-housing projects
rising from the rubble
represented the first decent
rising from the rubble
represented the first decent
housing they had known, the
represented the first decent
housing they had known, the
structures themselves, shaped
housing they had known, the
structures themselves, shaped
almost without exception to the
structures themselves, shaped
almost without exception to the
anti-urban theories of men like
almost without exception to the
anti-urban theories of men like
Le Corbusier, had little in
anti-urban theories of men like
Le Corbusier, had little in
common with the communities they
Le Corbusier, had little in
common with the communities they
had known gaunt towers
common with the communities they
had known gaunt towers
isolated from the street on
had known gaunt towers
isolated from the street on
enormous tracts of land called
isolated from the street on
enormous tracts of land called
superblocks.
Enormous tracts of land called
superblocks.
STERN: Planners wanted to
superblocks.
STERN: Planners wanted to
reform the city by sweeping it
STERN: Planners wanted to
reform the city by sweeping it
clean.
Reform the city by sweeping it
clean.
They hated the grid and all the
clean.
They hated the grid and all the
way that the grid led to
They hated the grid and all the
way that the grid led to
development of the city.
Way that the grid led to
development of the city.
And they wanted to turn the city
development of the city.
And they wanted to turn the city
into a green park.
And they wanted to turn the city
into a green park.
Federal funds would come in to
into a green park.
Federal funds would come in to
buy these buildings, and you
Federal funds would come in to
buy these buildings, and you
would write the land down
buy these buildings, and you
would write the land down
virtually to nothing.
Would write the land down
virtually to nothing.
So you return the city to degree
virtually to nothing.
So you return the city to degree
zero.
So you return the city to degree
zero.
Under Moses you could get rid of
zero.
Under Moses you could get rid of
the gridiron, because you'd make
Under Moses you could get rid of
the gridiron, because you'd make
superblocks.
The gridiron, because you'd make
superblocks.
Moses had no interest in
superblocks.
Moses had no interest in
commercial life on his projects.
Moses had no interest in
commercial life on his projects.
He wanted them strictly pure of
commercial life on his projects.
He wanted them strictly pure of
commercial life, so he
He wanted them strictly pure of
commercial life, so he
eliminated streets.
Commercial life, so he
eliminated streets.
So it makes a bigger gulf
eliminated streets.
So it makes a bigger gulf
between the new development and
So it makes a bigger gulf
between the new development and
the existing city.
Between the new development and
the existing city.
That's a whole betrayal in my
the existing city.
That's a whole betrayal in my
view, a betrayal not only of New
That's a whole betrayal in my
view, a betrayal not only of New
York's traditions and history
view, a betrayal not only of New
York's traditions and history
and natural structure, but also
York's traditions and history
and natural structure, but also
a betrayal of what makes a
and natural structure, but also
a betrayal of what makes a
community.
A betrayal of what makes a
community.
READER: "The uptown slums are
community.
READER: "The uptown slums are
being demolished, but the
READER: "The uptown slums are
being demolished, but the
rectangular tenements that
being demolished, but the
rectangular tenements that
replace them have not a trace of
rectangular tenements that
replace them have not a trace of
invention.
Replace them have not a trace of
invention.
Their bleakness is absolute.
Invention.
Their bleakness is absolute.
No man has ever dreamed of a
Their bleakness is absolute.
No man has ever dreamed of a
city of such monotonous
No man has ever dreamed of a
city of such monotonous
severity.
City of such monotonous
severity.
And there must be some bond
severity.
And there must be some bond
between our houses and our
And there must be some bond
between our houses and our
dreams."
between our houses and our
dreams."
John Cheever.
Dreams."
John Cheever.
READER: "Everybody, it would
John Cheever.
READER: "Everybody, it would
seem, is for the rebuilding of
READER: "Everybody, it would
seem, is for the rebuilding of
our cities, with a unity of
seem, is for the rebuilding of
our cities, with a unity of
approach that is remarkable.
Our cities, with a unity of
approach that is remarkable.
But that is not the same thing
approach that is remarkable.
But that is not the same thing
as liking cities.
But that is not the same thing
as liking cities.
Most of the rebuilding underway
as liking cities.
Most of the rebuilding underway
is being designed by people who
Most of the rebuilding underway
is being designed by people who
don't like cities.
Is being designed by people who
don't like cities.
They do not merely dislike the
don't like cities.
They do not merely dislike the
noise and the dirt and the
They do not merely dislike the
noise and the dirt and the
congestion.
Noise and the dirt and the
congestion.
They dislike the city's variety
congestion.
They dislike the city's variety
and concentration, its tension,
They dislike the city's variety
and concentration, its tension,
its hustle and bustle.
And concentration, its tension,
its hustle and bustle.
The results are not cities
its hustle and bustle.
The results are not cities
within cities, but anticities."
The results are not cities
within cities, but anticities."
William H. Whyte.
Within cities, but anticities."
William H. Whyte.
WALLACE: Title One was only
William H. Whyte.
WALLACE: Title One was only
part of the story; Title Two was
WALLACE: Title One was only
part of the story; Title Two was
the other part of it.
Part of the story; Title Two was
the other part of it.
The federal government is not
the other part of it.
The federal government is not
only intervening in this program
The federal government is not
only intervening in this program
that is demolishing vast areas
only intervening in this program
that is demolishing vast areas
of the inner city.
That is demolishing vast areas
of the inner city.
It is also, in fact,
of the inner city.
It is also, in fact,
underwriting the development of
It is also, in fact,
underwriting the development of
the suburbs by saying to banks
underwriting the development of
the suburbs by saying to banks
that, "We are going to institute
the suburbs by saying to banks
that, "We are going to institute
a program of mortgage
that, "We are going to institute
a program of mortgage
guarantees.
A program of mortgage
guarantees.
People who might look like
guarantees.
People who might look like
they're dangerous credit risks
People who might look like
they're dangerous credit risks
and you might not want to give
they're dangerous credit risks
and you might not want to give
them a mortgage because they're
and you might not want to give
them a mortgage because they're
not making enough money, we, the
them a mortgage because they're
not making enough money, we, the
federal government, say to you
not making enough money, we, the
federal government, say to you
that if you give these people
federal government, say to you
that if you give these people
mortgages, we will guarantee you
that if you give these people
mortgages, we will guarantee you
that in fact if they default,
mortgages, we will guarantee you
that in fact if they default,
we'll pay you."
that in fact if they default,
we'll pay you."
And because of that, money was
we'll pay you."
And because of that, money was
available to flow into the
And because of that, money was
available to flow into the
private-housing market.
Available to flow into the
private-housing market.
And unfortunately, it was not
private-housing market.
And unfortunately, it was not
allowed to flow into multifamily
And unfortunately, it was not
allowed to flow into multifamily
housing in the city.
Allowed to flow into multifamily
housing in the city.
What are you talking about?
Housing in the city.
What are you talking about?
You're talking about, in fact,
What are you talking about?
You're talking about, in fact,
the development of the suburbs.
You're talking about, in fact,
the development of the suburbs.
So between this mix of programs,
the development of the suburbs.
So between this mix of programs,
the federal government has opted
So between this mix of programs,
the federal government has opted
for a policy which is profoundly
the federal government has opted
for a policy which is profoundly
anticity.
For a policy which is profoundly
anticity.
SUAREZ: Add to that the
anticity.
SUAREZ: Add to that the
interstate highways, which were
SUAREZ: Add to that the
interstate highways, which were
ready to whisk people out of the
interstate highways, which were
ready to whisk people out of the
city and take them to those new
ready to whisk people out of the
city and take them to those new
homes that were rising in the
city and take them to those new
homes that were rising in the
cornfields and the potato fields
homes that were rising in the
cornfields and the potato fields
in response to all this hot loan
cornfields and the potato fields
in response to all this hot loan
money being around.
In response to all this hot loan
money being around.
New York was suddenly surrounded
money being around.
New York was suddenly surrounded
by the changes in American life.
New York was suddenly surrounded
by the changes in American life.
But also got it right in the
by the changes in American life.
But also got it right in the
neck from various federal
But also got it right in the
neck from various federal
programs that were supposed to
neck from various federal
programs that were supposed to
help the city, that said that
programs that were supposed to
help the city, that said that
they were about to help the
help the city, that said that
they were about to help the
American people.
They were about to help the
American people.
And, boy, the destruction that
American people.
And, boy, the destruction that
came from this concentration of
And, boy, the destruction that
came from this concentration of
effects!
Came from this concentration of
effects!
Coincidental, it all started to
effects!
Coincidental, it all started to
happen in the late '40s.
Coincidental, it all started to
happen in the late '40s.
And probably any one of them New
happen in the late '40s.
And probably any one of them New
York could have fought off or
And probably any one of them New
York could have fought off or
somehow accommodated or made its
York could have fought off or
somehow accommodated or made its
peace with.
Somehow accommodated or made its
peace with.
But all of those things
peace with.
But all of those things
happening at once just was
But all of those things
happening at once just was
disastrous.
Happening at once just was
disastrous.
NARRATOR: In the end, nothing
disastrous.
NARRATOR: In the end, nothing
would transform the landscape of
NARRATOR: In the end, nothing
would transform the landscape of
American cities more
would transform the landscape of
American cities more
dramatically than the billions
American cities more
dramatically than the billions
of dollars in federal aid
dramatically than the billions
of dollars in federal aid
streaming out of Washington to
of dollars in federal aid
streaming out of Washington to
build new arterial highways,
streaming out of Washington to
build new arterial highways,
culminating in the Interstate
build new arterial highways,
culminating in the Interstate
Highway Act of 1956.
Culminating in the Interstate
Highway Act of 1956.
The most important single
Highway Act of 1956.
The most important single
public-works project in America
The most important single
public-works project in America
since the Erie Canal, the
public-works project in America
since the Erie Canal, the
41,000-mile system would reverse
since the Erie Canal, the
41,000-mile system would reverse
the impact of DeWitt Clinton's
41,000-mile system would reverse
the impact of DeWitt Clinton's
great achievement, drawing
the impact of DeWitt Clinton's
great achievement, drawing
resources out of cities and
great achievement, drawing
resources out of cities and
diffusing them out across the
resources out of cities and
diffusing them out across the
American landscape, while
diffusing them out across the
American landscape, while
committing the economy of the
American landscape, while
committing the economy of the
entire nation to a self-
committing the economy of the
entire nation to a self-
perpetuating culture of the
entire nation to a self-
perpetuating culture of the
automobile.
Perpetuating culture of the
automobile.
WALLACE: But the car has a
automobile.
WALLACE: But the car has a
life of its own.
WALLACE: But the car has a
life of its own.
And you've got to have more
life of its own.
And you've got to have more
highways so you can sell more
And you've got to have more
highways so you can sell more
cars.
Highways so you can sell more
cars.
And if you make more cars,
cars.
And if you make more cars,
you've got to have more
And if you make more cars,
you've got to have more
highways.
You've got to have more
highways.
And once you're on that
highways.
And once you're on that
treadmill, then anything that
And once you're on that
treadmill, then anything that
stands in the way, including
treadmill, then anything that
stands in the way, including
that vision of the city as a
stands in the way, including
that vision of the city as a
civilized but dense arena, goes
that vision of the city as a
civilized but dense arena, goes
by the wayside.
Civilized but dense arena, goes
by the wayside.
And so we've got this period
by the wayside.
And so we've got this period
when, on the one hand, we're
And so we've got this period
when, on the one hand, we're
projecting roads out into the
when, on the one hand, we're
projecting roads out into the
suburbs and people are in fact
projecting roads out into the
suburbs and people are in fact
motoring off on them; on the
suburbs and people are in fact
motoring off on them; on the
other hand, we're ramming roads
motoring off on them; on the
other hand, we're ramming roads
through working-class and poor
other hand, we're ramming roads
through working-class and poor
quarters.
Through working-class and poor
quarters.
NARRATOR: One way or another,
quarters.
NARRATOR: One way or another,
Robert Moses had a hand in it
NARRATOR: One way or another,
Robert Moses had a hand in it
all, overseeing the construction
Robert Moses had a hand in it
all, overseeing the construction
of nearly a billion and a half
all, overseeing the construction
of nearly a billion and a half
dollars in federally-funded
of nearly a billion and a half
dollars in federally-funded
highways in little more than 15
dollars in federally-funded
highways in little more than 15
years.
Highways in little more than 15
years.
MOSES: We wouldn't have any
years.
MOSES: We wouldn't have any
American economy without the
MOSES: We wouldn't have any
American economy without the
automobile business.
American economy without the
automobile business.
That's literally true.
Automobile business.
That's literally true.
To believe that this is a great
That's literally true.
To believe that this is a great
industry that has to go on and
To believe that this is a great
industry that has to go on and
has to keep on turning out cars
industry that has to go on and
has to keep on turning out cars
and trucks and buses, then there
has to keep on turning out cars
and trucks and buses, then there
have to be places for them to
and trucks and buses, then there
have to be places for them to
run.
Have to be places for them to
run.
There have to be modern roads,
run.
There have to be modern roads,
modern arteries.
There have to be modern roads,
modern arteries.
Somebody's got to build them.
Modern arteries.
Somebody's got to build them.
And in order to get those things
Somebody's got to build them.
And in order to get those things
done and done properly, people
And in order to get those things
done and done properly, people
must be inconvenienced who are
done and done properly, people
must be inconvenienced who are
in the way.
Must be inconvenienced who are
in the way.
CARO: After the war, everyone
in the way.
CARO: After the war, everyone
was beginning to realize that
CARO: After the war, everyone
was beginning to realize that
you had to build great arterial
was beginning to realize that
you had to build great arterial
routes through the cities.
You had to build great arterial
routes through the cities.
Every city had plans for
routes through the cities.
Every city had plans for
expressways, but nobody was able
Every city had plans for
expressways, but nobody was able
to build the expressways.
Expressways, but nobody was able
to build the expressways.
There were two reasons: one, the
to build the expressways.
There were two reasons: one, the
staggering costs of these
There were two reasons: one, the
staggering costs of these
expressways compared to
staggering costs of these
expressways compared to
everything that had gone before
expressways compared to
everything that had gone before
in public works to build it
everything that had gone before
in public works to build it
through a crowded urban setting.
In public works to build it
through a crowded urban setting.
The second thing is this is a
through a crowded urban setting.
The second thing is this is a
democracy.
The second thing is this is a
democracy.
You had to evict from their
democracy.
You had to evict from their
homes tens of thousands of
You had to evict from their
homes tens of thousands of
people for an ordinary
homes tens of thousands of
people for an ordinary
expressway.
People for an ordinary
expressway.
They were voters.
Expressway.
They were voters.
And politicians shied away from
They were voters.
And politicians shied away from
the very thought of evictions on
And politicians shied away from
the very thought of evictions on
a scale like that.
The very thought of evictions on
a scale like that.
Moses shied away from nothing.
A scale like that.
Moses shied away from nothing.
And in the first as soon as
Moses shied away from nothing.
And in the first as soon as
the war ended, he began to ram
And in the first as soon as
the war ended, he began to ram
six great expressways right
the war ended, he began to ram
six great expressways right
across the heart of New York.
Six great expressways right
across the heart of New York.
NARRATOR: Of all the federal
across the heart of New York.
NARRATOR: Of all the federal
projects under Robert Moses's
NARRATOR: Of all the federal
projects under Robert Moses's
control, none would have more
projects under Robert Moses's
control, none would have more
devastating consequences for the
control, none would have more
devastating consequences for the
city and its people or instill
devastating consequences for the
city and its people or instill
more rage against its executor
city and its people or instill
more rage against its executor
than the Cross Bronx Expressway,
more rage against its executor
than the Cross Bronx Expressway,
a 225-foot-wide concrete trench,
than the Cross Bronx Expressway,
a 225-foot-wide concrete trench,
seven miles long, that would
a 225-foot-wide concrete trench,
seven miles long, that would
carve a path of destruction New
seven miles long, that would
carve a path of destruction New
Yorkers would never forget.
Carve a path of destruction New
Yorkers would never forget.
CARO: This used to be a
Yorkers would never forget.
CARO: This used to be a
neighborhood.
CARO: This used to be a
neighborhood.
The neighborhood was called East
neighborhood.
The neighborhood was called East
Tremont in the Bronx in New
The neighborhood was called East
Tremont in the Bronx in New
York.
Tremont in the Bronx in New
York.
The heart of it was where this
York.
The heart of it was where this
road runs behind me, the Cross
The heart of it was where this
road runs behind me, the Cross
Bronx Expressway.
Road runs behind me, the Cross
Bronx Expressway.
It was predominantly Jewish.
Bronx Expressway.
It was predominantly Jewish.
There was also Irish and Germans
It was predominantly Jewish.
There was also Irish and Germans
in it and some blacks.
There was also Irish and Germans
in it and some blacks.
It was a neighborhood where
in it and some blacks.
It was a neighborhood where
everybody knew everybody else.
It was a neighborhood where
everybody knew everybody else.
It was a community.
Everybody knew everybody else.
It was a community.
It was a place with a heart.
It was a community.
It was a place with a heart.
Robert Moses tore this heart
It was a place with a heart.
Robert Moses tore this heart
out.
Robert Moses tore this heart
out.
BERMAN: The Cross Bronx
out.
BERMAN: The Cross Bronx
Expressway goes through about 12
BERMAN: The Cross Bronx
Expressway goes through about 12
or 15 different neighborhoods
Expressway goes through about 12
or 15 different neighborhoods
and it just, like, went through
or 15 different neighborhoods
and it just, like, went through
the center of a great many.
And it just, like, went through
the center of a great many.
And, I mean, the idea was that
the center of a great many.
And, I mean, the idea was that
it was built on a straight line.
And, I mean, the idea was that
it was built on a straight line.
And there was no account of, you
it was built on a straight line.
And there was no account of, you
know, who the people are and
And there was no account of, you
know, who the people are and
what they're doing.
Know, who the people are and
what they're doing.
There was no question of, "Can
what they're doing.
There was no question of, "Can
we work this highway into
There was no question of, "Can
we work this highway into
existing life?"
we work this highway into
existing life?"
This question never came up in
existing life?"
This question never came up in
the 1940s or '50s.
This question never came up in
the 1940s or '50s.
They had the power to build in
the 1940s or '50s.
They had the power to build in
straight lines, and they just
They had the power to build in
straight lines, and they just
did.
Straight lines, and they just
did.
SUAREZ: These were still
did.
SUAREZ: These were still
intact communities.
SUAREZ: These were still
intact communities.
People worked.
Intact communities.
People worked.
People kept up their properties.
People worked.
People kept up their properties.
People did business where they
People kept up their properties.
People did business where they
lived.
People did business where they
lived.
This was a place where you did
lived.
This was a place where you did
your marketing locally.
This was a place where you did
your marketing locally.
You did your business locally.
Your marketing locally.
You did your business locally.
You got your first Holy
You did your business locally.
You got your first Holy
Communion, read your haftarah
You got your first Holy
Communion, read your haftarah
for your bar mitzvah.
Communion, read your haftarah
for your bar mitzvah.
It all happened right there.
For your bar mitzvah.
It all happened right there.
It was a culturally and
It all happened right there.
It was a culturally and
materially self-sufficient world
It was a culturally and
materially self-sufficient world
in a lot of ways.
Materially self-sufficient world
in a lot of ways.
CARO: On December 4, 1952,
in a lot of ways.
CARO: On December 4, 1952,
this community was told that
CARO: On December 4, 1952,
this community was told that
Robert Moses was going to take
this community was told that
Robert Moses was going to take
their homes away.
Robert Moses was going to take
their homes away.
They all got the same letter.
Their homes away.
They all got the same letter.
It was a very typical Robert
They all got the same letter.
It was a very typical Robert
Moses letter: "Your homes are in
It was a very typical Robert
Moses letter: "Your homes are in
the path of the already approved
Moses letter: "Your homes are in
the path of the already approved
Cross Bronx Expressway, and you
the path of the already approved
Cross Bronx Expressway, and you
have 90 days to get out."
Cross Bronx Expressway, and you
have 90 days to get out."
Now, this was 1952.
Have 90 days to get out."
Now, this was 1952.
It was not the era of protests.
Now, this was 1952.
It was not the era of protests.
And what this community tried to
It was not the era of protests.
And what this community tried to
do was then very new.
And what this community tried to
do was then very new.
And they thought for a while
do was then very new.
And they thought for a while
that they were going to win.
And they thought for a while
that they were going to win.
Their assemblyman said they
that they were going to win.
Their assemblyman said they
would never approve it.
Their assemblyman said they
would never approve it.
Their state senator said it will
would never approve it.
Their state senator said it will
never be approved.
Their state senator said it will
never be approved.
And Robert F. Wagner, Jr., who
never be approved.
And Robert F. Wagner, Jr., who
was running for mayor then,
And Robert F. Wagner, Jr., who
was running for mayor then,
solemnly promised in his
was running for mayor then,
solemnly promised in his
election campaign that he would
solemnly promised in his
election campaign that he would
never approve this route for the
election campaign that he would
never approve this route for the
Cross Bronx Expressway.
Never approve this route for the
Cross Bronx Expressway.
But of course, by this era, it
Cross Bronx Expressway.
But of course, by this era, it
was the mayor's word that
But of course, by this era, it
was the mayor's word that
mattered or a borough
was the mayor's word that
mattered or a borough
president's word that mattered
mattered or a borough
president's word that mattered
or an assemblyman's or a
president's word that mattered
or an assemblyman's or a
senator's.
Or an assemblyman's or a
senator's.
The only word that mattered as
senator's.
The only word that mattered as
to where a highway was going to
The only word that mattered as
to where a highway was going to
go in New York was Robert
to where a highway was going to
go in New York was Robert
Moses's.
Go in New York was Robert
Moses's.
REPORTER: They seem to think
Moses's.
REPORTER: They seem to think
that they have a choice, that
REPORTER: They seem to think
that they have a choice, that
they'd rather stay in the houses
that they have a choice, that
they'd rather stay in the houses
that they've lived in all this
they'd rather stay in the houses
that they've lived in all this
time.
That they've lived in all this
time.
MOSES: If the whole federal
time.
MOSES: If the whole federal
arterial-aid program running in
MOSES: If the whole federal
arterial-aid program running in
the billions of dollars depend
arterial-aid program running in
the billions of dollars depend
upon the votes of a very few
the billions of dollars depend
upon the votes of a very few
people in one section, we
upon the votes of a very few
people in one section, we
wouldn't build anything
People in one section, we
wouldn't build anything
nothing would be built.
Wouldn't build anything
nothing would be built.
There'd be no highways.
Nothing would be built.
There'd be no highways.
There'd be no housing.
There'd be no highways.
There'd be no housing.
There'd be no public
There'd be no housing.
There'd be no public
improvements.
There'd be no public
improvements.
The individual has to yield in
improvements.
The individual has to yield in
matters of this kind to the
The individual has to yield in
matters of this kind to the
entire country for the
matters of this kind to the
entire country for the
advantages, needs of the
entire country for the
advantages, needs of the
majority of people.
Advantages, needs of the
majority of people.
REPORTER: And there's just no
majority of people.
REPORTER: And there's just no
other way ou
REPORTER: And there's just no
other way ou
MOSES: No, there's no other
other way ou
MOSES: No, there's no other
way out.
MOSES: No, there's no other
way out.
NARRATOR: In the end, the
way out.
NARRATOR: In the end, the
opposition never had a chance.
NARRATOR: In the end, the
opposition never had a chance.
On April 23, 1953, at a hearing
opposition never had a chance.
On April 23, 1953, at a hearing
of the Board of Estimate at City
On April 23, 1953, at a hearing
of the Board of Estimate at City
Hall, the Bronx borough
of the Board of Estimate at City
Hall, the Bronx borough
president underwent a mysterious
Hall, the Bronx borough
president underwent a mysterious
change of heart after a few
president underwent a mysterious
change of heart after a few
whispered words with Robert
change of heart after a few
whispered words with Robert
Moses.
Whispered words with Robert
Moses.
Not long after, the new mayor,
Moses.
Not long after, the new mayor,
Robert F. Wagner, Jr., abruptly
Not long after, the new mayor,
Robert F. Wagner, Jr., abruptly
switched his position, too.
Robert F. Wagner, Jr., abruptly
switched his position, too.
And in the summer of 1955, as
switched his position, too.
And in the summer of 1955, as
stunned residents of East
And in the summer of 1955, as
stunned residents of East
Tremont looked on, work began on
stunned residents of East
Tremont looked on, work began on
one of the most awesome public-
Tremont looked on, work began on
one of the most awesome public-
works projects in the city's
one of the most awesome public-
works projects in the city's
entire history.
Works projects in the city's
entire history.
CARO: This is what it's like
entire history.
CARO: This is what it's like
to build a great highway through
CARO: This is what it's like
to build a great highway through
the greatest city in the world.
To build a great highway through
the greatest city in the world.
When the guy who built the Burma
the greatest city in the world.
When the guy who built the Burma
Road, General Thomas F. Farrell,
When the guy who built the Burma
Road, General Thomas F. Farrell,
came here with his chief aide,
Road, General Thomas F. Farrell,
came here with his chief aide,
Chapin, they looked at this and
came here with his chief aide,
Chapin, they looked at this and
they said, "We thought the Burma
Chapin, they looked at this and
they said, "We thought the Burma
Road was tough.
They said, "We thought the Burma
Road was tough.
It was nothing compared to
Road was tough.
It was nothing compared to
this."
It was nothing compared to
this."
When they came here, this valley
this."
When they came here, this valley
that you see here was, of
When they came here, this valley
that you see here was, of
course, filled with apartment
that you see here was, of
course, filled with apartment
houses.
Course, filled with apartment
houses.
So they had to demolish scores
houses.
So they had to demolish scores
of six- and seven-story
So they had to demolish scores
of six- and seven-story
apartment houses.
Of six- and seven-story
apartment houses.
But that was really nothing
apartment houses.
But that was really nothing
compared to the problems.
But that was really nothing
compared to the problems.
They were going to have to blast
compared to the problems.
They were going to have to blast
through the ridge there.
They were going to have to blast
through the ridge there.
They knew that building this
through the ridge there.
They knew that building this
road was going to take ten or 12
They knew that building this
road was going to take ten or 12
years.
Road was going to take ten or 12
years.
In fact, it took 12 years.
Years.
In fact, it took 12 years.
They knew they couldn't
In fact, it took 12 years.
They knew they couldn't
interrupt the subway service, so
They knew they couldn't
interrupt the subway service, so
they were going to have to keep
interrupt the subway service, so
they were going to have to keep
that subway line running while
they were going to have to keep
that subway line running while
they blasted through that ridge.
That subway line running while
they blasted through that ridge.
Also, inside that ridge is one
they blasted through that ridge.
Also, inside that ridge is one
of the world's largest storm
Also, inside that ridge is one
of the world's largest storm
sewer mains, gas mains,
of the world's largest storm
sewer mains, gas mains,
electric lines, telegraph
sewer mains, gas mains,
electric lines, telegraph
cables, sewers of all types, a
electric lines, telegraph
cables, sewers of all types, a
whole mass of utility lines.
Cables, sewers of all types, a
whole mass of utility lines.
Moses was going to have to ram
whole mass of utility lines.
Moses was going to have to ram
this road through there while
Moses was going to have to ram
this road through there while
keeping all those things in
this road through there while
keeping all those things in
operation.
Keeping all those things in
operation.
BERMAN: I remember standing
operation.
BERMAN: I remember standing
on the ramparts of the concourse
BERMAN: I remember standing
on the ramparts of the concourse
and watching the engineering
on the ramparts of the concourse
and watching the engineering
job, which was quite magnificent
and watching the engineering
job, which was quite magnificent
and sublime because you could
job, which was quite magnificent
and sublime because you could
see the destruction in one
and sublime because you could
see the destruction in one
direction.
See the destruction in one
direction.
Everything was being smashed to
direction.
Everything was being smashed to
the east.
Everything was being smashed to
the east.
And to the west nothing had been
the east.
And to the west nothing had been
done yet, so it looked like a
And to the west nothing had been
done yet, so it looked like a
completely intact city.
Done yet, so it looked like a
completely intact city.
And yet you knew it was like the
completely intact city.
And yet you knew it was like the
artillery shells were going to
And yet you knew it was like the
artillery shells were going to
come down on it, you know, in a
artillery shells were going to
come down on it, you know, in a
year, in two years, in a month.
Come down on it, you know, in a
year, in two years, in a month.
They didn't tell us.
Year, in two years, in a month.
They didn't tell us.
CARO: And all I could think
They didn't tell us.
CARO: And all I could think
of was that this didn't have to
CARO: And all I could think
of was that this didn't have to
be.
Of was that this didn't have to
be.
Now, that very afternoon as it
be.
Now, that very afternoon as it
happened, I had an interview
Now, that very afternoon as it
happened, I had an interview
with Robert Moses.
Happened, I had an interview
with Robert Moses.
And I was asking him about this
with Robert Moses.
And I was asking him about this
expressway, and I was trying to
And I was asking him about this
expressway, and I was trying to
find a polite way to address the
expressway, and I was trying to
find a polite way to address the
subject.
Find a polite way to address the
subject.
And I said, "Was it perhaps more
subject.
And I said, "Was it perhaps more
difficult to build an expressway
And I said, "Was it perhaps more
difficult to build an expressway
through a crowded city than to
difficult to build an expressway
through a crowded city than to
build a parkway on empty Long
through a crowded city than to
build a parkway on empty Long
Island?"
build a parkway on empty Long
Island?"
He said, "Oh, no.
Island?"
He said, "Oh, no.
No, not at all, not really."
He said, "Oh, no.
No, not at all, not really."
I said, "Well, what about the
No, not at all, not really."
I said, "Well, what about the
Cross Bronx Expressway?"
I said, "Well, what about the
Cross Bronx Expressway?"
He said, "Oh, no.
Cross Bronx Expressway?"
He said, "Oh, no.
There was no real trouble up
He said, "Oh, no.
There was no real trouble up
there."
There was no real trouble up
there."
I said, "Well, was there
there."
I said, "Well, was there
hardship for the people?"
I said, "Well, was there
hardship for the people?"
He said, "No, no."
hardship for the people?"
He said, "No, no."
He said, "They just stirred up
He said, "No, no."
He said, "They just stirred up
the animals there.
He said, "They just stirred up
the animals there.
So I just held fast, and that
the animals there.
So I just held fast, and that
was all we had to do."
So I just held fast, and that
was all we had to do."
And of course it was all he had
was all we had to do."
And of course it was all he had
to do, because that was the
And of course it was all he had
to do, because that was the
reality of political power in
to do, because that was the
reality of political power in
New York at that time.
Reality of political power in
New York at that time.
NARRATOR: Year after year,
New York at that time.
NARRATOR: Year after year,
the rampage of destruction went
NARRATOR: Year after year,
the rampage of destruction went
on as Robert Moses rammed one
the rampage of destruction went
on as Robert Moses rammed one
expressway after another across
on as Robert Moses rammed one
expressway after another across
communities in Brooklyn, Queens,
expressway after another across
communities in Brooklyn, Queens,
Staten Island, and the Bronx
Communities in Brooklyn, Queens,
Staten Island, and the Bronx
13 massive roads in all and more
Staten Island, and the Bronx
13 massive roads in all and more
than 130 miles of concrete,
13 massive roads in all and more
than 130 miles of concrete,
shattering no fewer than 21
than 130 miles of concrete,
shattering no fewer than 21
separate neighborhoods and
shattering no fewer than 21
separate neighborhoods and
upending the lives of more than
separate neighborhoods and
upending the lives of more than
a quarter of a million people.
Upending the lives of more than
a quarter of a million people.
The impact of that onslaught on
a quarter of a million people.
The impact of that onslaught on
the fragile ecology of New
The impact of that onslaught on
the fragile ecology of New
York's working-class
the fragile ecology of New
York's working-class
neighborhoods would continue to
York's working-class
neighborhoods would continue to
reverberate for generations.
Neighborhoods would continue to
reverberate for generations.
SUAREZ: The car is not a
reverberate for generations.
SUAREZ: The car is not a
neutral actor on the urban
SUAREZ: The car is not a
neutral actor on the urban
landscape.
Neutral actor on the urban
landscape.
The car brings mobility and it
landscape.
The car brings mobility and it
brings problems.
The car brings mobility and it
brings problems.
Moses only saw the mobility; he
brings problems.
Moses only saw the mobility; he
never saw the problems.
Moses only saw the mobility; he
never saw the problems.
If you owned a store in the area
never saw the problems.
If you owned a store in the area
of the Cross Bronx Expressway,
If you owned a store in the area
of the Cross Bronx Expressway,
suddenly a third of your
of the Cross Bronx Expressway,
suddenly a third of your
customers were gone, and half of
suddenly a third of your
customers were gone, and half of
those that remained were now on
customers were gone, and half of
those that remained were now on
the other side of the highway.
Those that remained were now on
the other side of the highway.
It knocked down all kinds of
the other side of the highway.
It knocked down all kinds of
places that were the glue of
It knocked down all kinds of
places that were the glue of
neighborhood life, leaving a
places that were the glue of
neighborhood life, leaving a
world in tatters; leaving pieces
neighborhood life, leaving a
world in tatters; leaving pieces
of neighborhoods that were no
world in tatters; leaving pieces
of neighborhoods that were no
longer viable, that could no
of neighborhoods that were no
longer viable, that could no
longer attract the new residents
longer viable, that could no
longer attract the new residents
that helped keep rents up, that
longer attract the new residents
that helped keep rents up, that
helped keep property values up,
that helped keep rents up, that
helped keep property values up,
that made the whole proposition
helped keep property values up,
that made the whole proposition
of living in a place or owning
that made the whole proposition
of living in a place or owning
property in a place a long-term
of living in a place or owning
property in a place a long-term
proposition that you could
property in a place a long-term
proposition that you could
sustain.
Proposition that you could
sustain.
So the Grand Concourse, you
sustain.
So the Grand Concourse, you
know, just hits rock bottom in
So the Grand Concourse, you
know, just hits rock bottom in
these decades.
Know, just hits rock bottom in
these decades.
Places like Mott Haven hit rock
these decades.
Places like Mott Haven hit rock
bottom to become part of the
Places like Mott Haven hit rock
bottom to become part of the
poorest congressional district
bottom to become part of the
poorest congressional district
in the entire country because of
poorest congressional district
in the entire country because of
the many, many sorrows that the
in the entire country because of
the many, many sorrows that the
Bronx has been inflicted with.
The many, many sorrows that the
Bronx has been inflicted with.
BERMAN: I stood on the
Bronx has been inflicted with.
BERMAN: I stood on the
ramparts of the concourse and
BERMAN: I stood on the
ramparts of the concourse and
said, "Someday I'll get that
ramparts of the concourse and
said, "Someday I'll get that
bastard."
said, "Someday I'll get that
bastard."
And there were a lot of other
bastard."
And there were a lot of other
people, too, who were standing
And there were a lot of other
people, too, who were standing
there with me and watching the
people, too, who were standing
there with me and watching the
job and said, "We hate that
there with me and watching the
job and said, "We hate that
creep.
Job and said, "We hate that
creep.
Someday we'll get him."
creep.
Someday we'll get him."
I mean, he'd made a lot of
Someday we'll get him."
I mean, he'd made a lot of
enemies over the years.
I mean, he'd made a lot of
enemies over the years.
You know, people who were
enemies over the years.
You know, people who were
willing to do anything to get
You know, people who were
willing to do anything to get
him.
Willing to do anything to get
him.
MOSES: We don't pay to much
him.
MOSES: We don't pay to much
attention to the critics.
MOSES: We don't pay to much
attention to the critics.
They never build anything.
Attention to the critics.
They never build anything.
No critic ever built anything in
They never build anything.
No critic ever built anything in
my knowledge.
No critic ever built anything in
my knowledge.
And they don't bother us.
My knowledge.
And they don't bother us.
New York has too many critics.
And they don't bother us.
New York has too many critics.
We ought to get rid of some of
New York has too many critics.
We ought to get rid of some of
them.
We ought to get rid of some of
them.
NARRATOR: And so the frenzy
them.
NARRATOR: And so the frenzy
of building went on, as the
NARRATOR: And so the frenzy
of building went on, as the
expressways drove through and
of building went on, as the
expressways drove through and
the tall towers rose and whole
expressways drove through and
the tall towers rose and whole
districts were demolished to
the tall towers rose and whole
districts were demolished to
make room for high-rise housing
districts were demolished to
make room for high-rise housing
projects and building after
make room for high-rise housing
projects and building after
building of glass and steel.
Projects and building after
building of glass and steel.
ADA LOUISE HUXTABLE: By the
building of glass and steel.
ADA LOUISE HUXTABLE: By the
'60s, we knew that urban renewal
ADA LOUISE HUXTABLE: By the
'60s, we knew that urban renewal
was a failure; we knew that it
'60s, we knew that urban renewal
was a failure; we knew that it
had taken the heart and the gut
was a failure; we knew that it
had taken the heart and the gut
out of cities.
But New York's urban renewal had
started in the '50s and was
started in the '50s and was
moving along like an unstoppable
moving along like an unstoppable
juggernaut.
And there were, of course, deals
And there were, of course, deals
made between the government and
between the real-estate people,
made between the government and
between the real-estate people,
the developers.
Between the real-estate people,
the developers.
It was nothing that those of us
the developers.
It was nothing that those of us
who cared about could stop.
It was nothing that those of us
who cared about could stop.
It was a done deal.
Who cared about could stop.
It was a done deal.
NARRATOR: In 1956, a 30-year-
It was a done deal.
NARRATOR: In 1956, a 30-year-
old poet named Allen Ginsberg,
NARRATOR: In 1956, a 30-year-
old poet named Allen Ginsberg,
living on East Seventh Street in
old poet named Allen Ginsberg,
living on East Seventh Street in
the Village, sought to capture
living on East Seventh Street in
the Village, sought to capture
the increasingly impersonal and
the Village, sought to capture
the increasingly impersonal and
alien landscape of the city,
the increasingly impersonal and
alien landscape of the city,
which he depicted as the
alien landscape of the city,
which he depicted as the
insatiable Old Testament god,
which he depicted as the
insatiable Old Testament god,
Moloch, to whom children were
insatiable Old Testament god,
Moloch, to whom children were
ritually sacrificed.
Moloch, to whom children were
ritually sacrificed.
READER: "What sphinx of
ritually sacrificed.
READER: "What sphinx of
cement and aluminum hacked open
READER: "What sphinx of
cement and aluminum hacked open
their skulls and ate up their
cement and aluminum hacked open
their skulls and ate up their
brains and imagination?
Their skulls and ate up their
brains and imagination?
Moloch, the incomprehensible
brains and imagination?
Moloch, the incomprehensible
prisons!
Moloch, the incomprehensible
prisons!
Moloch, the crossbone soulless
prisons!
Moloch, the crossbone soulless
jailhouse and congress of
Moloch, the crossbone soulless
jailhouse and congress of
sorrows!
Jailhouse and congress of
sorrows!
Moloch, whose buildings are
sorrows!
Moloch, whose buildings are
judgment!
Moloch, whose buildings are
judgment!
Moloch, whose eyes are a
judgment!
Moloch, whose eyes are a
thousand blind windows!
Moloch, whose eyes are a
thousand blind windows!
Moloch, whose skyscrapers stand
thousand blind windows!
Moloch, whose skyscrapers stand
in the long streets like endless
Moloch, whose skyscrapers stand
in the long streets like endless
Jehovahs!
In the long streets like endless
Jehovahs!
Moloch! Moloch!
Jehovahs!
Moloch! Moloch!
Robot apartments!
Moloch! Moloch!
Robot apartments!
Invisible suburbs!
Robot apartments!
Invisible suburbs!
Skeleton treasuries!
Invisible suburbs!
Skeleton treasuries!
Demonic industries!
Skeleton treasuries!
Demonic industries!
Spectral nations!
Demonic industries!
Spectral nations!
Invincible madhouses!
Spectral nations!
Invincible madhouses!
They broke their backs lifting
Invincible madhouses!
They broke their backs lifting
Moloch to Heaven!
They broke their backs lifting
Moloch to Heaven!
Pavements, trees, radios, tons!
Moloch to Heaven!
Pavements, trees, radios, tons!
Wake up in Moloch!
Pavements, trees, radios, tons!
Wake up in Moloch!
Light streaming out of the sky!"
Wake up in Moloch!
Light streaming out of the sky!"
Allen Ginsberg, 1956.
ALLEN GINSBERG: As the
buildings rise, as the
buildings rise, as the
skyscrapers get bigger, as the
skyscrapers get bigger, as the
mechanism of the city becomes
mechanism of the city becomes
more and more dehumanized, as
more and more dehumanized, as
the human being is dwarfed,
the human being is dwarfed,
there's finally gigantic,
there's finally gigantic,
thousand-windowed Molochs are
thousand-windowed Molochs are
created that look down on the
created that look down on the
individual and dwarf the
individual and dwarf the
individual and intimidate the
individual and intimidate the
individual.
Individual.
And then you find the individual
And then you find the individual
at the mercy of the people up in
at the mercy of the people up in
the big towers that the person
the big towers that the person
has no control over.
The guy living on East 12th
The guy living on East 12th
street has no idea what's going
on.
Street has no idea what's going
on.
NARRATOR: And still the
on.
NARRATOR: And still the
building went on.
NARRATOR: And still the
building went on.
At the southern tip of the
building went on.
At the southern tip of the
island, hundreds of historic
At the southern tip of the
island, hundreds of historic
buildings would soon be razed to
island, hundreds of historic
buildings would soon be razed to
the ground to make room for two
buildings would soon be razed to
the ground to make room for two
immense, rectangular towers that
the ground to make room for two
immense, rectangular towers that
would eventually soar higher
immense, rectangular towers that
would eventually soar higher
than the Empire State Building
would eventually soar higher
than the Empire State Building
itself.
Than the Empire State Building
itself.
Far out across the harbor,
itself.
Far out across the harbor,
meanwhile, Robert Moses had
Far out across the harbor,
meanwhile, Robert Moses had
commenced work on yet another
meanwhile, Robert Moses had
commenced work on yet another
epic project a mighty bridge,
commenced work on yet another
epic project a mighty bridge,
the longest in the world, that
epic project a mighty bridge,
the longest in the world, that
would eventually span the great
the longest in the world, that
would eventually span the great
narrows through which Verrazano
would eventually span the great
narrows through which Verrazano
and Henry Hudson himself had
narrows through which Verrazano
and Henry Hudson himself had
first sailed so many centuries
and Henry Hudson himself had
first sailed so many centuries
before.
First sailed so many centuries
before.
By then, most of the more than
before.
By then, most of the more than
600 miles of highway Robert
By then, most of the more than
600 miles of highway Robert
Moses would construct in and
600 miles of highway Robert
Moses would construct in and
around New York were either
Moses would construct in and
around New York were either
complete or well underway, and
around New York were either
complete or well underway, and
Moses himself was reaching the
complete or well underway, and
Moses himself was reaching the
very apogee of his power.
Moses himself was reaching the
very apogee of his power.
CARO: Well, he held 12 public
very apogee of his power.
CARO: Well, he held 12 public
jobs at once, which meant he had
CARO: Well, he held 12 public
jobs at once, which meant he had
the overseeing power for every
jobs at once, which meant he had
the overseeing power for every
piece of public construction in
the overseeing power for every
piece of public construction in
New York, not just the highways,
piece of public construction in
New York, not just the highways,
the public-housing projects, and
New York, not just the highways,
the public-housing projects, and
the parks he built, but
the public-housing projects, and
the parks he built, but
everything sewers, catch
the parks he built, but
everything sewers, catch
basins.
Everything sewers, catch
basins.
No one could move without Robert
basins.
No one could move without Robert
Moses's approval.
No one could move without Robert
Moses's approval.
Robert Moses, who built 627
Moses's approval.
Robert Moses, who built 627
miles of highway, never drove a
Robert Moses, who built 627
miles of highway, never drove a
car in his life except for a
miles of highway, never drove a
car in his life except for a
couple of driving lessons,
car in his life except for a
couple of driving lessons,
unsuccessful ones, that he took
couple of driving lessons,
unsuccessful ones, that he took
in 1922.
Unsuccessful ones, that he took
in 1922.
His car he had this huge
in 1922.
His car he had this huge
limousine, of course, with the
His car he had this huge
limousine, of course, with the
license plate "2000" and his
limousine, of course, with the
license plate "2000" and his
car, when you were in it with
license plate "2000" and his
car, when you were in it with
him, you felt like you were
car, when you were in it with
him, you felt like you were
insulated from the world.
Him, you felt like you were
insulated from the world.
The seats were so far back, you
insulated from the world.
The seats were so far back, you
couldn't see out the windows,
The seats were so far back, you
couldn't see out the windows,
and they were covered in leather
couldn't see out the windows,
and they were covered in leather
so fine that you really felt
and they were covered in leather
so fine that you really felt
that you were in the library of
so fine that you really felt
that you were in the library of
a fine men's club when you were
that you were in the library of
a fine men's club when you were
in his car.
A fine men's club when you were
in his car.
So he had no idea in many ways
in his car.
So he had no idea in many ways
of what he had wrought.
So he had no idea in many ways
of what he had wrought.
NARRATOR: But all the new
of what he had wrought.
NARRATOR: But all the new
building, so much of it
NARRATOR: But all the new
building, so much of it
authorized, controlled, or
building, so much of it
authorized, controlled, or
overseen by Moses himself, could
authorized, controlled, or
overseen by Moses himself, could
not disguise the fact that by
overseen by Moses himself, could
not disguise the fact that by
1960 New York was a city that
not disguise the fact that by
1960 New York was a city that
seemed to be spiraling into ever
1960 New York was a city that
seemed to be spiraling into ever
deeper trouble.
Seemed to be spiraling into ever
deeper trouble.
WALLACE: You're beginning to
deeper trouble.
WALLACE: You're beginning to
get people noticing that these
WALLACE: You're beginning to
get people noticing that these
highways and the new civic
get people noticing that these
highways and the new civic
centers and projects are, in
highways and the new civic
centers and projects are, in
fact, destroying vast amounts of
centers and projects are, in
fact, destroying vast amounts of
space that had been devoted to
fact, destroying vast amounts of
space that had been devoted to
manufacturing.
Space that had been devoted to
manufacturing.
All those huge projects along
manufacturing.
All those huge projects along
the East River are replacing, in
All those huge projects along
the East River are replacing, in
fact, acres and acres of small
the East River are replacing, in
fact, acres and acres of small
workshops and manufacturers.
Fact, acres and acres of small
workshops and manufacturers.
The big civic center that goes
workshops and manufacturers.
The big civic center that goes
up in downtown Brooklyn, you
The big civic center that goes
up in downtown Brooklyn, you
know, wipes out vast amounts of
up in downtown Brooklyn, you
know, wipes out vast amounts of
thriving business.
Know, wipes out vast amounts of
thriving business.
We're not talking about
thriving business.
We're not talking about
eradicating slums anymore.
We're not talking about
eradicating slums anymore.
I mean, they're using the word.
Eradicating slums anymore.
I mean, they're using the word.
They're saying, "Oops, you're
I mean, they're using the word.
They're saying, "Oops, you're
blighted; you go," you know?
They're saying, "Oops, you're
blighted; you go," you know?
"Oops, you're a slum; you go."
blighted; you go," you know?
"Oops, you're a slum; you go."
But in fact, these are real
"Oops, you're a slum; you go."
But in fact, these are real
working-class neighborhoods, and
But in fact, these are real
working-class neighborhoods, and
they're organized around real
working-class neighborhoods, and
they're organized around real
manufacturing centers.
They're organized around real
manufacturing centers.
NARRATOR: Across the five
manufacturing centers.
NARRATOR: Across the five
boroughs, even neighborhoods not
NARRATOR: Across the five
boroughs, even neighborhoods not
ravaged by highways and urban
boroughs, even neighborhoods not
ravaged by highways and urban
renewal had begun to stagnate
ravaged by highways and urban
renewal had begun to stagnate
and decline.
Renewal had begun to stagnate
and decline.
By 1960, not a single mile of
and decline.
By 1960, not a single mile of
new subway track had been laid
By 1960, not a single mile of
new subway track had been laid
in more than 20 years; banks and
new subway track had been laid
in more than 20 years; banks and
commercial lenders had all but
in more than 20 years; banks and
commercial lenders had all but
written off the city's aging
commercial lenders had all but
written off the city's aging
housing stock; and the census
written off the city's aging
housing stock; and the census
that year revealed an ominous
housing stock; and the census
that year revealed an ominous
new trend, as the flight to the
that year revealed an ominous
new trend, as the flight to the
suburbs begun ten years before
new trend, as the flight to the
suburbs begun ten years before
now began to accelerate
suburbs begun ten years before
now began to accelerate
dramatically.
Now began to accelerate
dramatically.
CRAIG WILDER: The first
dramatically.
CRAIG WILDER: The first
challenge for New York is going
CRAIG WILDER: The first
challenge for New York is going
to be the decline of the tax
challenge for New York is going
to be the decline of the tax
base in the 1950s and 1960s as
to be the decline of the tax
base in the 1950s and 1960s as
white, middle-class New Yorkers
base in the 1950s and 1960s as
white, middle-class New Yorkers
flee the city.
White, middle-class New Yorkers
flee the city.
You know, after World War II,
flee the city.
You know, after World War II,
500,000 white Brooklynites move
You know, after World War II,
500,000 white Brooklynites move
out of that borough in 20 years.
500,000 white Brooklynites move
out of that borough in 20 years.
Now, the population of the
out of that borough in 20 years.
Now, the population of the
borough remains the same because
Now, the population of the
borough remains the same because
more than 500,000 black people
borough remains the same because
more than 500,000 black people
move in.
More than 500,000 black people
move in.
But, ultimately, the effect of
move in.
But, ultimately, the effect of
it is actually extraordinary.
But, ultimately, the effect of
it is actually extraordinary.
We've replaced middle-class
it is actually extraordinary.
We've replaced middle-class
communities with poorer
We've replaced middle-class
communities with poorer
communities, and we've isolated
communities with poorer
communities, and we've isolated
poor people inside inner cities
communities, and we've isolated
poor people inside inner cities
with very few economic
poor people inside inner cities
with very few economic
opportunities, very little
with very few economic
opportunities, very little
chance of mobility.
Opportunities, very little
chance of mobility.
NARRATOR: And there was more
chance of mobility.
NARRATOR: And there was more
trouble to come.
NARRATOR: And there was more
trouble to come.
As suburbanization and white
trouble to come.
As suburbanization and white
flight continued and the flight
As suburbanization and white
flight continued and the flight
of industry begun ten years
flight continued and the flight
of industry begun ten years
before accelerated dramatically,
of industry begun ten years
before accelerated dramatically,
another exodus was underway on
before accelerated dramatically,
another exodus was underway on
the waterfront, where a
another exodus was underway on
the waterfront, where a
revolution in shipping methods
the waterfront, where a
revolution in shipping methods
was causing the great port
revolution in shipping methods
was causing the great port
itself, the city's lifeblood and
was causing the great port
itself, the city's lifeblood and
mainstay for more than three and
itself, the city's lifeblood and
mainstay for more than three and
a half centuries, to spiral into
mainstay for more than three and
a half centuries, to spiral into
decline.
A half centuries, to spiral into
decline.
JACKSON: Where there were
decline.
JACKSON: Where there were
100,000 and more longshoremen in
JACKSON: Where there were
100,000 and more longshoremen in
New York in 1950, as you begin
100,000 and more longshoremen in
New York in 1950, as you begin
to shift to containerization,
New York in 1950, as you begin
to shift to containerization,
you just need one guy in a cab
to shift to containerization,
you just need one guy in a cab
and somebody else to hook the
you just need one guy in a cab
and somebody else to hook the
thing onto the container and
and somebody else to hook the
thing onto the container and
maybe one guy just to kind of
thing onto the container and
maybe one guy just to kind of
ease it into place.
Maybe one guy just to kind of
ease it into place.
And they lift these whole
ease it into place.
And they lift these whole
containers.
And they lift these whole
containers.
These need lots of space for
containers.
These need lots of space for
that.
These need lots of space for
that.
Well, New York City doesn't have
that.
Well, New York City doesn't have
lots of space.
Well, New York City doesn't have
lots of space.
You need hundreds of acres to
lots of space.
You need hundreds of acres to
stack up the containers, to move
You need hundreds of acres to
stack up the containers, to move
18-wheel tractor-trailer trucks
stack up the containers, to move
18-wheel tractor-trailer trucks
to turn around.
18-wheel tractor-trailer trucks
to turn around.
Well, they found that on the New
to turn around.
Well, they found that on the New
Jersey side.
Well, they found that on the New
Jersey side.
So in these two huge areas, just
Jersey side.
So in these two huge areas, just
these two industrial jobs,
So in these two huge areas, just
these two industrial jobs,
harbor jobs New York City
these two industrial jobs,
harbor jobs New York City
hemorrhages in those let's say
harbor jobs New York City
hemorrhages in those let's say
15 or 20 years really after the
hemorrhages in those let's say
15 or 20 years really after the
end of World War II.
15 or 20 years really after the
end of World War II.
HAMILL: And I think it's one
end of World War II.
HAMILL: And I think it's one
of the ways of noticing how to
HAMILL: And I think it's one
of the ways of noticing how to
make the city work.
Of the ways of noticing how to
make the city work.
If the port doesn't work, the
make the city work.
If the port doesn't work, the
city's not going to work.
If the port doesn't work, the
city's not going to work.
And that sense of the thriving,
city's not going to work.
And that sense of the thriving,
noisy, dirty, exuberant
And that sense of the thriving,
noisy, dirty, exuberant
waterfront is gone now.
Noisy, dirty, exuberant
waterfront is gone now.
Take a ride down the West Side
waterfront is gone now.
Take a ride down the West Side
Drive now, what's left of it.
Take a ride down the West Side
Drive now, what's left of it.
You see some of the piers just
Drive now, what's left of it.
You see some of the piers just
rotting into the river like bad
You see some of the piers just
rotting into the river like bad
teeth.
Rotting into the river like bad
teeth.
There's no people working on
teeth.
There's no people working on
them.
There's no people working on
them.
You have the one luxury liner
them.
You have the one luxury liner
pier, but that's not what it was
You have the one luxury liner
pier, but that's not what it was
up until 1962, where you would
pier, but that's not what it was
up until 1962, where you would
see liner after liner after
up until 1962, where you would
see liner after liner after
liner.
See liner after liner after
liner.
Maybe the great symbol of what
liner.
Maybe the great symbol of what
happened to that waterfront is
Maybe the great symbol of what
happened to that waterfront is
one of its greatest attractions
happened to that waterfront is
one of its greatest attractions
right now, which is the
one of its greatest attractions
right now, which is the
Intrepid, which is a ship that
right now, which is the
Intrepid, which is a ship that
doesn't sail.
Intrepid, which is a ship that
doesn't sail.
It's got a flight deck covered
doesn't sail.
It's got a flight deck covered
with ferocious-looking jet
It's got a flight deck covered
with ferocious-looking jet
warplanes whose noses are
with ferocious-looking jet
warplanes whose noses are
pointed straight at H&H Bagels.
Warplanes whose noses are
pointed straight at H&H Bagels.
It's crowded every weekend, but
pointed straight at H&H Bagels.
It's crowded every weekend, but
it doesn't go anywhere.
It's crowded every weekend, but
it doesn't go anywhere.
So it employs people really as a
it doesn't go anywhere.
So it employs people really as a
function of memory rather than
So it employs people really as a
function of memory rather than
of anything that's active or new
function of memory rather than
of anything that's active or new
or thriving.
Of anything that's active or new
or thriving.
It's a museum.
Or thriving.
It's a museum.
NARRATOR: By 1962, New York
It's a museum.
NARRATOR: By 1962, New York
seemed to many people to have
NARRATOR: By 1962, New York
seemed to many people to have
lost its way.
Seemed to many people to have
lost its way.
Only 30 years before, F. Scott
lost its way.
Only 30 years before, F. Scott
Fitzgerald had stood atop the
Only 30 years before, F. Scott
Fitzgerald had stood atop the
Empire State Building and gazed
Fitzgerald had stood atop the
Empire State Building and gazed
out into the endless expanse of
Empire State Building and gazed
out into the endless expanse of
blue and green that stretched
out into the endless expanse of
blue and green that stretched
beyond the city's borders,
blue and green that stretched
beyond the city's borders,
filled with despair to see that
beyond the city's borders,
filled with despair to see that
the city itself had limits.
Filled with despair to see that
the city itself had limits.
Now a new kind of despair could
the city itself had limits.
Now a new kind of despair could
be discerned from the city's
Now a new kind of despair could
be discerned from the city's
tallest towers.
Be discerned from the city's
tallest towers.
The blue and green that had once
tallest towers.
The blue and green that had once
marked New York's limits had
The blue and green that had once
marked New York's limits had
turned to gray and brown and
marked New York's limits had
turned to gray and brown and
signified something more ominous
turned to gray and brown and
signified something more ominous
still the limitless suburban
signified something more ominous
still the limitless suburban
sprawl that was now superseding
still the limitless suburban
sprawl that was now superseding
the city, an endless
sprawl that was now superseding
the city, an endless
agglomeration of highways,
the city, an endless
agglomeration of highways,
parking lots, and tract-housing
agglomeration of highways,
parking lots, and tract-housing
developments, punctuated by the
parking lots, and tract-housing
developments, punctuated by the
deteriorating cores of older
developments, punctuated by the
deteriorating cores of older
urban areas that now stretched
deteriorating cores of older
urban areas that now stretched
almost continuously from Boston
urban areas that now stretched
almost continuously from Boston
to Washington.
Almost continuously from Boston
to Washington.
New York itself stood at the
to Washington.
New York itself stood at the
very center of what the French
New York itself stood at the
very center of what the French
demographer Jean Gottman called
very center of what the French
demographer Jean Gottman called
megalopolis an immense area
demographer Jean Gottman called
megalopolis an immense area
that, by 1960, was home to more
megalopolis an immense area
that, by 1960, was home to more
than 40 million inhabitants,
that, by 1960, was home to more
than 40 million inhabitants,
nearly one in four Americans.
Than 40 million inhabitants,
nearly one in four Americans.
But by now many wondered if the
nearly one in four Americans.
But by now many wondered if the
very notion of a center still
But by now many wondered if the
very notion of a center still
had any real meaning, or whether
very notion of a center still
had any real meaning, or whether
cities themselves had any reason
had any real meaning, or whether
cities themselves had any reason
for continuing at all.
Cities themselves had any reason
for continuing at all.
READER: "Out for a walk after
for continuing at all.
READER: "Out for a walk after
a week in bed.
READER: "Out for a walk after
a week in bed.
I find them tearing up part of
a week in bed.
I find them tearing up part of
my block.
I find them tearing up part of
my block.
As usual, everything in New York
my block.
As usual, everything in New York
is torn down before you have had
As usual, everything in New York
is torn down before you have had
time to care for it.
Is torn down before you have had
time to care for it.
You would think the simple fact
time to care for it.
You would think the simple fact
of having lasted threatened our
You would think the simple fact
of having lasted threatened our
cities like mysterious fires."
of having lasted threatened our
cities like mysterious fires."
James Merrill.
Cities like mysterious fires."
James Merrill.
READER: "Until the first
James Merrill.
READER: "Until the first
blows fell, no one was really
READER: "Until the first
blows fell, no one was really
convinced that Penn Station
blows fell, no one was really
convinced that Penn Station
would really be demolished or
convinced that Penn Station
would really be demolished or
that New York would permit this
would really be demolished or
that New York would permit this
monumental act of vandalism
that New York would permit this
monumental act of vandalism
against one of the largest and
monumental act of vandalism
against one of the largest and
finest landmarks of its age.
Against one of the largest and
finest landmarks of its age.
Any city gets what it admires
finest landmarks of its age.
Any city gets what it admires
and will pay for and ultimately
Any city gets what it admires
and will pay for and ultimately
deserves.
And will pay for and ultimately
deserves.
And we will probably be judged
deserves.
And we will probably be judged
not by the monuments we build,
And we will probably be judged
not by the monuments we build,
but the monuments we destroy."
not by the monuments we build,
but the monuments we destroy."
Ada Louise Huxtable.
But the monuments we destroy."
Ada Louise Huxtable.
BERMAN: One of the worst
Ada Louise Huxtable.
BERMAN: One of the worst
things that's happened in New
BERMAN: One of the worst
things that's happened in New
York's history is the loss of
things that's happened in New
York's history is the loss of
Penn Station.
York's history is the loss of
Penn Station.
Penn was so traumatic because
Penn Station.
Penn was so traumatic because
this was something that belonged
Penn was so traumatic because
this was something that belonged
to everybody and that people
this was something that belonged
to everybody and that people
felt was so beautiful, and that
to everybody and that people
felt was so beautiful, and that
they were so proud of that they
felt was so beautiful, and that
they were so proud of that they
just took it for granted, felt
they were so proud of that they
just took it for granted, felt
that it you know, it couldn't
just took it for granted, felt
that it you know, it couldn't
possibly be torn down.
That it you know, it couldn't
possibly be torn down.
Could you tear down the Grand
possibly be torn down.
Could you tear down the Grand
Canyon?
Could you tear down the Grand
Canyon?
And then it was, and they put
Canyon?
And then it was, and they put
this really disgusting rabbit
And then it was, and they put
this really disgusting rabbit
warren in its place.
This really disgusting rabbit
warren in its place.
McCULLOUGH: How tragic, how
warren in its place.
McCULLOUGH: How tragic, how
sad that so many Americans will
McCULLOUGH: How tragic, how
sad that so many Americans will
never know what it was like to
sad that so many Americans will
never know what it was like to
arrive in New York for the first
never know what it was like to
arrive in New York for the first
time in your life at Penn
arrive in New York for the first
time in your life at Penn
Station.
Time in your life at Penn
Station.
It was spectacular.
Station.
It was spectacular.
If you had never been to New
It was spectacular.
If you had never been to New
York before and you came into
If you had never been to New
York before and you came into
the city for the first time and
York before and you came into
the city for the first time and
you came out and there you were
the city for the first time and
you came out and there you were
in this breathtaking, manmade,
you came out and there you were
in this breathtaking, manmade,
wondrous, architectural place.
In this breathtaking, manmade,
wondrous, architectural place.
Vincent Scully says that we used
wondrous, architectural place.
Vincent Scully says that we used
to come into New York like gods
Vincent Scully says that we used
to come into New York like gods
when we came into Penn Station.
To come into New York like gods
when we came into Penn Station.
Now we come into the present
when we came into Penn Station.
Now we come into the present
Penn Station like rats.
Now we come into the present
Penn Station like rats.
It was one of the worst things
Penn Station like rats.
It was one of the worst things
to happen to an American
It was one of the worst things
to happen to an American
treasure not just in New York,
to happen to an American
treasure not just in New York,
but in the whole country.
Treasure not just in New York,
but in the whole country.
NARRATOR: Pennsylvania
but in the whole country.
NARRATOR: Pennsylvania
Station, the greatest
NARRATOR: Pennsylvania
Station, the greatest
architectural monument of the
Station, the greatest
architectural monument of the
imperial age of rail, had stood
architectural monument of the
imperial age of rail, had stood
for more than half a century at
imperial age of rail, had stood
for more than half a century at
the corner of Seventh Avenue and
for more than half a century at
the corner of Seventh Avenue and
33rd Street in New York, when in
the corner of Seventh Avenue and
33rd Street in New York, when in
the spring of 1961, the
33rd Street in New York, when in
the spring of 1961, the
financially troubled
the spring of 1961, the
financially troubled
Pennsylvania Railroad announced
financially troubled
Pennsylvania Railroad announced
plans to tear the magnificent
Pennsylvania Railroad announced
plans to tear the magnificent
structure down and replace it
plans to tear the magnificent
structure down and replace it
with a high-rise glass and steel
structure down and replace it
with a high-rise glass and steel
office tower and sports
with a high-rise glass and steel
office tower and sports
facility, hoping it would bring
office tower and sports
facility, hoping it would bring
in more money.
Facility, hoping it would bring
in more money.
Though some voices were raised
in more money.
Though some voices were raised
in protest, the coalition of
Though some voices were raised
in protest, the coalition of
architects, writers, and
in protest, the coalition of
architects, writers, and
historians who tried to stop the
architects, writers, and
historians who tried to stop the
demolition could do nothing to
historians who tried to stop the
demolition could do nothing to
save Penn Station from the
demolition could do nothing to
save Penn Station from the
wrecker's ball.
Save Penn Station from the
wrecker's ball.
And two years later, on the
wrecker's ball.
And two years later, on the
morning of October 28, 1963, the
And two years later, on the
morning of October 28, 1963, the
demolition began.
Morning of October 28, 1963, the
demolition began.
It would take more than three
demolition began.
It would take more than three
years in all to pull the great
It would take more than three
years in all to pull the great
stone structure down.
Years in all to pull the great
stone structure down.
One by one, the enormous Doric
stone structure down.
One by one, the enormous Doric
columns, winged eagles, and
One by one, the enormous Doric
columns, winged eagles, and
granite angels that had
columns, winged eagles, and
granite angels that had
ornamented its facade were cut
granite angels that had
ornamented its facade were cut
down, carted away, and dumped in
ornamented its facade were cut
down, carted away, and dumped in
a foul-smelling swamp in the New
down, carted away, and dumped in
a foul-smelling swamp in the New
Jersey meadowlands.
CAROL WILLIS: It is
inconceivable that Penn Station
inconceivable that Penn Station
was destroyed, demolished for
was destroyed, demolished for
one of the sorriest replacements
one of the sorriest replacements
that one could ever imagine.
Everything about the ambition of
Everything about the ambition of
Penn Station and of the great
railroad stations expresses the
Penn Station and of the great
railroad stations expresses the
kind of power that had been
railroad stations expresses the
kind of power that had been
concentrated in New York.
Kind of power that had been
concentrated in New York.
The loss of it was a sad
concentrated in New York.
The loss of it was a sad
commentary on the ideology of
The loss of it was a sad
commentary on the ideology of
modernism, the belief that new
commentary on the ideology of
modernism, the belief that new
is better, the belief that
modernism, the belief that new
is better, the belief that
modern efficiency or that the
is better, the belief that
modern efficiency or that the
profiting from new construction
modern efficiency or that the
profiting from new construction
is an adequate replacement for
profiting from new construction
is an adequate replacement for
the traditions, the heritage,
is an adequate replacement for
the traditions, the heritage,
and the real meaning of places
the traditions, the heritage,
and the real meaning of places
in people's lives.
And the real meaning of places
in people's lives.
NARRATOR: The loss of Penn
in people's lives.
NARRATOR: The loss of Penn
Station seemed to many an
NARRATOR: The loss of Penn
Station seemed to many an
irrefutable confirmation that
Station seemed to many an
irrefutable confirmation that
the age of rail had come to an
irrefutable confirmation that
the age of rail had come to an
end and that the age of the
the age of rail had come to an
end and that the age of the
automobile had triumphed.
End and that the age of the
automobile had triumphed.
And in many ways it had.
Automobile had triumphed.
And in many ways it had.
But more than most people
And in many ways it had.
But more than most people
understood at the time, the
But more than most people
understood at the time, the
destruction of Penn Station had
understood at the time, the
destruction of Penn Station had
marked a crucial turning point
destruction of Penn Station had
marked a crucial turning point
in the life of New York City.
Marked a crucial turning point
in the life of New York City.
WALLACE: It's when that comes
in the life of New York City.
WALLACE: It's when that comes
down that a sense of sacrilege
WALLACE: It's when that comes
down that a sense of sacrilege
really activates people.
Down that a sense of sacrilege
really activates people.
It's destroying the past.
Really activates people.
It's destroying the past.
It is symbolic of the triumph of
It's destroying the past.
It is symbolic of the triumph of
the auto era over the old,
It is symbolic of the triumph of
the auto era over the old,
interconnected, mass-transit
the auto era over the old,
interconnected, mass-transit
operations.
Interconnected, mass-transit
operations.
BERMAN: It generated, for
operations.
BERMAN: It generated, for
many people, a different
BERMAN: It generated, for
many people, a different
attitude about the new.
Many people, a different
attitude about the new.
You know, maybe the tradition of
attitude about the new.
You know, maybe the tradition of
the new, you know, wasn't
You know, maybe the tradition of
the new, you know, wasn't
something that we should
the new, you know, wasn't
something that we should
celebrate so uncritically.
Something that we should
celebrate so uncritically.
HUXTABLE: I think what was
celebrate so uncritically.
HUXTABLE: I think what was
gained was even more important
HUXTABLE: I think what was
gained was even more important
than what was lost.
Gained was even more important
than what was lost.
And what was lost was, of
than what was lost.
And what was lost was, of
course, one of the last really
And what was lost was, of
course, one of the last really
magnificent Beaux Arts
course, one of the last really
magnificent Beaux Arts
constructions, in terms of
magnificent Beaux Arts
constructions, in terms of
design and space and material
constructions, in terms of
design and space and material
and architectural quality.
Design and space and material
and architectural quality.
That was lost.
And architectural quality.
That was lost.
What was gained was an enormous
That was lost.
What was gained was an enormous
ground swell, popular ground
What was gained was an enormous
ground swell, popular ground
swell for preservation, that not
ground swell, popular ground
swell for preservation, that not
everything was expendable and
swell for preservation, that not
everything was expendable and
that some things were worth a
everything was expendable and
that some things were worth a
struggle; that you had to find
that some things were worth a
struggle; that you had to find
uses, you had to find ways to
struggle; that you had to find
uses, you had to find ways to
keep the character and the
uses, you had to find ways to
keep the character and the
quality and the continuity of a
keep the character and the
quality and the continuity of a
city.
Quality and the continuity of a
city.
It went far beyond actually
city.
It went far beyond actually
losing a station.
It went far beyond actually
losing a station.
It really was a sense of what is
losing a station.
It really was a sense of what is
the city?
It really was a sense of what is
the city?
And how do you have that
the city?
And how do you have that
resonance, really, that you
And how do you have that
resonance, really, that you
get from the past that makes a
resonance, really, that you
get from the past that makes a
city rich and real and a
get from the past that makes a
city rich and real and a
rewarding place to be; that it
city rich and real and a
rewarding place to be; that it
isn't sterile, it isn't the
rewarding place to be; that it
isn't sterile, it isn't the
product of building by the
isn't sterile, it isn't the
product of building by the
bottom line, which, of course,
product of building by the
bottom line, which, of course,
so much construction is?
Bottom line, which, of course,
so much construction is?
READER: "Nobody seems to care
so much construction is?
READER: "Nobody seems to care
about New York, except for those
READER: "Nobody seems to care
about New York, except for those
of us who live and work here.
About New York, except for those
of us who live and work here.
And we who do care believe the
of us who live and work here.
And we who do care believe the
time has come to put a stop to
And we who do care believe the
time has come to put a stop to
the wanton destruction of our
time has come to put a stop to
the wanton destruction of our
greatest buildings, to put a
the wanton destruction of our
greatest buildings, to put a
stop to wholesale vandalism.
Greatest buildings, to put a
stop to wholesale vandalism.
It may be too late to save Penn
stop to wholesale vandalism.
It may be too late to save Penn
Station, but it is not too late
It may be too late to save Penn
Station, but it is not too late
to save New York."
Station, but it is not too late
to save New York."
Jane Jacobs and the Action Group
to save New York."
Jane Jacobs and the Action Group
for Better Architecture in New
Jane Jacobs and the Action Group
for Better Architecture in New
York.
CARO: Power is a very unusual
weapon.
But it's a sword whose hilt, as
weapon.
But it's a sword whose hilt, as
well as its blade, is sharp as a
But it's a sword whose hilt, as
well as its blade, is sharp as a
razor, so that it cuts into not
well as its blade, is sharp as a
razor, so that it cuts into not
only the people on whom it is
razor, so that it cuts into not
only the people on whom it is
used, but it cuts into the man
only the people on whom it is
used, but it cuts into the man
who's using it, changing him.
Used, but it cuts into the man
who's using it, changing him.
And we see in the career of
who's using it, changing him.
And we see in the career of
Robert Moses a change, a
And we see in the career of
Robert Moses a change, a
personal change, as he gets more
Robert Moses a change, a
personal change, as he gets more
and more power and wants more
personal change, as he gets more
and more power and wants more
and more power.
In his early days, he wanted
power for the sake of the things
power for the sake of the things
he wanted built.
He wanted built.
More and more you can chart it
More and more you can chart it
decade by decade he chooses
decade by decade he chooses
the things to build because of
the things to build because of
the power that they will give
the power that they will give
him.
NARRATOR: By the early 1960s,
NARRATOR: By the early 1960s,
the master plan Robert Moses had
laid out for the remaking of New
the master plan Robert Moses had
laid out for the remaking of New
York more than three decades
laid out for the remaking of New
York more than three decades
before was all but complete.
York more than three decades
before was all but complete.
Hundreds of miles of parkways
before was all but complete.
Hundreds of miles of parkways
and expressways and dozens of
Hundreds of miles of parkways
and expressways and dozens of
bridges and tunnels now
and expressways and dozens of
bridges and tunnels now
connected the city to the
bridges and tunnels now
connected the city to the
suburban reaches of Long Island
connected the city to the
suburban reaches of Long Island
and beyond.
Suburban reaches of Long Island
and beyond.
Hundreds more had been driven
and beyond.
Hundreds more had been driven
through the outer boroughs
Hundreds more had been driven
through the outer boroughs
themselves, "weaving together,"
through the outer boroughs
themselves, "weaving together,"
as Moses himself declared, "the
themselves, "weaving together,"
as Moses himself declared, "the
loose strands and frayed edges
as Moses himself declared, "the
loose strands and frayed edges
of the metropolitan arterial
loose strands and frayed edges
of the metropolitan arterial
tapestry."
of the metropolitan arterial
tapestry."
But in all the frenzy of
tapestry."
But in all the frenzy of
construction, the master builder
But in all the frenzy of
construction, the master builder
had never been able to penetrate
construction, the master builder
had never been able to penetrate
the heart of Manhattan itself
had never been able to penetrate
the heart of Manhattan itself
with a superhighway.
The heart of Manhattan itself
with a superhighway.
And in 1961, he resolved to do
with a superhighway.
And in 1961, he resolved to do
something about it, fixing in
And in 1961, he resolved to do
something about it, fixing in
his sights a low-lying area of
something about it, fixing in
his sights a low-lying area of
lower Manhattan stretching from
his sights a low-lying area of
lower Manhattan stretching from
Chinatown in the south up
lower Manhattan stretching from
Chinatown in the south up
through the wayward lanes and
Chinatown in the south up
through the wayward lanes and
ancient side streets of
through the wayward lanes and
ancient side streets of
Greenwich Village.
Ancient side streets of
Greenwich Village.
READER: "We simply repeat
Greenwich Village.
READER: "We simply repeat
that cities are created by and
READER: "We simply repeat
that cities are created by and
for traffic.
That cities are created by and
for traffic.
A city without traffic is a
for traffic.
A city without traffic is a
ghost town.
A city without traffic is a
ghost town.
The area between Canal Street
ghost town.
The area between Canal Street
and Third Street, a strip three-
The area between Canal Street
and Third Street, a strip three-
quarters of a mile wide, is the
and Third Street, a strip three-
quarters of a mile wide, is the
most depressed area in lower
quarters of a mile wide, is the
most depressed area in lower
Manhattan, and one of the worst,
most depressed area in lower
Manhattan, and one of the worst,
if not the worst, slums in the
Manhattan, and one of the worst,
if not the worst, slums in the
entire city."
if not the worst, slums in the
entire city."
Robert Moses.
Entire city."
Robert Moses.
NARRATOR: Condemning the West
Robert Moses.
NARRATOR: Condemning the West
Village as a slum and the old
NARRATOR: Condemning the West
Village as a slum and the old
cast-iron district to the south
Village as a slum and the old
cast-iron district to the south
as an obstacle to the free flow
cast-iron district to the south
as an obstacle to the free flow
of traffic, by 1961 he had set
as an obstacle to the free flow
of traffic, by 1961 he had set
in motion two immense federal
of traffic, by 1961 he had set
in motion two immense federal
initiatives: a vast urban-
in motion two immense federal
initiatives: a vast urban-
renewal project that would level
initiatives: a vast urban-
renewal project that would level
14 entire blocks along Hudson
renewal project that would level
14 entire blocks along Hudson
Street in the Village, and an
14 entire blocks along Hudson
Street in the Village, and an
eight-lane elevated highway, one
Street in the Village, and an
eight-lane elevated highway, one
of his most cherished dreams,
eight-lane elevated highway, one
of his most cherished dreams,
that would drive straight across
of his most cherished dreams,
that would drive straight across
the heart of Lower Manhattan
that would drive straight across
the heart of Lower Manhattan
from the East River to the
the heart of Lower Manhattan
from the East River to the
Hudson, destroying thousands of
from the East River to the
Hudson, destroying thousands of
historic structures and
Hudson, destroying thousands of
historic structures and
displacing nearly 10,000
historic structures and
displacing nearly 10,000
residents and workers.
Displacing nearly 10,000
residents and workers.
CARO: It's difficult to even
residents and workers.
CARO: It's difficult to even
make anyone understand what
CARO: It's difficult to even
make anyone understand what
would've happened.
Make anyone understand what
would've happened.
He would have bulldozed a swath
would've happened.
He would have bulldozed a swath
about 225 feet wide right across
He would have bulldozed a swath
about 225 feet wide right across
lower Manhattan.
About 225 feet wide right across
lower Manhattan.
Today, that's the cast-iron
lower Manhattan.
Today, that's the cast-iron
district of SoHo.
Today, that's the cast-iron
district of SoHo.
What was the vision?
District of SoHo.
What was the vision?
What was the aims of a man who
What was the vision?
What was the aims of a man who
would decide, for the sake of
What was the aims of a man who
would decide, for the sake of
the automobile, to cut a swath
would decide, for the sake of
the automobile, to cut a swath
across a city across a
the automobile, to cut a swath
across a city across a
beautiful, vibrant, bustling
across a city across a
beautiful, vibrant, bustling
part of the city?
Beautiful, vibrant, bustling
part of the city?
And you know, Robert Moses
part of the city?
And you know, Robert Moses
wanted to build three
And you know, Robert Moses
wanted to build three
expressways across New York
wanted to build three
expressways across New York
City, not just the Lower
expressways across New York
City, not just the Lower
Manhattan.
City, not just the Lower
Manhattan.
He had a Mid Manhattan
Manhattan.
He had a Mid Manhattan
Expressway, which would have run
He had a Mid Manhattan
Expressway, which would have run
across 30th Street in the air.
Expressway, which would have run
across 30th Street in the air.
And he wanted to build one again
across 30th Street in the air.
And he wanted to build one again
at ground level at 125th Street,
And he wanted to build one again
at ground level at 125th Street,
an Upper Manhattan Expressway.
At ground level at 125th Street,
an Upper Manhattan Expressway.
NARRATOR: For decades,
an Upper Manhattan Expressway.
NARRATOR: For decades,
nothing had stopped the
NARRATOR: For decades,
nothing had stopped the
juggernaut of road building or
nothing had stopped the
juggernaut of road building or
slowed the rampage of urban
juggernaut of road building or
slowed the rampage of urban
renewal which, in the name of
slowed the rampage of urban
renewal which, in the name of
rebuilding the city, had torn
renewal which, in the name of
rebuilding the city, had torn
the heart out of one community
rebuilding the city, had torn
the heart out of one community
after another.
The heart out of one community
after another.
But this time things would turn
after another.
But this time things would turn
out differently.
But this time things would turn
out differently.
Determined to save Manhattan
out differently.
Determined to save Manhattan
from the devastation that had
Determined to save Manhattan
from the devastation that had
blighted the Bronx, residents of
from the devastation that had
blighted the Bronx, residents of
the Village banded together and
blighted the Bronx, residents of
the Village banded together and
resolved to fight, selecting as
the Village banded together and
resolved to fight, selecting as
their leader a 45-year-old
resolved to fight, selecting as
their leader a 45-year-old
journalist and working mother
their leader a 45-year-old
journalist and working mother
from Hudson Street who had that
journalist and working mother
from Hudson Street who had that
very year published a
from Hudson Street who had that
very year published a
groundbreaking book about the
very year published a
groundbreaking book about the
mistakes of urban planning.
Groundbreaking book about the
mistakes of urban planning.
Her named was Jane Jacobs.
Mistakes of urban planning.
Her named was Jane Jacobs.
The book was called, The Death
Her named was Jane Jacobs.
The book was called, The Death
and Life of Great American
The book was called, The Death
and Life of Great American
Cities, and New York would
and Life of Great American
Cities, and New York would
never be the same again.
STERN: And it started out by
saying something like, "This is
saying something like, "This is
an attack on city planning."
an attack on city planning."
And then she went through the
And then she went through the
litany of what Le Corbusier and
litany of what Le Corbusier and
other ideologues had imagined
other ideologues had imagined
what a city should be as opposed
what a city should be as opposed
to what a city really was.
WILLIS: Jane Jacobs was
WILLIS: Jane Jacobs was
taking on the orthodoxies of
planning that had prevailed in
taking on the orthodoxies of
planning that had prevailed in
the post-World War II period,
planning that had prevailed in
the post-World War II period,
the ideas of Le Corbusier and
the post-World War II period,
the ideas of Le Corbusier and
the Bauhaus and other planners
the ideas of Le Corbusier and
the Bauhaus and other planners
who thought that the city needed
the Bauhaus and other planners
who thought that the city needed
to be renewed.
There were areas that needed
help, but the kind of help that
help, but the kind of help that
she saw that they needed was the
she saw that they needed was the
assistance to allow people to
assistance to allow people to
continue living in their
continue living in their
brownstones in the neighborhoods
brownstones in the neighborhoods
where they had a harmony with
where they had a harmony with
their neighbors.
And the destruction of those
And the destruction of those
neighborhoods is one of the
great tragedies of post-World
neighborhoods is one of the
great tragedies of post-World
War II New York.
Great tragedies of post-World
War II New York.
SUAREZ: She understood that
War II New York.
SUAREZ: She understood that
urban economies are different.
SUAREZ: She understood that
urban economies are different.
She understood the sort of
urban economies are different.
She understood the sort of
beehive, thousand-different-
She understood the sort of
beehive, thousand-different-
interdependent-functions nature
beehive, thousand-different-
interdependent-functions nature
of urban economies, and that's
interdependent-functions nature
of urban economies, and that's
what we lose when we surrender
of urban economies, and that's
what we lose when we surrender
the street to the automobile.
When people don't want to be on
the street anymore, when they
the street anymore, when they
reshape their lives in a way
reshape their lives in a way
that they're always in
that they're always in
privatized space rather than
privatized space rather than
sharing public space Jane
sharing public space Jane
Jacobs knew 35 years ago that
Jacobs knew 35 years ago that
that was a recipe for the
that was a recipe for the
destruction of what makes cities
destruction of what makes cities
wonderful.
READER: "Look what they have
READER: "Look what they have
built: low-income projects that
become worse centers of
built: low-income projects that
become worse centers of
delinquency and vandalism than
become worse centers of
delinquency and vandalism than
the slums they were supposed to
delinquency and vandalism than
the slums they were supposed to
replace, promenades that go from
the slums they were supposed to
replace, promenades that go from
no place to nowhere and have no
replace, promenades that go from
no place to nowhere and have no
promenaders, expressways that
no place to nowhere and have no
promenaders, expressways that
eviscerate great cities.
Promenaders, expressways that
eviscerate great cities.
This is not the rebuilding of
eviscerate great cities.
This is not the rebuilding of
cities.
This is not the rebuilding of
cities.
This is the sacking of cities."
cities.
This is the sacking of cities."
Jane Jacobs.
This is the sacking of cities."
Jane Jacobs.
HUXTABLE: She hit the nerve
Jane Jacobs.
HUXTABLE: She hit the nerve
at the right moment with that
HUXTABLE: She hit the nerve
at the right moment with that
book.
At the right moment with that
book.
It was the right book at exactly
book.
It was the right book at exactly
the right moment, because she
It was the right book at exactly
the right moment, because she
made people see particulars.
The right moment, because she
made people see particulars.
She made them see the street.
This had been a period of urban
renewal when everything was on a
renewal when everything was on a
model, on a big plan, or a
model, on a big plan, or a
drawing with overlays.
Drawing with overlays.
And she made people look at the
And she made people look at the
street and what was there.
She spoke about the eyes on the
She spoke about the eyes on the
street, the smaller buildings
where people looked out and
street, the smaller buildings
where people looked out and
watched their neighbors.
Where people looked out and
watched their neighbors.
She spoke about the small
watched their neighbors.
She spoke about the small
stores, the mom-and-pop stores
She spoke about the small
stores, the mom-and-pop stores
all the things that urban
stores, the mom-and-pop stores
all the things that urban
renewal not only was destroying,
all the things that urban
renewal not only was destroying,
but didn't acknowledge existed.
Renewal not only was destroying,
but didn't acknowledge existed.
STERN: She basically said
but didn't acknowledge existed.
STERN: She basically said
that from her house at 555
STERN: She basically said
that from her house at 555
Hudson Street in the West
that from her house at 555
Hudson Street in the West
Village, from the sidewalk of
Hudson Street in the West
Village, from the sidewalk of
her block, you could observe
Village, from the sidewalk of
her block, you could observe
what a whole city was like.
Her block, you could observe
what a whole city was like.
But it returned the discussion
what a whole city was like.
But it returned the discussion
of what urbanism should be
But it returned the discussion
of what urbanism should be
about, what New York should be
of what urbanism should be
about, what New York should be
about from big land-plan games
about, what New York should be
about from big land-plan games
to individuals, shops, streets,
about from big land-plan games
to individuals, shops, streets,
cars, crosswalks, networks of
to individuals, shops, streets,
cars, crosswalks, networks of
people.
Cars, crosswalks, networks of
people.
People rich and poor living more
people.
People rich and poor living more
closely together; less concern
People rich and poor living more
closely together; less concern
with the elevator to the 35th
closely together; less concern
with the elevator to the 35th
floor and more concerned with
with the elevator to the 35th
floor and more concerned with
the life in the five-story
floor and more concerned with
the life in the five-story
walkup.
The life in the five-story
walkup.
READER: "Under the seeming
walkup.
READER: "Under the seeming
disorder of the old city,
READER: "Under the seeming
disorder of the old city,
wherever the old city is working
disorder of the old city,
wherever the old city is working
successfully, is a marvelous
wherever the old city is working
successfully, is a marvelous
order for maintaining the safety
successfully, is a marvelous
order for maintaining the safety
of the streets and the freedom
order for maintaining the safety
of the streets and the freedom
of the city.
Of the streets and the freedom
of the city.
It is a complex order.
Of the city.
It is a complex order.
Its essence is the intricacy of
It is a complex order.
Its essence is the intricacy of
sidewalk use, bringing with it a
Its essence is the intricacy of
sidewalk use, bringing with it a
constant succession of eyes.
Sidewalk use, bringing with it a
constant succession of eyes.
This order is composed of
constant succession of eyes.
This order is composed of
movement and change, and we may
This order is composed of
movement and change, and we may
liken it to the dance not to a
movement and change, and we may
liken it to the dance not to a
simple-minded precision dance,
liken it to the dance not to a
simple-minded precision dance,
but to an intricate ballet in
simple-minded precision dance,
but to an intricate ballet in
which the individual dancers and
but to an intricate ballet in
which the individual dancers and
ensembles all have distinctive
which the individual dancers and
ensembles all have distinctive
parts which miraculously
ensembles all have distinctive
parts which miraculously
reinforce each other and compose
parts which miraculously
reinforce each other and compose
an orderly whole."
reinforce each other and compose
an orderly whole."
Jane Jacobs.
BERMAN: Her writing enabled
people to imagine her block, but
people to imagine her block, but
also enabled people to see to
also enabled people to see to
see other blocks.
She created, maybe without
She created, maybe without
intending to do it, a kind of
empathy and opened up
intending to do it, a kind of
empathy and opened up
possibilities for empathy as a
empathy and opened up
possibilities for empathy as a
political force in the '60s.
Possibilities for empathy as a
political force in the '60s.
So that once people could
political force in the '60s.
So that once people could
imagine how other people lived
So that once people could
imagine how other people lived
even if they didn't concretely
imagine how other people lived
even if they didn't concretely
know they could help them, they
even if they didn't concretely
know they could help them, they
could work for them they could
know they could help them, they
could work for them they could
work together.
Could work for them they could
work together.
WALLACE: And when she comes
work together.
WALLACE: And when she comes
out with her book in 1961, it's
WALLACE: And when she comes
out with her book in 1961, it's
not just that it's brilliantly
out with her book in 1961, it's
not just that it's brilliantly
written.
Not just that it's brilliantly
written.
It's pithy.
Written.
It's pithy.
It's punchy.
It's pithy.
It's punchy.
It's down-to-earth.
It's punchy.
It's down-to-earth.
You know, it's enjoyable; it's
It's down-to-earth.
You know, it's enjoyable; it's
entertaining.
You know, it's enjoyable; it's
entertaining.
It's mind capturing.
Entertaining.
It's mind capturing.
It's not just that.
It's mind capturing.
It's not just that.
It's that what she is doing is
It's not just that.
It's that what she is doing is
providing a counternarrative, a
It's that what she is doing is
providing a counternarrative, a
counterargument, a countervision
providing a counternarrative, a
counterargument, a countervision
of what the city is.
It's a vision that says, you
don't want to break out
don't want to break out
manufacturing and send it off
manufacturing and send it off
somewhere else.
Somewhere else.
You don't want to, in fact, send
You don't want to, in fact, send
the citizens off to the suburbs.
What you want to have is an
What you want to have is an
integrated community the way it
used to be, in essence.
Integrated community the way it
used to be, in essence.
But you want to have people in a
used to be, in essence.
But you want to have people in a
position to walk to work.
But you want to have people in a
position to walk to work.
You want small-scale buildings.
Position to walk to work.
You want small-scale buildings.
You want people to be able to
You want small-scale buildings.
You want people to be able to
watch the streets.
You want people to be able to
watch the streets.
I mean, crime, to some extent,
watch the streets.
I mean, crime, to some extent,
is beginning to explode in the
I mean, crime, to some extent,
is beginning to explode in the
city in the '50s.
Is beginning to explode in the
city in the '50s.
And a lot of it is you know,
city in the '50s.
And a lot of it is you know,
there is certainly the pathology
And a lot of it is you know,
there is certainly the pathology
of drugs and such, but it is
there is certainly the pathology
of drugs and such, but it is
also from shattered communities
of drugs and such, but it is
also from shattered communities
that have been renewed and
also from shattered communities
that have been renewed and
removed and highwayed out and
that have been renewed and
removed and highwayed out and
are in turmoil and are about,
removed and highwayed out and
are in turmoil and are about,
you know, in the '60s, to really
are in turmoil and are about,
you know, in the '60s, to really
explode and not just here
you know, in the '60s, to really
explode and not just here
again, but all across the
explode and not just here
again, but all across the
country.
Again, but all across the
country.
NARRATOR: Armed with a
country.
NARRATOR: Armed with a
philosophy capable of countering
NARRATOR: Armed with a
philosophy capable of countering
those in power, Jacobs and her
philosophy capable of countering
those in power, Jacobs and her
colleagues threw themselves into
those in power, Jacobs and her
colleagues threw themselves into
the fight, holding rallies,
colleagues threw themselves into
the fight, holding rallies,
staging demonstrations, and
the fight, holding rallies,
staging demonstrations, and
attacking in public hearings
staging demonstrations, and
attacking in public hearings
and in print the underlying
attacking in public hearings
and in print the underlying
assumptions behind the culture
and in print the underlying
assumptions behind the culture
of the automobile and of urban
assumptions behind the culture
of the automobile and of urban
renewal.
Of the automobile and of urban
renewal.
WALLACE: And also, you know,
renewal.
WALLACE: And also, you know,
Jacobs is an activist.
WALLACE: And also, you know,
Jacobs is an activist.
She doesn't just simply write
Jacobs is an activist.
She doesn't just simply write
about this stuff; but then she's
She doesn't just simply write
about this stuff; but then she's
out in the streets, she's
about this stuff; but then she's
out in the streets, she's
demonstrating.
Out in the streets, she's
demonstrating.
They are trying to block the
demonstrating.
They are trying to block the
Lower Manhattan Expressway.
They are trying to block the
Lower Manhattan Expressway.
They're trying to stop the plan
Lower Manhattan Expressway.
They're trying to stop the plan
to run roadways through
They're trying to stop the plan
to run roadways through
Washington Square.
To run roadways through
Washington Square.
They're counterplanning.
Washington Square.
They're counterplanning.
They're planning a West Village
They're counterplanning.
They're planning a West Village
building project which is based
They're planning a West Village
building project which is based
on rehabilitation.
Building project which is based
on rehabilitation.
NARRATOR: As he had in the
on rehabilitation.
NARRATOR: As he had in the
Bronx, Robert Moses fought them
NARRATOR: As he had in the
Bronx, Robert Moses fought them
every step of the way,
Bronx, Robert Moses fought them
every step of the way,
marshaling every weapon at his
every step of the way,
marshaling every weapon at his
command to blunt the opposition.
Marshaling every weapon at his
command to blunt the opposition.
MOSES: Those personally
command to blunt the opposition.
MOSES: Those personally
affected adversely or he
MOSES: Those personally
affected adversely or he
thinks he is he's going to be
affected adversely or he
thinks he is he's going to be
opposed to you.
Thinks he is he's going to be
opposed to you.
He doesn't want it there.
Opposed to you.
He doesn't want it there.
He doesn't want it done at all
He doesn't want it there.
He doesn't want it done at all
or he wants it done somewhere
He doesn't want it done at all
or he wants it done somewhere
else, wants it moved away.
Or he wants it done somewhere
else, wants it moved away.
Now, he may wrong.
Else, wants it moved away.
Now, he may wrong.
In more than half the cases,
Now, he may wrong.
In more than half the cases,
three-quarters of the cases,
In more than half the cases,
three-quarters of the cases,
he's wrong from his own point of
three-quarters of the cases,
he's wrong from his own point of
view.
He's wrong from his own point of
view.
INTERVIEWER: What do you mean
view.
INTERVIEWER: What do you mean
INTERVIEWER: What do you mean
MOSES: I mean by that that he
MOSES: I mean by that that he
doesn't know what's in his own
interest.
Doesn't know what's in his own
interest.
He isn't smart enough to
interest.
He isn't smart enough to
visualize what you're going to
He isn't smart enough to
visualize what you're going to
do.
Visualize what you're going to
do.
Although once you've built the
do.
Although once you've built the
thing, he comes around and he
Although once you've built the
thing, he comes around and he
tells you he was always for it.
Thing, he comes around and he
tells you he was always for it.
INTERVIEWER: Has that
tells you he was always for it.
INTERVIEWER: Has that
happened to you?
INTERVIEWER: Has that
happened to you?
MOSES: Oh, all the time.
Happened to you?
MOSES: Oh, all the time.
All the time.
MOSES: Oh, all the time.
All the time.
NARRATOR: For decades, Robert
All the time.
NARRATOR: For decades, Robert
Moses had simply ridden
NARRATOR: For decades, Robert
Moses had simply ridden
roughshod over all those who
Moses had simply ridden
roughshod over all those who
disagreed with him, brutally
roughshod over all those who
disagreed with him, brutally
negating the power of votes,
disagreed with him, brutally
negating the power of votes,
Jane Jacobs charged, with the
negating the power of votes,
Jane Jacobs charged, with the
power of money.
Jane Jacobs charged, with the
power of money.
But this time, he had completely
power of money.
But this time, he had completely
misjudged the strength of the
But this time, he had completely
misjudged the strength of the
opposition rising up from
misjudged the strength of the
opposition rising up from
streets of Greenwich Village,
opposition rising up from
streets of Greenwich Village,
which had been the center of
streets of Greenwich Village,
which had been the center of
political dissent in the city
which had been the center of
political dissent in the city
since the days of the Triangle
political dissent in the city
since the days of the Triangle
Shirtwaist Factory fire and
since the days of the Triangle
Shirtwaist Factory fire and
before.
Shirtwaist Factory fire and
before.
FRANCES GOLDIN: I think it
before.
FRANCES GOLDIN: I think it
maybe couldn't have happened
FRANCES GOLDIN: I think it
maybe couldn't have happened
anywhere else.
Maybe couldn't have happened
anywhere else.
The Lower East Side is
anywhere else.
The Lower East Side is
different.
The Lower East Side is
different.
The Village is different.
Different.
The Village is different.
It has a history.
The Village is different.
It has a history.
There were very experienced
It has a history.
There were very experienced
organizers.
There were very experienced
organizers.
We were not Johnny-come-
organizers.
We were not Johnny-come-
latelies.
We not only knew how to
organize.
Organize.
We not only knew how to get
We not only knew how to get
publicity.
Publicity.
We not only knew how to mobilize
We not only knew how to mobilize
the troops, but we knew how to
the troops, but we knew how to
form coalitions.
BERMAN: Mafiosi, radical
BERMAN: Mafiosi, radical
Jews, factory owners, Chinese
merchants people who
Jews, factory owners, Chinese
merchants people who
ordinarily never had anything to
merchants people who
ordinarily never had anything to
say to each other, people who
ordinarily never had anything to
say to each other, people who
ordinarily hated each other
Say to each other, people who
ordinarily hated each other
came together to stop this.
Ordinarily hated each other
came together to stop this.
They discovered that different
came together to stop this.
They discovered that different
kinds of people could work
They discovered that different
kinds of people could work
together and really make a
kinds of people could work
together and really make a
difference and generate a kind
together and really make a
difference and generate a kind
of power that neither of them by
difference and generate a kind
of power that neither of them by
themselves could ever have
of power that neither of them by
themselves could ever have
imagined.
Themselves could ever have
imagined.
They would call a meeting and
imagined.
They would call a meeting and
there would be three times as
They would call a meeting and
there would be three times as
many people as anybody expected.
There would be three times as
many people as anybody expected.
They'd have to find a new hall.
Many people as anybody expected.
They'd have to find a new hall.
And there was a particular
They'd have to find a new hall.
And there was a particular
thrill in this, at the end of
And there was a particular
thrill in this, at the end of
the '50s and the start of the
thrill in this, at the end of
the '50s and the start of the
'60s, that we might be able to
the '50s and the start of the
'60s, that we might be able to
really make a difference.
'60s, that we might be able to
really make a difference.
And that there was a power that
really make a difference.
And that there was a power that
was even greater than the power
And that there was a power that
was even greater than the power
of cars the power of people.
Was even greater than the power
of cars the power of people.
NARRATOR: At the head of the
of cars the power of people.
NARRATOR: At the head of the
unlikely coalition was Jane
NARRATOR: At the head of the
unlikely coalition was Jane
Jacobs herself.
Unlikely coalition was Jane
Jacobs herself.
Frustrated at one public
Jacobs herself.
Frustrated at one public
hearing, she and her colleagues
Frustrated at one public
hearing, she and her colleagues
tore up the stenographer's
hearing, she and her colleagues
tore up the stenographer's
report, then declared that since
tore up the stenographer's
report, then declared that since
there was no official record of
report, then declared that since
there was no official record of
the hearing, there had been no
there was no official record of
the hearing, there had been no
hearing.
The hearing, there had been no
hearing.
She was arrested and charged
hearing.
She was arrested and charged
with riot, inciting to riot,
She was arrested and charged
with riot, inciting to riot,
criminal mischief, and
with riot, inciting to riot,
criminal mischief, and
obstructing public
criminal mischief, and
obstructing public
administration.
Obstructing public
administration.
But public support for her
administration.
But public support for her
actions only grew.
But public support for her
actions only grew.
INTERVIEWER: Mr. Moses says
actions only grew.
INTERVIEWER: Mr. Moses says
that the expressway must go
INTERVIEWER: Mr. Moses says
that the expressway must go
through regardless of who's in
that the expressway must go
through regardless of who's in
the way.
Through regardless of who's in
the way.
Do you agree with that?
The way.
Do you agree with that?
MAN: Absolutely not.
Do you agree with that?
MAN: Absolutely not.
If this expressway goes through,
MAN: Absolutely not.
If this expressway goes through,
it will absolutely be
If this expressway goes through,
it will absolutely be
catastrophic.
It will absolutely be
catastrophic.
This will set a pattern, no
catastrophic.
This will set a pattern, no
doubt there, that will be
This will set a pattern, no
doubt there, that will be
followed there in other parts of
doubt there, that will be
followed there in other parts of
the city.
Followed there in other parts of
the city.
And if he has his way, he'll
the city.
And if he has his way, he'll
crisscross this city north,
And if he has his way, he'll
crisscross this city north,
south, east, and west; bisect
crisscross this city north,
south, east, and west; bisect
it, trisect it every which way
south, east, and west; bisect
it, trisect it every which way
with expressways.
It, trisect it every which way
with expressways.
Expressways to Mr. Moses are
with expressways.
Expressways to Mr. Moses are
evidently more important than
Expressways to Mr. Moses are
evidently more important than
people.
Evidently more important than
people.
MOSES: The evidence of the
people.
MOSES: The evidence of the
need of that thing is
MOSES: The evidence of the
need of that thing is
overwhelming from the point of
need of that thing is
overwhelming from the point of
view of engineering and traffic.
Overwhelming from the point of
view of engineering and traffic.
INTERVIEWER: And that's all
view of engineering and traffic.
INTERVIEWER: And that's all
that matters?
INTERVIEWER: And that's all
that matters?
MOSES: Well, in the end, yes.
That matters?
MOSES: Well, in the end, yes.
Congestion gets bad enough, have
MOSES: Well, in the end, yes.
Congestion gets bad enough, have
to have it.
Congestion gets bad enough, have
to have it.
In the meantime, what happens?
To have it.
In the meantime, what happens?
DeSalvio doesn't want it.
In the meantime, what happens?
DeSalvio doesn't want it.
So what?
DeSalvio doesn't want it.
So what?
NARRATOR: The battle over the
So what?
NARRATOR: The battle over the
Lower Manhattan Expressway came
NARRATOR: The battle over the
Lower Manhattan Expressway came
to a crucial climax on the night
Lower Manhattan Expressway came
to a crucial climax on the night
of December 11, 1962, at a
to a crucial climax on the night
of December 11, 1962, at a
tense, crowded meeting of the
of December 11, 1962, at a
tense, crowded meeting of the
Board of Estimate on the second
tense, crowded meeting of the
Board of Estimate on the second
floor of City Hall.
Board of Estimate on the second
floor of City Hall.
"Except for one old man,"
floor of City Hall.
"Except for one old man,"
assemblyman Louis DeSalvio
"Except for one old man,"
assemblyman Louis DeSalvio
declared, "I've been unable to
assemblyman Louis DeSalvio
declared, "I've been unable to
find anyone of technical
declared, "I've been unable to
find anyone of technical
competence who is for this so-
find anyone of technical
competence who is for this so-
called expressway.
Competence who is for this so-
called expressway.
And this old man is a
called expressway.
And this old man is a
cantankerous, stubborn old man
And this old man is a
cantankerous, stubborn old man
who has done many things which
cantankerous, stubborn old man
who has done many things which
may have, in their time, been
who has done many things which
may have, in their time, been
good for New York City.
May have, in their time, been
good for New York City.
But I think that the time has
good for New York City.
But I think that the time has
come for the stubborn old man to
But I think that the time has
come for the stubborn old man to
realize that too many of his
come for the stubborn old man to
realize that too many of his
dreams turn out to be nightmares
realize that too many of his
dreams turn out to be nightmares
for the city.
Dreams turn out to be nightmares
for the city.
And this board must realize that
for the city.
And this board must realize that
if it does not kill this stupid
And this board must realize that
if it does not kill this stupid
example of bad city planning,
if it does not kill this stupid
example of bad city planning,
that the stench of it will haunt
example of bad city planning,
that the stench of it will haunt
them and this great city for
that the stench of it will haunt
them and this great city for
many years to come."
them and this great city for
many years to come."
STERN: Jane Jacobs led the
many years to come."
STERN: Jane Jacobs led the
fight against that expressway.
STERN: Jane Jacobs led the
fight against that expressway.
That was Moses's last he
fight against that expressway.
That was Moses's last he
had many last hurrahs, but
That was Moses's last he
had many last hurrahs, but
that really did it.
Had many last hurrahs, but
that really did it.
Every major politician
That really did it.
Every major politician
Lindsay, Koch, then a
Every major politician
Lindsay, Koch, then a
congressman was in it.
Lindsay, Koch, then a
congressman was in it.
The debates were all over the
congressman was in it.
The debates were all over the
press, nationally and
The debates were all over the
press, nationally and
internationally.
Press, nationally and
internationally.
And somehow the fate of what an
internationally.
And somehow the fate of what an
inner city a historic, but
And somehow the fate of what an
inner city a historic, but
still very modern city would
inner city a historic, but
still very modern city would
be was being decided on.
Still very modern city would
be was being decided on.
Whether these super projects,
be was being decided on.
Whether these super projects,
whether clearance for housing or
Whether these super projects,
whether clearance for housing or
for an expressway could go
whether clearance for housing or
for an expressway could go
forward in an existing city, or
for an expressway could go
forward in an existing city, or
whether the people who lived
forward in an existing city, or
whether the people who lived
there had rights to their own
whether the people who lived
there had rights to their own
environment.
There had rights to their own
environment.
NARRATOR: In the end, Jacobs
environment.
NARRATOR: In the end, Jacobs
and her allies prevailed.
NARRATOR: In the end, Jacobs
and her allies prevailed.
MAN: The Board of Estimate in
and her allies prevailed.
MAN: The Board of Estimate in
executive session today voted
MAN: The Board of Estimate in
executive session today voted
unanimously to turn down a
executive session today voted
unanimously to turn down a
proposal for a Lower Manhattan
unanimously to turn down a
proposal for a Lower Manhattan
Expressway.
Proposal for a Lower Manhattan
Expressway.
The board please
Expressway.
The board please
( applause)
The board please
( applause)
GOLDIN: I wonder how David
( applause)
GOLDIN: I wonder how David
felt when he bested Goliath.
GOLDIN: I wonder how David
felt when he bested Goliath.
That's the way we felt.
Felt when he bested Goliath.
That's the way we felt.
We felt, "We beat Robert Moses,"
That's the way we felt.
We felt, "We beat Robert Moses,"
you know?
We felt, "We beat Robert Moses,"
you know?
REPORTER: Sir, you look
you know?
REPORTER: Sir, you look
fairly relieved, too.
REPORTER: Sir, you look
fairly relieved, too.
You lived right in the path of
fairly relieved, too.
You lived right in the path of
the proposed expressway.
You lived right in the path of
the proposed expressway.
MAN: Yes, right on Broome
the proposed expressway.
MAN: Yes, right on Broome
Street.
MAN: Yes, right on Broome
Street.
REPORTER: So this is a
Street.
REPORTER: So this is a
reprieve from a long-time
REPORTER: So this is a
reprieve from a long-time
sentence, isn't it?
Reprieve from a long-time
sentence, isn't it?
MAN: It is, yes.
Sentence, isn't it?
MAN: It is, yes.
It was the greatest thing the
MAN: It is, yes.
It was the greatest thing the
mayor ever did for the people in
It was the greatest thing the
mayor ever did for the people in
that neighborhood, because
mayor ever did for the people in
that neighborhood, because
everybody was worried to death
that neighborhood, because
everybody was worried to death
and everybody was getting sick
everybody was worried to death
and everybody was getting sick
over it.
And everybody was getting sick
over it.
So when they hear this news,
over it.
So when they hear this news,
this will be the best news that
So when they hear this news,
this will be the best news that
they ever heard for Christmas.
This will be the best news that
they ever heard for Christmas.
This will act as a Christmas
they ever heard for Christmas.
This will act as a Christmas
present for the people on Broome
This will act as a Christmas
present for the people on Broome
Street.
Present for the people on Broome
Street.
REPORTER: Would you say that
Street.
REPORTER: Would you say that
the result was in this case a
REPORTER: Would you say that
the result was in this case a
triumph of public opinion
the result was in this case a
triumph of public opinion
against Bob Moses?
Triumph of public opinion
against Bob Moses?
MOSES: No, no, no.
Against Bob Moses?
MOSES: No, no, no.
There hasn't been any triumph
MOSES: No, no, no.
There hasn't been any triumph
for anybody yet.
There hasn't been any triumph
for anybody yet.
BERMAN: Robert Moses always
for anybody yet.
BERMAN: Robert Moses always
felt that he was a tremendous
BERMAN: Robert Moses always
felt that he was a tremendous
failure in Manhattan, that he
felt that he was a tremendous
failure in Manhattan, that he
couldn't communicate his vision
failure in Manhattan, that he
couldn't communicate his vision
to people.
Couldn't communicate his vision
to people.
He built highways around the
to people.
He built highways around the
edges but he could never get
He built highways around the
edges but he could never get
through the center.
Edges but he could never get
through the center.
People just wouldn't buy it.
Through the center.
People just wouldn't buy it.
They stayed attached to their
People just wouldn't buy it.
They stayed attached to their
streets, to their grungy houses,
They stayed attached to their
streets, to their grungy houses,
to their crummy neighborhoods,
streets, to their grungy houses,
to their crummy neighborhoods,
and kept him from doing this.
To their crummy neighborhoods,
and kept him from doing this.
They abstained from the flow.
And kept him from doing this.
They abstained from the flow.
They didn't want to be part of
They abstained from the flow.
They didn't want to be part of
the flow.
They didn't want to be part of
the flow.
One result of this is that
the flow.
One result of this is that
Manhattan is one of the very few
One result of this is that
Manhattan is one of the very few
parts of America where you can
Manhattan is one of the very few
parts of America where you can
live a whole life without a car
parts of America where you can
live a whole life without a car
and where your daily life can
live a whole life without a car
and where your daily life can
depend on the street and on
and where your daily life can
depend on the street and on
interacting with other people
depend on the street and on
interacting with other people
and on seeing what's going to
interacting with other people
and on seeing what's going to
happen in ways that you don't
and on seeing what's going to
happen in ways that you don't
plan.
Happen in ways that you don't
plan.
And in that way, New York is
plan.
And in that way, New York is
different from, I think,
And in that way, New York is
different from, I think,
probably every other American
different from, I think,
probably every other American
city.
Probably every other American
city.
It may be the only American city
city.
It may be the only American city
without an expressway going
It may be the only American city
without an expressway going
through the center of town.
Without an expressway going
through the center of town.
And Moses felt extremely
through the center of town.
And Moses felt extremely
frustrated and mortified by
And Moses felt extremely
frustrated and mortified by
this, but he just couldn't do
frustrated and mortified by
this, but he just couldn't do
it.
This, but he just couldn't do
it.
The community protests were too
it.
The community protests were too
great.
The community protests were too
great.
NARRATOR: It was a crucial
great.
NARRATOR: It was a crucial
turning point in life of New
NARRATOR: It was a crucial
turning point in life of New
York and in the culture of
turning point in life of New
York and in the culture of
cities everywhere.
York and in the culture of
cities everywhere.
With their stunning victory,
cities everywhere.
With their stunning victory,
Jacobs and her allies had
With their stunning victory,
Jacobs and her allies had
reasserted the value of the city
Jacobs and her allies had
reasserted the value of the city
block and by extension that of
reasserted the value of the city
block and by extension that of
urban public space itself,
block and by extension that of
urban public space itself,
challenging the most basic
urban public space itself,
challenging the most basic
assumptions upon which New York
challenging the most basic
assumptions upon which New York
had proceeded since the dawn of
assumptions upon which New York
had proceeded since the dawn of
the modern age: that the new was
had proceeded since the dawn of
the modern age: that the new was
always better than the old.
The modern age: that the new was
always better than the old.
WALLACE: And there's a
always better than the old.
WALLACE: And there's a
sensitivity to history which is
WALLACE: And there's a
sensitivity to history which is
also a new dimension to this.
Sensitivity to history which is
also a new dimension to this.
I mean, you got to understand
also a new dimension to this.
I mean, you got to understand
that since the '20s it's been
I mean, you got to understand
that since the '20s it's been
modern, modern, modern.
That since the '20s it's been
modern, modern, modern.
And "modern" means dump the
modern, modern, modern.
And "modern" means dump the
past, break with the past.
And "modern" means dump the
past, break with the past.
Think new, think Art Deco, think
past, break with the past.
Think new, think Art Deco, think
streamline, think projectile,
Think new, think Art Deco, think
streamline, think projectile,
think
streamline, think projectile,
think
You know, tear down the old
think
You know, tear down the old
stuff, not just because
You know, tear down the old
stuff, not just because
although it may be, you know, a
stuff, not just because
although it may be, you know, a
constraint on our ability to
although it may be, you know, a
constraint on our ability to
make profits, but because it's
constraint on our ability to
make profits, but because it's
old; because the new is
make profits, but because it's
old; because the new is
intrinsically superior to the
old; because the new is
intrinsically superior to the
old.
Intrinsically superior to the
old.
But Jacobs says, "Wait a
old.
But Jacobs says, "Wait a
minute."
But Jacobs says, "Wait a
minute."
Part of the texture of life in a
minute."
Part of the texture of life in a
city is that people are not just
Part of the texture of life in a
city is that people are not just
connected to each other on the
city is that people are not just
connected to each other on the
street by virtue of being
connected to each other on the
street by virtue of being
neighbors, but they're connected
street by virtue of being
neighbors, but they're connected
in time.
Neighbors, but they're connected
in time.
There's some sense in the
in time.
There's some sense in the
buildings around you that, you
There's some sense in the
buildings around you that, you
know, remain that give you a
buildings around you that, you
know, remain that give you a
sense of being part of a
know, remain that give you a
sense of being part of a
continuum.
Sense of being part of a
continuum.
You know the history isn't dead.
Continuum.
You know the history isn't dead.
It's not something which has
You know the history isn't dead.
It's not something which has
been transcended.
It's not something which has
been transcended.
Today is not the first day of
been transcended.
Today is not the first day of
the rest of your life.
Today is not the first day of
the rest of your life.
People are beings in time, and
the rest of your life.
People are beings in time, and
they need to be surrounded not
People are beings in time, and
they need to be surrounded not
entirely, but, you know, to some
they need to be surrounded not
entirely, but, you know, to some
extent by the legacy of the
entirely, but, you know, to some
extent by the legacy of the
built environment of the past.
Extent by the legacy of the
built environment of the past.
NARRATOR: Three years later,
built environment of the past.
NARRATOR: Three years later,
Jacob's triumph would be
NARRATOR: Three years later,
Jacob's triumph would be
codified in an extraordinary new
Jacob's triumph would be
codified in an extraordinary new
law, when on April 19, 1965,
codified in an extraordinary new
law, when on April 19, 1965,
Mayor Robert Wagner signed
law, when on April 19, 1965,
Mayor Robert Wagner signed
legislation establishing the
Mayor Robert Wagner signed
legislation establishing the
Landmarks Preservation
legislation establishing the
Landmarks Preservation
Commission.
Landmarks Preservation
Commission.
The agency came two years too
Commission.
The agency came two years too
late to save Penn Station.
The agency came two years too
late to save Penn Station.
But in the years to come it
late to save Penn Station.
But in the years to come it
would save hundreds of
But in the years to come it
would save hundreds of
individual buildings in New York
would save hundreds of
individual buildings in New York
from the wrecker's ball along
individual buildings in New York
from the wrecker's ball along
with entire districts, including
from the wrecker's ball along
with entire districts, including
Brooklyn Heights, Greenwich
with entire districts, including
Brooklyn Heights, Greenwich
Village, and SoHo itself
Brooklyn Heights, Greenwich
Village, and SoHo itself
vibrant places Robert Moses had
Village, and SoHo itself
vibrant places Robert Moses had
yearned so passionately to
vibrant places Robert Moses had
yearned so passionately to
transform.
Yearned so passionately to
transform.
JACKSON: Well, the dark side
transform.
JACKSON: Well, the dark side
of Moses's character was
JACKSON: Well, the dark side
of Moses's character was
probably every bit as prominent
of Moses's character was
probably every bit as prominent
as the bright side, especially
probably every bit as prominent
as the bright side, especially
in the context of New York City.
As the bright side, especially
in the context of New York City.
On the one hand, we can admit
in the context of New York City.
On the one hand, we can admit
that the city needed a Robert
On the one hand, we can admit
that the city needed a Robert
Moses to adapt and become a
that the city needed a Robert
Moses to adapt and become a
modern city.
Moses to adapt and become a
modern city.
On the other hand, Robert Moses
modern city.
On the other hand, Robert Moses
saw the city in some sense as a
On the other hand, Robert Moses
saw the city in some sense as a
transportation problem.
Saw the city in some sense as a
transportation problem.
But New York is more than a
transportation problem.
But New York is more than a
transportation problem.
But New York is more than a
transportation problem.
And having created, let's say,
transportation problem.
And having created, let's say,
the kind of minimal number of
And having created, let's say,
the kind of minimal number of
new roads and new bridges that
the kind of minimal number of
new roads and new bridges that
the city needed to sort of
new roads and new bridges that
the city needed to sort of
function in the second half of
the city needed to sort of
function in the second half of
the 20th century, then he began
function in the second half of
the 20th century, then he began
to maybe continue that beyond
the 20th century, then he began
to maybe continue that beyond
what was absolutely essential.
And persons like Jane Jacobs and
others began to say, "Now wait a
others began to say, "Now wait a
minute, why do we need this
minute, why do we need this
road?"
road?"
That the whole purpose of things
That the whole purpose of things
is not to see how fast you can
is not to see how fast you can
move traffic.
Move traffic.
That there's a city there.
That there's a city there.
That there are people who live
That there are people who live
in neighborhoods, there are
in neighborhoods, there are
people who like it the way it
people who like it the way it
is.
And I think that Moses never
And I think that Moses never
really understood that.
A man who never drove, but who
really understood that.
A man who never drove, but who
created an automobile kind of
A man who never drove, but who
created an automobile kind of
circumstance; a man who was
created an automobile kind of
circumstance; a man who was
responsible for planning and
circumstance; a man who was
responsible for planning and
building this enormous
responsible for planning and
building this enormous
metropolis.
Building this enormous
metropolis.
And I think you can't escape the
metropolis.
And I think you can't escape the
feeling that he really wasn't
And I think you can't escape the
feeling that he really wasn't
comfortable in the very city
feeling that he really wasn't
comfortable in the very city
that he was responsible for
NARRATOR: By 1965, the worst
rampages of urban renewal were
over, and the long, fateful
rampages of urban renewal were
over, and the long, fateful
career of Robert Moses was
over, and the long, fateful
career of Robert Moses was
drawing to a close.
Career of Robert Moses was
drawing to a close.
But nothing could stop the
drawing to a close.
But nothing could stop the
onslaught of forces that in the
But nothing could stop the
onslaught of forces that in the
decade to come would break over
onslaught of forces that in the
decade to come would break over
New York City and over older
decade to come would break over
New York City and over older
urban places everywhere as the
New York City and over older
urban places everywhere as the
bill for nearly half a century
urban places everywhere as the
bill for nearly half a century
of massive social change,
bill for nearly half a century
of massive social change,
physical upheaval, and economic
of massive social change,
physical upheaval, and economic
transformation finished coming
physical upheaval, and economic
transformation finished coming
due.
Transformation finished coming
due.
WILDER: I think that when we
due.
WILDER: I think that when we
fetished the city form, the
WILDER: I think that when we
fetished the city form, the
urban form when traffic lanes
fetished the city form, the
urban form when traffic lanes
and freeways and tall buildings
urban form when traffic lanes
and freeways and tall buildings
and business districts become
and freeways and tall buildings
and business districts become
our priority and we forget about
and business districts become
our priority and we forget about
people and neighborhoods, we
our priority and we forget about
people and neighborhoods, we
actually forget about what is
people and neighborhoods, we
actually forget about what is
the lifeblood of a city.
One of the things that we ended
up doing by focusing on the
up doing by focusing on the
urban form by building taller,
urban form by building taller,
bigger, faster, better is that
bigger, faster, better is that
we actually achieved,
we actually achieved,
physically, what we wanted to.
By the 1960s, New York City has
By the 1960s, New York City has
actually gone through probably
one of the greatest urban
actually gone through probably
one of the greatest urban
building booms in the history of
one of the greatest urban
building booms in the history of
mankind.
Building booms in the history of
mankind.
The problem is it's in financial
mankind.
The problem is it's in financial
crisis.
The problem is it's in financial
crisis.
It's in financial crisis because
crisis.
It's in financial crisis because
we neglected neighborhoods for
It's in financial crisis because
we neglected neighborhoods for
40 years.
We neglected neighborhoods for
40 years.
NARRATOR: To a startling
40 years.
NARRATOR: To a startling
degree, the vast river of
NARRATOR: To a startling
degree, the vast river of
federal funds that had poured
degree, the vast river of
federal funds that had poured
into the city for nearly 20
federal funds that had poured
into the city for nearly 20
years had only served to
into the city for nearly 20
years had only served to
accelerate antiurban trends
years had only served to
accelerate antiurban trends
begun long before, hastening the
accelerate antiurban trends
begun long before, hastening the
flight of industry and the
begun long before, hastening the
flight of industry and the
middle class to the suburbs and
flight of industry and the
middle class to the suburbs and
beyond, while trapping New
middle class to the suburbs and
beyond, while trapping New
York's most vulnerable citizens
beyond, while trapping New
York's most vulnerable citizens
in rapidly expanding ghettoes at
York's most vulnerable citizens
in rapidly expanding ghettoes at
the heart of an inner city
in rapidly expanding ghettoes at
the heart of an inner city
increasingly plagued by
the heart of an inner city
increasingly plagued by
deteriorating finances, rising
increasingly plagued by
deteriorating finances, rising
crime, falling city services,
deteriorating finances, rising
crime, falling city services,
and worsening race relations.
Crime, falling city services,
and worsening race relations.
With resources dwindling and the
and worsening race relations.
With resources dwindling and the
needs of New York's poorest
With resources dwindling and the
needs of New York's poorest
citizens on the rise, years of
needs of New York's poorest
citizens on the rise, years of
simmering racial and social
citizens on the rise, years of
simmering racial and social
tension began to erupt into open
simmering racial and social
tension began to erupt into open
conflict on the city's streets.
Tension began to erupt into open
conflict on the city's streets.
In the summer of 1964, riots
conflict on the city's streets.
In the summer of 1964, riots
once again ripped through Harlem
In the summer of 1964, riots
once again ripped through Harlem
and Bedford-Stuyvesant when an
once again ripped through Harlem
and Bedford-Stuyvesant when an
off-duty policeman shot and
and Bedford-Stuyvesant when an
off-duty policeman shot and
killed a 15-year-old boy.
Off-duty policeman shot and
killed a 15-year-old boy.
The violence that ensued,
killed a 15-year-old boy.
The violence that ensued,
echoing even greater violence in
The violence that ensued,
echoing even greater violence in
cities across America, would
echoing even greater violence in
cities across America, would
continue for five full days and
cities across America, would
continue for five full days and
cast a shadow over the last of
continue for five full days and
cast a shadow over the last of
Robert Wagner's three terms as
cast a shadow over the last of
Robert Wagner's three terms as
mayor.
Robert Wagner's three terms as
mayor.
His successor, a liberal
mayor.
His successor, a liberal
ex-congressman from the Upper
His successor, a liberal
ex-congressman from the Upper
East Side named John Lindsay,
ex-congressman from the Upper
East Side named John Lindsay,
promised New Yorkers a fresh
East Side named John Lindsay,
promised New Yorkers a fresh
start.
Promised New Yorkers a fresh
start.
But from the day he took office
start.
But from the day he took office
on January 1, 1966, the city
But from the day he took office
on January 1, 1966, the city
would be battered by one crisis
on January 1, 1966, the city
would be battered by one crisis
after another, as the first in a
would be battered by one crisis
after another, as the first in a
series of crippling city-wide
after another, as the first in a
series of crippling city-wide
strikes by municipal employees
Series of crippling city-wide
strikes by municipal employees
among the lowest paid workers in
strikes by municipal employees
among the lowest paid workers in
the city brought New York's
among the lowest paid workers in
the city brought New York's
transit system to a complete
the city brought New York's
transit system to a complete
standstill.
Transit system to a complete
standstill.
WOMAN: And the working people
standstill.
WOMAN: And the working people
are going to have the power.
WOMAN: And the working people
are going to have the power.
And the working people, together
are going to have the power.
And the working people, together
with the people who care
And the working people, together
with the people who care
CHERYL GREENBERG: In many
with the people who care
CHERYL GREENBERG: In many
ways, I think New York in the
CHERYL GREENBERG: In many
ways, I think New York in the
'60s and '70s embodied the '60s
ways, I think New York in the
'60s and '70s embodied the '60s
and '70s in all the ambiguities
'60s and '70s embodied the '60s
and '70s in all the ambiguities
and all the tensions in American
and '70s in all the ambiguities
and all the tensions in American
society.
And all the tensions in American
society.
You have a civil-rights movement
society.
You have a civil-rights movement
that is raising all sorts of
You have a civil-rights movement
that is raising all sorts of
problematic questions for people
that is raising all sorts of
problematic questions for people
about the nature of power and
problematic questions for people
about the nature of power and
the nature of access to power.
About the nature of power and
the nature of access to power.
At the same time you have an
the nature of access to power.
At the same time you have an
economic shift.
At the same time you have an
economic shift.
You have money draining off to
economic shift.
You have money draining off to
support the Vietnam War.
You have money draining off to
support the Vietnam War.
We can't acknowledge that we're
support the Vietnam War.
We can't acknowledge that we're
really fighting the war, and so
We can't acknowledge that we're
really fighting the war, and so
we do deficit spending.
Really fighting the war, and so
we do deficit spending.
It's a terrible blow,
we do deficit spending.
It's a terrible blow,
ultimately, economically.
It's a terrible blow,
ultimately, economically.
And all those things are
ultimately, economically.
And all those things are
happening not only in the
And all those things are
happening not only in the
country, but right in the city.
And so you have a very quick
shift in the vision of New York
shift in the vision of New York
from a city with promise to a
from a city with promise to a
city of devastation, of poor
city of devastation, of poor
people, of complaining people,
people, of complaining people,
of crumbling buildings, of
of crumbling buildings, of
inadequate services.
Meanwhile, the suburbs are
Meanwhile, the suburbs are
booming.
People are moving elsewhere,
booming.
People are moving elsewhere,
where labor costs might be less
People are moving elsewhere,
where labor costs might be less
expensive, where opportunities
where labor costs might be less
expensive, where opportunities
are different.
Expensive, where opportunities
are different.
And what you're left with then
are different.
And what you're left with then
is a city that nobody wants to
And what you're left with then
is a city that nobody wants to
support.
Is a city that nobody wants to
support.
JACKSON: The 1960s and 1970s
support.
JACKSON: The 1960s and 1970s
were not good for American
JACKSON: The 1960s and 1970s
were not good for American
cities.
Were not good for American
cities.
This was a time when everybody
cities.
This was a time when everybody
thought the suburbs were the
This was a time when everybody
thought the suburbs were the
wave of the future.
Thought the suburbs were the
wave of the future.
It was just a matter of time
wave of the future.
It was just a matter of time
until, really, all cities and
It was just a matter of time
until, really, all cities and
all older neighborhoods were
until, really, all cities and
all older neighborhoods were
abandoned in favor of the car,
all older neighborhoods were
abandoned in favor of the car,
in favor of the corporate office
abandoned in favor of the car,
in favor of the corporate office
park, in favor of the suburban
in favor of the corporate office
park, in favor of the suburban
residential subdivision.
Park, in favor of the suburban
residential subdivision.
It was a time of fiscal crisis
residential subdivision.
It was a time of fiscal crisis
as the country essentially spent
It was a time of fiscal crisis
as the country essentially spent
its money on defense or Vietnam,
as the country essentially spent
its money on defense or Vietnam,
as it sucked money out of
its money on defense or Vietnam,
as it sucked money out of
cities.
As it sucked money out of
cities.
So that by the early 1970s, New
cities.
So that by the early 1970s, New
York City was in an amazing
So that by the early 1970s, New
York City was in an amazing
financial crisis brought on by
York City was in an amazing
financial crisis brought on by
borrowing too much money and
financial crisis brought on by
borrowing too much money and
perhaps living beyond its means.
Borrowing too much money and
perhaps living beyond its means.
But also it no longer had the
perhaps living beyond its means.
But also it no longer had the
means.
But also it no longer had the
means.
MAN: You can't even explain
means.
MAN: You can't even explain
the layoffs in this city.
MAN: You can't even explain
the layoffs in this city.
JACKSON: Schools were
the layoffs in this city.
JACKSON: Schools were
beginning to decline.
JACKSON: Schools were
beginning to decline.
The crime rate was beginning an
beginning to decline.
The crime rate was beginning an
explosive increase in New York
The crime rate was beginning an
explosive increase in New York
City as in other places.
Explosive increase in New York
City as in other places.
The Bronx was burning.
City as in other places.
The Bronx was burning.
Every night there were fires
The Bronx was burning.
Every night there were fires
that you could see, and so there
Every night there were fires
that you could see, and so there
was an orange glow.
That you could see, and so there
was an orange glow.
We heard about Fort Apache,
was an orange glow.
We heard about Fort Apache,
these dangerous police
We heard about Fort Apache,
these dangerous police
precincts.
These dangerous police
precincts.
NARRATOR: By 1970, the city
precincts.
NARRATOR: By 1970, the city
that had emerged from the Second
NARRATOR: By 1970, the city
that had emerged from the Second
World War as the most powerful
that had emerged from the Second
World War as the most powerful
metropolis on earth had begun to
World War as the most powerful
metropolis on earth had begun to
spiral downward into an abyss of
metropolis on earth had begun to
spiral downward into an abyss of
urban chaos and despair almost
spiral downward into an abyss of
urban chaos and despair almost
without precedent in American
urban chaos and despair almost
without precedent in American
urban history.
Without precedent in American
urban history.
BERMAN: Well, the worst
urban history.
BERMAN: Well, the worst
feature of New York in that
BERMAN: Well, the worst
feature of New York in that
period, for me, were the
feature of New York in that
period, for me, were the
neighborhoods that were falling
period, for me, were the
neighborhoods that were falling
apart.
Neighborhoods that were falling
apart.
A lot of the South Bronx in the
apart.
A lot of the South Bronx in the
course of the '70s was burnt
A lot of the South Bronx in the
course of the '70s was burnt
down.
Course of the '70s was burnt
down.
The biggest industry in the
down.
The biggest industry in the
Bronx became arson.
The biggest industry in the
Bronx became arson.
In the 1976 World Series, while
Bronx became arson.
In the 1976 World Series, while
there was a night game at Yankee
In the 1976 World Series, while
there was a night game at Yankee
Stadium, the Goodyear Blimp
there was a night game at Yankee
Stadium, the Goodyear Blimp
showed about a mile away a
Stadium, the Goodyear Blimp
showed about a mile away a
building was burning down.
Showed about a mile away a
building was burning down.
And Howard Cosell said, "What's
building was burning down.
And Howard Cosell said, "What's
wrong with these people that
And Howard Cosell said, "What's
wrong with these people that
they burn down their houses?"
wrong with these people that
they burn down their houses?"
Some people began to suggest
they burn down their houses?"
Some people began to suggest
that it had to do with the
Some people began to suggest
that it had to do with the
character of the landlords and
that it had to do with the
character of the landlords and
the fact that you could collect
character of the landlords and
the fact that you could collect
more money on insurance than you
the fact that you could collect
more money on insurance than you
could collect in rent on
more money on insurance than you
could collect in rent on
buildings that were old and
could collect in rent on
buildings that were old and
needed constant refinancing and,
buildings that were old and
needed constant refinancing and,
ironically, that were redlined,
needed constant refinancing and,
ironically, that were redlined,
because the whole Bronx was
ironically, that were redlined,
because the whole Bronx was
redlined in this period.
Because the whole Bronx was
redlined in this period.
So you couldn't fix up the
redlined in this period.
So you couldn't fix up the
building, but you could fix it
So you couldn't fix up the
building, but you could fix it
down.
Building, but you could fix it
down.
NARRATOR: By 1973, more than
down.
NARRATOR: By 1973, more than
2,000 city blocks had been
NARRATOR: By 1973, more than
2,000 city blocks had been
burned to the ground; more than
2,000 city blocks had been
burned to the ground; more than
43,000 apartments had been
burned to the ground; more than
43,000 apartments had been
destroyed; and the South Bronx
43,000 apartments had been
destroyed; and the South Bronx
had become a symbol around the
destroyed; and the South Bronx
had become a symbol around the
world of urban decline.
LUC SANTE: There was this
brief period, in the 1970s
brief period, in the 1970s
especially, where it seemed like
especially, where it seemed like
New York was really going to be
New York was really going to be
further and further off the
further and further off the
chart.
It really did feel like
It really did feel like
neighborhoods were being
sequentially abandoned by their
neighborhoods were being
sequentially abandoned by their
owners.
Sequentially abandoned by their
owners.
You could see it in the Lower
owners.
You could see it in the Lower
East Side.
You could see it in the Lower
East Side.
Landlord arson was rampant
East Side.
Landlord arson was rampant
because that was the only way
Landlord arson was rampant
because that was the only way
they'd ever be able to make
because that was the only way
they'd ever be able to make
money.
They'd ever be able to make
money.
They couldn't get people to move
money.
They couldn't get people to move
into these places, so they might
They couldn't get people to move
into these places, so they might
as well burn them down.
Into these places, so they might
as well burn them down.
And it really seemed like this
as well burn them down.
And it really seemed like this
was just going to happen all
And it really seemed like this
was just going to happen all
throughout the island.
Was just going to happen all
throughout the island.
NARRATOR: For the city
throughout the island.
NARRATOR: For the city
itself, there was one final
NARRATOR: For the city
itself, there was one final
chapter to come in the long
itself, there was one final
chapter to come in the long
downward spiral begun three
chapter to come in the long
downward spiral begun three
decades before.
Downward spiral begun three
decades before.
All through John Lindsay's
decades before.
All through John Lindsay's
second term, as tax revenues
All through John Lindsay's
second term, as tax revenues
faltered and expenses soared,
second term, as tax revenues
faltered and expenses soared,
the beleaguered mayor had
faltered and expenses soared,
the beleaguered mayor had
refused to cut the crucial
the beleaguered mayor had
refused to cut the crucial
public programs that had been
refused to cut the crucial
public programs that had been
New York's hallmark since the
public programs that had been
New York's hallmark since the
days of the depression, using
New York's hallmark since the
days of the depression, using
hundreds of millions of dollars
days of the depression, using
hundreds of millions of dollars
earmarked for long-term capital
hundreds of millions of dollars
earmarked for long-term capital
projects to cover the mounting
earmarked for long-term capital
projects to cover the mounting
shortfall, borrowing hundreds of
projects to cover the mounting
shortfall, borrowing hundreds of
millions more to make up for
shortfall, borrowing hundreds of
millions more to make up for
that, and rolling over the ever
millions more to make up for
that, and rolling over the ever
mounting debt from one year to
that, and rolling over the ever
mounting debt from one year to
another.
Mounting debt from one year to
another.
JOHN STEELE GORDON: Very bad
another.
JOHN STEELE GORDON: Very bad
accounting practices.
JOHN STEELE GORDON: Very bad
accounting practices.
The city was, in effect,
accounting practices.
The city was, in effect,
borrowing to buy groceries.
The city was, in effect,
borrowing to buy groceries.
People and political
borrowing to buy groceries.
People and political
institutions should borrow money
People and political
institutions should borrow money
for capital reasons.
We were the city was
borrowing money in order to meet
borrowing money in order to meet
its current bills, and you can't
its current bills, and you can't
do that forever.
JACKSON: I think this
JACKSON: I think this
culminated in the fiscal crisis
in the early 1970s because it
culminated in the fiscal crisis
in the early 1970s because it
kind of brought it all together.
In the early 1970s because it
kind of brought it all together.
Sure, it was partly because the
kind of brought it all together.
Sure, it was partly because the
city was living beyond its means
Sure, it was partly because the
city was living beyond its means
and trying to maintain this kind
city was living beyond its means
and trying to maintain this kind
of old New Deal attitude of
and trying to maintain this kind
of old New Deal attitude of
building public hospitals and
of old New Deal attitude of
building public hospitals and
public colleges and generous
building public hospitals and
public colleges and generous
public-welfare benefits, even
public colleges and generous
public-welfare benefits, even
when the rest of the nation
public-welfare benefits, even
when the rest of the nation
wasn't following behind.
When the rest of the nation
wasn't following behind.
NARRATOR: By 1975, more than
wasn't following behind.
NARRATOR: By 1975, more than
$2 billion a year were going
NARRATOR: By 1975, more than
$2 billion a year were going
simply to service New York's
$2 billion a year were going
simply to service New York's
enormous $11 billion debt, which
simply to service New York's
enormous $11 billion debt, which
was increasing now at an
enormous $11 billion debt, which
was increasing now at an
alarming rate with each passing
was increasing now at an
alarming rate with each passing
month and threatening to capsize
alarming rate with each passing
month and threatening to capsize
the new administration of John
month and threatening to capsize
the new administration of John
Lindsay's successor, Mayor Abe
the new administration of John
Lindsay's successor, Mayor Abe
Beame.
Lindsay's successor, Mayor Abe
Beame.
REPORTER: They're going to
Beame.
REPORTER: They're going to
want to know if New York City is
REPORTER: They're going to
want to know if New York City is
going down the drain.
Want to know if New York City is
going down the drain.
Now, is it safe to say
going down the drain.
Now, is it safe to say
BEAME: New York City is not
Now, is it safe to say
BEAME: New York City is not
going down the drain.
BEAME: New York City is not
going down the drain.
NARRATOR: That October, the
going down the drain.
NARRATOR: That October, the
apocalyptic reckoning city
NARRATOR: That October, the
apocalyptic reckoning city
leaders had been attempting to
apocalyptic reckoning city
leaders had been attempting to
stave off for nearly ten years
leaders had been attempting to
stave off for nearly ten years
finally came due when the
stave off for nearly ten years
finally came due when the
consortium of banks that had
finally came due when the
consortium of banks that had
freely lent the city billions of
consortium of banks that had
freely lent the city billions of
dollars over the previous decade
freely lent the city billions of
dollars over the previous decade
abruptly suspended New York's
dollars over the previous decade
abruptly suspended New York's
borrowing privileges until the
abruptly suspended New York's
borrowing privileges until the
city had put its financial house
borrowing privileges until the
city had put its financial house
in order.
City had put its financial house
in order.
Within days, the city was facing
in order.
Within days, the city was facing
a fiscal crisis unlike any since
Within days, the city was facing
a fiscal crisis unlike any since
the darkest hours of the
a fiscal crisis unlike any since
the darkest hours of the
depression.
ED KOCH: The banks said,
looking at how much money New
looking at how much money New
York City owed, "We're not going
York City owed, "We're not going
to lend you anymore money."
to lend you anymore money."
And nobody believed they would
And nobody believed they would
ever do that.
Ever do that.
And they just shut the window.
JOSH FREEMAN: The banks
JOSH FREEMAN: The banks
essentially said to New York,
"Give us $6 billion back now,
essentially said to New York,
"Give us $6 billion back now,
please."
And New York City couldn't do
that.
That.
So in a sense, New York City was
So in a sense, New York City was
bankrupt or virtually bankrupt.
Bankrupt or virtually bankrupt.
And the fiscal crisis is the
And the fiscal crisis is the
process of getting $6 billion to
process of getting $6 billion to
pay back the banks the money
pay back the banks the money
that they once loaned to the
that they once loaned to the
city.
NARRATOR: With the prospect
NARRATOR: With the prospect
of bankruptcy staring them in
the face, city leaders turned in
of bankruptcy staring them in
the face, city leaders turned in
desperation to the one source
the face, city leaders turned in
desperation to the one source
that could possibly save them,
desperation to the one source
that could possibly save them,
the federal government,
that could possibly save them,
the federal government,
submitting a request for more
the federal government,
submitting a request for more
than $2 billion in emergency
submitting a request for more
than $2 billion in emergency
loan guarantees the city's
than $2 billion in emergency
loan guarantees the city's
last hope of avoiding complete
loan guarantees the city's
last hope of avoiding complete
financial ruin.
Last hope of avoiding complete
financial ruin.
President Gerald Ford's stunning
financial ruin.
President Gerald Ford's stunning
response came in a speech on
President Gerald Ford's stunning
response came in a speech on
October 29th at the National
response came in a speech on
October 29th at the National
Press Club in Washington.
October 29th at the National
Press Club in Washington.
GERALD FORD: Responsibility
Press Club in Washington.
GERALD FORD: Responsibility
for New York City's financial
GERALD FORD: Responsibility
for New York City's financial
problems is being left on the
for New York City's financial
problems is being left on the
front doorstep of the federal
problems is being left on the
front doorstep of the federal
government, unwanted and
front doorstep of the federal
government, unwanted and
abandoned by its real parents.
Government, unwanted and
abandoned by its real parents.
And when New York City now asks
abandoned by its real parents.
And when New York City now asks
the rest of the country to
And when New York City now asks
the rest of the country to
guarantee its bills, it can be
the rest of the country to
guarantee its bills, it can be
no surprise that many other
guarantee its bills, it can be
no surprise that many other
Americans ask, "Why?"
no surprise that many other
Americans ask, "Why?"
NARRATOR: Municipal default,
Americans ask, "Why?"
NARRATOR: Municipal default,
Ford concluded, would be a good
NARRATOR: Municipal default,
Ford concluded, would be a good
thing for New York, forcing the
Ford concluded, would be a good
thing for New York, forcing the
city to curtail its
thing for New York, forcing the
city to curtail its
traditionally spendthrift ways.
City to curtail its
traditionally spendthrift ways.
No federal loan guarantees would
traditionally spendthrift ways.
No federal loan guarantees would
be forthcoming.
No federal loan guarantees would
be forthcoming.
The next day, a towering black
be forthcoming.
The next day, a towering black
headline loomed ominously from
The next day, a towering black
headline loomed ominously from
the front page of the Daily
headline loomed ominously from
the front page of the Daily
News "Ford to City: Drop
the front page of the Daily
News "Ford to City: Drop
Dead."
News "Ford to City: Drop
Dead."
JACKSON: What's astonishing
Dead."
JACKSON: What's astonishing
is that the president of the
JACKSON: What's astonishing
is that the president of the
United States could essentially
is that the president of the
United States could essentially
tell the greatest city in the
United States could essentially
tell the greatest city in the
Western world to drop dead.
Tell the greatest city in the
Western world to drop dead.
Of course, he didn't say it
Western world to drop dead.
Of course, he didn't say it
exactly.
Of course, he didn't say it
exactly.
But remember those Daily
exactly.
But remember those Daily
News headlines "Drop Dead New
But remember those Daily
News headlines "Drop Dead New
York City"?
News headlines "Drop Dead New
York City"?
Tells you just how far, in a
York City"?
Tells you just how far, in a
sense, the city had sunk there.
Tells you just how far, in a
sense, the city had sunk there.
SUAREZ: A city that had sent
sense, the city had sunk there.
SUAREZ: A city that had sent
so many successful people out
SUAREZ: A city that had sent
so many successful people out
into the world should have had
so many successful people out
into the world should have had
more friends by the mid-70s.
Into the world should have had
more friends by the mid-70s.
It was surrounded by people who
more friends by the mid-70s.
It was surrounded by people who
did not wish the place well.
It was surrounded by people who
did not wish the place well.
And interestingly, people whose
did not wish the place well.
And interestingly, people whose
own life stories passed through
And interestingly, people whose
own life stories passed through
the five boroughs are decamped
own life stories passed through
the five boroughs are decamped
in Jersey, in Westchester, and
the five boroughs are decamped
in Jersey, in Westchester, and
out on the island.
In Jersey, in Westchester, and
out on the island.
And when that Daily News
out on the island.
And when that Daily News
headline comes out "Ford to
And when that Daily News
headline comes out "Ford to
City: Drop Dead" instead of
headline comes out "Ford to
City: Drop Dead" instead of
recoiling in horror, they're
City: Drop Dead" instead of
recoiling in horror, they're
saying, "Yeah, drop dead.
Recoiling in horror, they're
saying, "Yeah, drop dead.
We think you should drop dead,
saying, "Yeah, drop dead.
We think you should drop dead,
too."
We think you should drop dead,
too."
It was a terrible, terrible
too."
It was a terrible, terrible
time.
It was a terrible, terrible
time.
It really was.
Time.
It really was.
Instead of looking at this as a
It really was.
Instead of looking at this as a
treasure of the American scene,
Instead of looking at this as a
treasure of the American scene,
New York was seen as
treasure of the American scene,
New York was seen as
representing almost everything
New York was seen as
representing almost everything
that was worst about postwar
representing almost everything
that was worst about postwar
America.
That was worst about postwar
America.
NARRATOR: In its blunt and
America.
NARRATOR: In its blunt and
homely way, the headline in the
NARRATOR: In its blunt and
homely way, the headline in the
Daily News captured as nothing
homely way, the headline in the
Daily News captured as nothing
else had the basic assumption
Daily News captured as nothing
else had the basic assumption
behind President Ford's
else had the basic assumption
behind President Ford's
remarks an assumption that had
behind President Ford's
remarks an assumption that had
been growing more and more
remarks an assumption that had
been growing more and more
commonplace among Americans for
been growing more and more
commonplace among Americans for
years as the city's social and
commonplace among Americans for
years as the city's social and
economic problems multiplied.
Years as the city's social and
economic problems multiplied.
New York, like many of the
economic problems multiplied.
New York, like many of the
nation's older cities, was
New York, like many of the
nation's older cities, was
plummeting into the abyss.
Nation's older cities, was
plummeting into the abyss.
New York, America's
plummeting into the abyss.
New York, America's
extraordinary, unwieldy
New York, America's
extraordinary, unwieldy
experiment in capitalism and
extraordinary, unwieldy
experiment in capitalism and
democracy, hope and greed, had
experiment in capitalism and
democracy, hope and greed, had
failed.
Democracy, hope and greed, had
failed.
New York city of cities,
failed.
New York city of cities,
capital of capitalism, gateway
New York city of cities,
capital of capitalism, gateway
to America was going to die
capital of capitalism, gateway
to America was going to die
and good riddance.
To America was going to die
and good riddance.
BERMAN: Grace Paley, one of
and good riddance.
BERMAN: Grace Paley, one of
the great New York writers, has
BERMAN: Grace Paley, one of
the great New York writers, has
a story written early-'70s
the great New York writers, has
a story written early-'70s
South Bronx.
A story written early-'70s
South Bronx.
And one of the characters, who's
South Bronx.
And one of the characters, who's
like a community organizer
And one of the characters, who's
like a community organizer
there, says, "The buildings are
like a community organizer
there, says, "The buildings are
burning down on one side of the
there, says, "The buildings are
burning down on one side of the
street, and the kids are trying
burning down on one side of the
street, and the kids are trying
to put something together on the
street, and the kids are trying
to put something together on the
other."
to put something together on the
other."
And this could be a parable of
other."
And this could be a parable of
one of the great achievements of
And this could be a parable of
one of the great achievements of
that period from a lot of the
one of the great achievements of
that period from a lot of the
neighborhoods that were most
that period from a lot of the
neighborhoods that were most
devastated in New York.
Neighborhoods that were most
devastated in New York.
The earliest form in which most
devastated in New York.
The earliest form in which most
people who weren't part of that
The earliest form in which most
people who weren't part of that
neighborhood saw it were the
people who weren't part of that
neighborhood saw it were the
graffiti that appeared on the
neighborhood saw it were the
graffiti that appeared on the
subways in the '70s.
Graffiti that appeared on the
subways in the '70s.
And this was on a very rickety,
subways in the '70s.
And this was on a very rickety,
decaying generation of gray
And this was on a very rickety,
decaying generation of gray
trains, they painted enormously
decaying generation of gray
trains, they painted enormously
exuberant, colored names and
trains, they painted enormously
exuberant, colored names and
reliefs and mottoes.
Exuberant, colored names and
reliefs and mottoes.
And you can see many films now:
reliefs and mottoes.
And you can see many films now:
a gray day, a gray neighborhood,
And you can see many films now:
a gray day, a gray neighborhood,
an El train.
A gray day, a gray neighborhood,
an El train.
And suddenly, the El train, it's
an El train.
And suddenly, the El train, it's
like a rainbow!
And suddenly, the El train, it's
like a rainbow!
And it's thrilling.
Like a rainbow!
And it's thrilling.
The next incarnation was rap.
And it's thrilling.
The next incarnation was rap.
The earliest form that people
The next incarnation was rap.
The earliest form that people
saw would be there would be one
The earliest form that people
saw would be there would be one
kid rapping with small speakers
saw would be there would be one
kid rapping with small speakers
and a drum track in the subway,
kid rapping with small speakers
and a drum track in the subway,
you know, with a hat open for
and a drum track in the subway,
you know, with a hat open for
money.
You know, with a hat open for
money.
And, you know, these are
money.
And, you know, these are
parables of a city that's being
And, you know, these are
parables of a city that's being
ruined, that's being destroyed,
parables of a city that's being
ruined, that's being destroyed,
and that's saying, "We can rise
ruined, that's being destroyed,
and that's saying, "We can rise
again.
And that's saying, "We can rise
again.
We come from ruins, but we're
again.
We come from ruins, but we're
not ruined."
We come from ruins, but we're
not ruined."
And, I mean, in 15 years, it's
not ruined."
And, I mean, in 15 years, it's
become the basic form of world
And, I mean, in 15 years, it's
become the basic form of world
music.
Become the basic form of world
music.
So it's a thrill, but it's
music.
So it's a thrill, but it's
important to understand that it
So it's a thrill, but it's
important to understand that it
came from totally burnt-out,
important to understand that it
came from totally burnt-out,
ruined districts, and that's
came from totally burnt-out,
ruined districts, and that's
where it was born.
Ruined districts, and that's
where it was born.
And that it was born out of this
where it was born.
And that it was born out of this
suffering and misery, and that a
And that it was born out of this
suffering and misery, and that a
lot of the creativity that New
suffering and misery, and that a
lot of the creativity that New
York has always had has come
lot of the creativity that New
York has always had has come
from the cellars, from the
York has always had has come
from the cellars, from the
ruins, from how the other half
from the cellars, from the
ruins, from how the other half
lives.
Ruins, from how the other half
lives.
So an important part of sharing
lives.
So an important part of sharing
space and living city life is
So an important part of sharing
space and living city life is
being able to live through the
space and living city life is
being able to live through the
ways in which the city itself is
being able to live through the
ways in which the city itself is
torn down and is consumed and is
ways in which the city itself is
torn down and is consumed and is
destroyed, but also consumes
torn down and is consumed and is
destroyed, but also consumes
itself.
Destroyed, but also consumes
itself.
You know, if you can do that,
itself.
You know, if you can do that,
you can become more human and
You know, if you can do that,
you can become more human and
more alive than you've been
you can become more human and
more alive than you've been
before.
More alive than you've been
before.
NARRATOR: In the end, of
before.
NARRATOR: In the end, of
course, the city didn't die.
NARRATOR: In the end, of
course, the city didn't die.
Despite all the destruction and
course, the city didn't die.
Despite all the destruction and
heartbreak of the postwar
Despite all the destruction and
heartbreak of the postwar
years; despite the demise of
heartbreak of the postwar
years; despite the demise of
neighborhoods and the loss of
years; despite the demise of
neighborhoods and the loss of
industry and the bitter clash of
neighborhoods and the loss of
industry and the bitter clash of
races and classes; despite
industry and the bitter clash of
races and classes; despite
everything, as it had so many
races and classes; despite
everything, as it had so many
times in the past, the city, to
everything, as it had so many
times in the past, the city, to
almost everyone's surprise, got
times in the past, the city, to
almost everyone's surprise, got
back up off the floor and began
almost everyone's surprise, got
back up off the floor and began
to revive.
Back up off the floor and began
to revive.
Less than a month after refusing
to revive.
Less than a month after refusing
to come to the city's aid,
Less than a month after refusing
to come to the city's aid,
President Ford reversed himself
to come to the city's aid,
President Ford reversed himself
and grudgingly agreed to approve
President Ford reversed himself
and grudgingly agreed to approve
the city's request for loan
and grudgingly agreed to approve
the city's request for loan
guarantees, warned by advisors
the city's request for loan
guarantees, warned by advisors
that New York's demise might
guarantees, warned by advisors
that New York's demise might
trigger a catastrophic domino
that New York's demise might
trigger a catastrophic domino
effect of fiscal default that
trigger a catastrophic domino
effect of fiscal default that
would bring down one city after
effect of fiscal default that
would bring down one city after
another across the country.
Would bring down one city after
another across the country.
With time to put its finances in
another across the country.
With time to put its finances in
order, city officials moved with
With time to put its finances in
order, city officials moved with
startling dispatch, cutting
order, city officials moved with
startling dispatch, cutting
services, repaying the city's
startling dispatch, cutting
services, repaying the city's
outstanding loans, and balancing
services, repaying the city's
outstanding loans, and balancing
the city budget by 1981, a full
outstanding loans, and balancing
the city budget by 1981, a full
year ahead of schedule.
The city budget by 1981, a full
year ahead of schedule.
In the end, the U.S. Treasury
year ahead of schedule.
In the end, the U.S. Treasury
made millions of dollars out of
In the end, the U.S. Treasury
made millions of dollars out of
its arrangement with New York.
Made millions of dollars out of
its arrangement with New York.
FREEMAN: I think New York
its arrangement with New York.
FREEMAN: I think New York
became the experiment ground for
FREEMAN: I think New York
became the experiment ground for
a new national program of
became the experiment ground for
a new national program of
austerity to check the power of
a new national program of
austerity to check the power of
labor and to reverse some of the
austerity to check the power of
labor and to reverse some of the
trends of New Deal liberalism.
Labor and to reverse some of the
trends of New Deal liberalism.
It was put on display, and it
trends of New Deal liberalism.
It was put on display, and it
was created as a kind of
It was put on display, and it
was created as a kind of
negative-object example "This
was created as a kind of
negative-object example "This
is liberalism gone amuck.
Negative-object example "This
is liberalism gone amuck.
This is a kind of degeneration,
is liberalism gone amuck.
This is a kind of degeneration,
a kind of moral degeneracy that
This is a kind of degeneration,
a kind of moral degeneracy that
can only be solved by the old-
a kind of moral degeneracy that
can only be solved by the old-
fashioned medicine of fiscal
can only be solved by the old-
fashioned medicine of fiscal
austerity."
fashioned medicine of fiscal
austerity."
And its a program that, in a
austerity."
And its a program that, in a
sense, was then successful in
And its a program that, in a
sense, was then successful in
New York and followed in the
sense, was then successful in
New York and followed in the
1980s in the country at large.
New York and followed in the
1980s in the country at large.
KOCH: The summer of my
1980s in the country at large.
KOCH: The summer of my
election, I went for a walk on
KOCH: The summer of my
election, I went for a walk on
the Brighton Beach boardwalk.
Election, I went for a walk on
the Brighton Beach boardwalk.
This was August.
The Brighton Beach boardwalk.
This was August.
Suddenly, I heard a woman
This was August.
Suddenly, I heard a woman
calling, "Mayor, Mayor."
Suddenly, I heard a woman
calling, "Mayor, Mayor."
And I looked down the boardwalk,
calling, "Mayor, Mayor."
And I looked down the boardwalk,
and there was this elderly lady.
And I looked down the boardwalk,
and there was this elderly lady.
She must have been in her late
and there was this elderly lady.
She must have been in her late
70s.
She must have been in her late
70s.
And she came towards me.
70s.
And she came towards me.
She took my hand and she looked
And she came towards me.
She took my hand and she looked
at me, and she said, "Mayor,
She took my hand and she looked
at me, and she said, "Mayor,
make it like it was."
at me, and she said, "Mayor,
make it like it was."
And I must tell you, I still
make it like it was."
And I must tell you, I still
have goose pimples.
And I must tell you, I still
have goose pimples.
And I thought to myself as she
have goose pimples.
And I thought to myself as she
said it, "Madame, it never was
And I thought to myself as she
said it, "Madame, it never was
the way you think it was, but
said it, "Madame, it never was
the way you think it was, but
I'll try."
the way you think it was, but
I'll try."
NARRATOR: In the years to
I'll try."
NARRATOR: In the years to
come, despite the terrible
NARRATOR: In the years to
come, despite the terrible
hardships that continued to be
come, despite the terrible
hardships that continued to be
suffered by many of New York's
hardships that continued to be
suffered by many of New York's
most vulnerable citizens, the
suffered by many of New York's
most vulnerable citizens, the
city would not only survive but
most vulnerable citizens, the
city would not only survive but
begin to thrive and flourish
city would not only survive but
begin to thrive and flourish
again, in large measure because
begin to thrive and flourish
again, in large measure because
the urban qualities that had
again, in large measure because
the urban qualities that had
defined the city since the time
the urban qualities that had
defined the city since the time
of the Dutch began to reassert
defined the city since the time
of the Dutch began to reassert
themselves, not as problems to
of the Dutch began to reassert
themselves, not as problems to
be solved, but as crucial urban
themselves, not as problems to
be solved, but as crucial urban
values to be celebrated,
be solved, but as crucial urban
values to be celebrated,
nurtured, and sustained.
Values to be celebrated,
nurtured, and sustained.
JACKSON: What I think
nurtured, and sustained.
JACKSON: What I think
accounts for New York's success
JACKSON: What I think
accounts for New York's success
in reinventing itself at the end
accounts for New York's success
in reinventing itself at the end
of the 20th century are the very
in reinventing itself at the end
of the 20th century are the very
strengths that the Dutch, the
of the 20th century are the very
strengths that the Dutch, the
first little settlement in the
strengths that the Dutch, the
first little settlement in the
17th century, made visible the
first little settlement in the
17th century, made visible the
heterogeneity of the city, so
17th century, made visible the
heterogeneity of the city, so
that everyone was welcome.
Heterogeneity of the city, so
that everyone was welcome.
Maybe everyone would not be
that everyone was welcome.
Maybe everyone would not be
loved "We're not going to be
Maybe everyone would not be
loved "We're not going to be
pleasant.
Loved "We're not going to be
pleasant.
We're not going to hug you.
Pleasant.
We're not going to hug you.
We're not going to even say
We're not going to hug you.
We're not going to even say
'Good morning' every time we see
We're not going to even say
'Good morning' every time we see
you.
'Good morning' every time we see
you.
But in the end, opportunity is
you.
But in the end, opportunity is
here."
But in the end, opportunity is
here."
People knew it, so we have these
here."
People knew it, so we have these
incredible immigration flows
People knew it, so we have these
incredible immigration flows
which accelerate after the mid-
incredible immigration flows
which accelerate after the mid-
1960s with the new immigration
which accelerate after the mid-
1960s with the new immigration
laws.
1960s with the new immigration
laws.
Secondly, we have the same kind
laws.
Secondly, we have the same kind
of entrepreneurial spirit that
Secondly, we have the same kind
of entrepreneurial spirit that
the Dutch West India Company had
of entrepreneurial spirit that
the Dutch West India Company had
established in 1624 that has
the Dutch West India Company had
established in 1624 that has
kind of run through New York all
established in 1624 that has
kind of run through New York all
the time.
Kind of run through New York all
the time.
Third, I think it's the density
the time.
Third, I think it's the density
and concentration of New York.
Third, I think it's the density
and concentration of New York.
There is something about the
and concentration of New York.
There is something about the
mood of the place that's
There is something about the
mood of the place that's
directed toward achievement and
mood of the place that's
directed toward achievement and
getting something done.
Directed toward achievement and
getting something done.
Fourthly, I think it's always
getting something done.
Fourthly, I think it's always
been a kind of an openness to
Fourthly, I think it's always
been a kind of an openness to
change.
Been a kind of an openness to
change.
New York City was always willing
change.
New York City was always willing
to go with what worked, to find
New York City was always willing
to go with what worked, to find
the balance, to reach a new
to go with what worked, to find
the balance, to reach a new
understanding.
The balance, to reach a new
understanding.
NARRATOR: By the 1980s, as
understanding.
NARRATOR: By the 1980s, as
the city's role within the
NARRATOR: By the 1980s, as
the city's role within the
widening gyre of an increasingly
the city's role within the
widening gyre of an increasingly
global economy continued to
widening gyre of an increasingly
global economy continued to
shift and change, the relentless
global economy continued to
shift and change, the relentless
commercial energy that had
shift and change, the relentless
commercial energy that had
characterized New York for
commercial energy that had
characterized New York for
nearly 400 years began to return
characterized New York for
nearly 400 years began to return
with a frantic intensity not
nearly 400 years began to return
with a frantic intensity not
seen on Wall Street since the
with a frantic intensity not
seen on Wall Street since the
days of the Roaring '20s.
Seen on Wall Street since the
days of the Roaring '20s.
By the 1990s, though the days of
days of the Roaring '20s.
By the 1990s, though the days of
New York's blue-collar glory
By the 1990s, though the days of
New York's blue-collar glory
were over, most of the hundreds
New York's blue-collar glory
were over, most of the hundreds
of thousands of jobs that had
were over, most of the hundreds
of thousands of jobs that had
been lost had been replaced as
of thousands of jobs that had
been lost had been replaced as
thousands of new companies and
been lost had been replaced as
thousands of new companies and
small businesses streamed back
thousands of new companies and
small businesses streamed back
into New York, eager to draw on
small businesses streamed back
into New York, eager to draw on
the unique concentration of
into New York, eager to draw on
the unique concentration of
talent and resources gathered
the unique concentration of
talent and resources gathered
there and attracted by the very
talent and resources gathered
there and attracted by the very
density that had once driven
there and attracted by the very
density that had once driven
businesses away.
Density that had once driven
businesses away.
BERMAN: Cities bring a lot of
businesses away.
BERMAN: Cities bring a lot of
people together.
BERMAN: Cities bring a lot of
people together.
Some people feel too many
people together.
Some people feel too many
people, too big crowds, but
Some people feel too many
people, too big crowds, but
there's a great commandment of
people, too big crowds, but
there's a great commandment of
urban life that can be a
there's a great commandment of
urban life that can be a
tremendous source of happiness:
urban life that can be a
tremendous source of happiness:
"Thou shalt share space."
tremendous source of happiness:
"Thou shalt share space."
I mean, cities, in many ways,
"Thou shalt share space."
I mean, cities, in many ways,
are expensive and inconvenient
I mean, cities, in many ways,
are expensive and inconvenient
and noisy and dirty, but the
are expensive and inconvenient
and noisy and dirty, but the
wonderful thing about them is
and noisy and dirty, but the
wonderful thing about them is
the way they bring people
wonderful thing about them is
the way they bring people
together.
The way they bring people
together.
You design cities that don't let
together.
You design cities that don't let
people get together, you're
You design cities that don't let
people get together, you're
losing what may be most special
people get together, you're
losing what may be most special
and beautiful about them, and
losing what may be most special
and beautiful about them, and
then, of course, make people
and beautiful about them, and
then, of course, make people
think, "Why bother to live in a
then, of course, make people
think, "Why bother to live in a
city at all, if we don't even
think, "Why bother to live in a
city at all, if we don't even
have what's most special about
city at all, if we don't even
have what's most special about
the city?"
have what's most special about
the city?"
NARRATOR: By the turn of the
the city?"
NARRATOR: By the turn of the
century, the greatest and most
NARRATOR: By the turn of the
century, the greatest and most
moving sign of the city's
century, the greatest and most
moving sign of the city's
miraculous revival could be seen
moving sign of the city's
miraculous revival could be seen
on the city streets themselves,
miraculous revival could be seen
on the city streets themselves,
which, within ten years of the
on the city streets themselves,
which, within ten years of the
end of the fiscal crisis, were
which, within ten years of the
end of the fiscal crisis, were
filled with hundreds of
end of the fiscal crisis, were
filled with hundreds of
thousands of newcomers from
filled with hundreds of
thousands of newcomers from
around the world who had been
thousands of newcomers from
around the world who had been
pouring into New York since the
around the world who had been
pouring into New York since the
mid-1960s, when the federal
pouring into New York since the
mid-1960s, when the federal
government finally reopened the
mid-1960s, when the federal
government finally reopened the
great human gateway Emma Lazarus
government finally reopened the
great human gateway Emma Lazarus
had called "the golden door."
great human gateway Emma Lazarus
had called "the golden door."
BERMAN: I mean, New York
had called "the golden door."
BERMAN: I mean, New York
became the kind of port that it
BERMAN: I mean, New York
became the kind of port that it
had been at the beginning of the
became the kind of port that it
had been at the beginning of the
20th century again.
Had been at the beginning of the
20th century again.
And people began coming in
20th century again.
And people began coming in
enormous numbers, from East
And people began coming in
enormous numbers, from East
Asia, from Latin America, from
enormous numbers, from East
Asia, from Latin America, from
eastern Europe, colonizing
Asia, from Latin America, from
eastern Europe, colonizing
neighborhoods that many people
eastern Europe, colonizing
neighborhoods that many people
considered abandoned.
Neighborhoods that many people
considered abandoned.
The Census Department says that
considered abandoned.
The Census Department says that
now something like 43% of New
The Census Department says that
now something like 43% of New
Yorkers, you know, have been
now something like 43% of New
Yorkers, you know, have been
born outside the U.S.A.
Yorkers, you know, have been
born outside the U.S.A.
And they said that there haven't
born outside the U.S.A.
And they said that there haven't
been comparable figures since
And they said that there haven't
been comparable figures since
Been comparable figures since
NARRATOR: By the end of the
NARRATOR: By the end of the
20th century, the fiscal crisis
NARRATOR: By the end of the
20th century, the fiscal crisis
had dwindled to a memory, and
20th century, the fiscal crisis
had dwindled to a memory, and
New York seemed to have
had dwindled to a memory, and
New York seemed to have
reinvented itself once again.
New York seemed to have
reinvented itself once again.
The epic transformations of the
reinvented itself once again.
The epic transformations of the
previous half century had left
The epic transformations of the
previous half century had left
the city with a host of
previous half century had left
the city with a host of
intractable problems, including
the city with a host of
intractable problems, including
failing schools, a crumbling
intractable problems, including
failing schools, a crumbling
infrastructure, and immense
failing schools, a crumbling
infrastructure, and immense
disparities of income, race, and
infrastructure, and immense
disparities of income, race, and
opportunity.
Disparities of income, race, and
opportunity.
But the city had come back, and
opportunity.
But the city had come back, and
Americans everywhere had begun
But the city had come back, and
Americans everywhere had begun
to recognize the crucial role
Americans everywhere had begun
to recognize the crucial role
urban places had played in the
to recognize the crucial role
urban places had played in the
tapestry of American history,
urban places had played in the
tapestry of American history,
carrying on the experiment New
tapestry of American history,
carrying on the experiment New
York had begun on the banks of
carrying on the experiment New
York had begun on the banks of
the Hudson 400 years before.
ANNA QUINDLEN: The experiment
is: How close can rich and poor
is: How close can rich and poor
live before the fabric
live before the fabric
completely falls apart?
How close can you put ethnic
How close can you put ethnic
groups that don't like one
another much?
Groups that don't like one
another much?
How much can you promise people
another much?
How much can you promise people
about a rich and privileged
How much can you promise people
about a rich and privileged
future and then not really be
about a rich and privileged
future and then not really be
able to deliver before they rise
future and then not really be
able to deliver before they rise
up and say, "Enough"?
Able to deliver before they rise
up and say, "Enough"?
And the answer here, over and
up and say, "Enough"?
And the answer here, over and
over and over again, has been
And the answer here, over and
over and over again, has been
that the fabric becomes
over and over again, has been
that the fabric becomes
tattered.
That the fabric becomes
tattered.
That sometimes the fabric even
tattered.
That sometimes the fabric even
becomes torn, but the fabric
That sometimes the fabric even
becomes torn, but the fabric
survives.
Becomes torn, but the fabric
survives.
SUAREZ: For over a century,
survives.
SUAREZ: For over a century,
people have talked about New
SUAREZ: For over a century,
people have talked about New
York's exceptionalism as if it's
people have talked about New
York's exceptionalism as if it's
a place apart from the American
York's exceptionalism as if it's
a place apart from the American
experience.
A place apart from the American
experience.
I would submit, at the beginning
experience.
I would submit, at the beginning
of the 21st century, that New
I would submit, at the beginning
of the 21st century, that New
York is one of those places that
of the 21st century, that New
York is one of those places that
you can use to understand the
York is one of those places that
you can use to understand the
entire American experience
You can use to understand the
entire American experience
from a string of Indian villages
entire American experience
from a string of Indian villages
out on the tip of the eastern
from a string of Indian villages
out on the tip of the eastern
seaboard to a place where blacks
out on the tip of the eastern
seaboard to a place where blacks
and Dutch and Jewish refugees
seaboard to a place where blacks
and Dutch and Jewish refugees
and people from the four corners
and Dutch and Jewish refugees
and people from the four corners
of the earth came in; to the
and people from the four corners
of the earth came in; to the
America factory that sort of
of the earth came in; to the
America factory that sort of
brushed people off from Ellis
America factory that sort of
brushed people off from Ellis
Island, taught them some
brushed people off from Ellis
Island, taught them some
English, and taught them what
Island, taught them some
English, and taught them what
they needed to know to head out
English, and taught them what
they needed to know to head out
into the rest of America; to a
they needed to know to head out
into the rest of America; to a
place that helps us understand
into the rest of America; to a
place that helps us understand
industrialism,
place that helps us understand
industrialism,
postindustrialism, marketplaces,
industrialism,
postindustrialism, marketplaces,
cultural production.
Postindustrialism, marketplaces,
cultural production.
It's this massive, belching
cultural production.
It's this massive, belching
place sending out ideas.
It's this massive, belching
place sending out ideas.
It's like everything is more
place sending out ideas.
It's like everything is more
intense here.
It's like everything is more
intense here.
The membrane is thinner.
Intense here.
The membrane is thinner.
So when it's hot, you sweat.
The membrane is thinner.
So when it's hot, you sweat.
When it's cold, you shiver.
So when it's hot, you sweat.
When it's cold, you shiver.
But New York lives that life and
When it's cold, you shiver.
But New York lives that life and
explains America both to the
But New York lives that life and
explains America both to the
world and explains America to
explains America both to the
world and explains America to
America in a way that I don't
world and explains America to
America in a way that I don't
think people have ever given it
America in a way that I don't
think people have ever given it
full credit for.
Think people have ever given it
full credit for.
Today, as it becomes this new
full credit for.
Today, as it becomes this new
ingatherer of nations, people
Today, as it becomes this new
ingatherer of nations, people
from Belize and Nigeria and
ingatherer of nations, people
from Belize and Nigeria and
Guyana and Taiwan and Vietnam
from Belize and Nigeria and
Guyana and Taiwan and Vietnam
and Colombia and Venezuela and
Guyana and Taiwan and Vietnam
and Colombia and Venezuela and
the Dominican Republic are
and Colombia and Venezuela and
the Dominican Republic are
making this new thing, this new
the Dominican Republic are
making this new thing, this new
place.
Making this new thing, this new
place.
So we are we New Yorkers are
place.
So we are we New Yorkers are
constantly self-inventing and
So we are we New Yorkers are
constantly self-inventing and
sending ourselves out into the
constantly self-inventing and
sending ourselves out into the
rest of the country like a jolt
sending ourselves out into the
rest of the country like a jolt
of electricity.
Rest of the country like a jolt
of electricity.
America should thank us.
Of electricity.
America should thank us.
You know, take a little pause in
America should thank us.
You know, take a little pause in
the resentment and say, "Thank
You know, take a little pause in
the resentment and say, "Thank
you, New York, because you are
the resentment and say, "Thank
you, New York, because you are
that intensifier of all things
you, New York, because you are
that intensifier of all things
that are American."
that intensifier of all things
that are American."
JACKSON: Americans need New
that are American."
JACKSON: Americans need New
York because New York is one of
JACKSON: Americans need New
York because New York is one of
the few places in the country
York because New York is one of
the few places in the country
that allows difference to be
the few places in the country
that allows difference to be
celebrated, that allows people
that allows difference to be
celebrated, that allows people
to reach their full potential.
Celebrated, that allows people
to reach their full potential.
And that's, in a sense, what
to reach their full potential.
And that's, in a sense, what
drives civilization, what drives
And that's, in a sense, what
drives civilization, what drives
freedom, what moves us forward,
drives civilization, what drives
freedom, what moves us forward,
and is really the hope of the
freedom, what moves us forward,
and is really the hope of the
future.
And is really the hope of the
future.
New York represents the hope of
future.
New York represents the hope of
the future because it's there
New York represents the hope of
the future because it's there
for all of us, whether we never
the future because it's there
for all of us, whether we never
go there, whether we never see
for all of us, whether we never
go there, whether we never see
New York.
Go there, whether we never see
New York.
Whatever small town or small
New York.
Whatever small town or small
city we're from, it's important
Whatever small town or small
city we're from, it's important
that we know that somewhere in
city we're from, it's important
that we know that somewhere in
the country there is a place
that we know that somewhere in
the country there is a place
where we can go no matter what
the country there is a place
where we can go no matter what
we believe, no matter who we
where we can go no matter what
we believe, no matter who we
are, no matter what we want to
we believe, no matter who we
are, no matter what we want to
do.
Are, no matter what we want to
do.
And we can find in that
do.
And we can find in that
place other people like
And we can find in that
place other people like
ourselves and a possibility of
place other people like
ourselves and a possibility of
reaching our full potential.
Ourselves and a possibility of
reaching our full potential.
FRAN LEBOWITZ: I think New
reaching our full potential.
FRAN LEBOWITZ: I think New
York is over in the sense that
FRAN LEBOWITZ: I think New
York is over in the sense that
it's no longer really a city.
I mean, I think at this point
it's kind of the most densely
it's kind of the most densely
populated, noisiest, dirtiest
populated, noisiest, dirtiest
suburban environment in the
suburban environment in the
history of the world.
It's become a kind of theme
It's become a kind of theme
park.
Everything is a replica, you
park.
Everything is a replica, you
know, just by the fact they name
Everything is a replica, you
know, just by the fact they name
streets.
Know, just by the fact they name
streets.
You know, 52nd Street is called
streets.
You know, 52nd Street is called
Swing Street.
You know, 52nd Street is called
Swing Street.
It's like, you know, Disneyland
Swing Street.
It's like, you know, Disneyland
without the parking.
It's like, you know, Disneyland
without the parking.
JACKSON: So many commentators
without the parking.
JACKSON: So many commentators
are fond of saying that New York
JACKSON: So many commentators
are fond of saying that New York
is not like it used to be and
are fond of saying that New York
is not like it used to be and
it's going down.
But, you know, that shows some
unfamiliarity with history,
unfamiliarity with history,
because complaints about New
because complaints about New
York and predictions of its
York and predictions of its
demise have been so common for
demise have been so common for
so long and certainly go back at
so long and certainly go back at
least 100 years and more.
GORDON: I think we're living
GORDON: I think we're living
in one of the glory times.
I think, you know, the saga of
in one of the glory times.
I think, you know, the saga of
New York City is nowhere near
I think, you know, the saga of
New York City is nowhere near
to being over.
New York City is nowhere near
to being over.
The city has had good times and
to being over.
The city has had good times and
bad times and will continue to.
I think it was George M. Cohan
who referred to Broadway as a
who referred to Broadway as a
"fabulous invalid."
"fabulous invalid."
Well, I think New York City is
Well, I think New York City is
also in many ways a fabulous
also in many ways a fabulous
invalid.
DONALD TRUMP: New York City
DONALD TRUMP: New York City
has become so hot that it's
unbelievable.
Has become so hot that it's
unbelievable.
In the early '90s, it was just
unbelievable.
In the early '90s, it was just
the opposite.
In the early '90s, it was just
the opposite.
It was the closest that it's
the opposite.
It was the closest that it's
ever been to 1929 depression.
Today, New York City is hotter
than it ever was in the Roaring
than it ever was in the Roaring
'20s, in the Roaring '80s.
Right now, New York City is the
Right now, New York City is the
hottest it's ever been by far.
BRENDAN GILL: You feel in New
hottest it's ever been by far.
BRENDAN GILL: You feel in New
York City the energy coming up
BRENDAN GILL: You feel in New
York City the energy coming up
out of the sidewalks.
You know that you are in the
midst of something tremendous,
midst of something tremendous,
something
something
And if something tremendous
And if something tremendous
hasn't yet happened, it's just
hasn't yet happened, it's just
about to happen.
About to happen.
SPALDING GRAY: Yeah, it's
SPALDING GRAY: Yeah, it's
always alive.
Always alive.
You can hear it now.
It's maintenance, the sound of
It's maintenance, the sound of
maintenance.
That's it, because it's the
maintenance.
That's it, because it's the
ultimate battle with entropy.
That's it, because it's the
ultimate battle with entropy.
There's no other more
ultimate battle with entropy.
There's no other more
entropic I mean, ( sucking in
There's no other more
entropic I mean, ( sucking in
air) it's all of the
entropic I mean, ( sucking in
air) it's all of the
lights in the World Trade Center
(air) it's all of the
lights in the World Trade Center
that are on at night on low are
lights in the World Trade Center
that are on at night on low are
sucking Indian Point Nuclear
that are on at night on low are
sucking Indian Point Nuclear
Power Station.
Sucking Indian Point Nuclear
Power Station.
It's one big live wire.
Power Station.
It's one big live wire.
REV. DR. CALVIN O. BUTTS III:
It's one big live wire.
REV. DR. CALVIN O. BUTTS III:
Eight million people jammed
REV. DR. CALVIN O. BUTTS III:
Eight million people jammed
together on a very small amount
Eight million people jammed
together on a very small amount
of space.
Together on a very small amount
of space.
People talk about how dirty our
of space.
People talk about how dirty our
city is.
People talk about how dirty our
city is.
It's amazingly clean for the
city is.
It's amazingly clean for the
huge numbers of people coming
It's amazingly clean for the
huge numbers of people coming
from so many different
huge numbers of people coming
from so many different
experiences who live here.
I think that the story ought to
be told that it's amazing that
be told that it's amazing that
New York exists.
New York exists.
And it does, and it goes on from
And it does, and it goes on from
day to day to day.
FRANK PELLEGRINO: When you
FRANK PELLEGRINO: When you
fly into the city at night and
you see the lights in this city
fly into the city at night and
you see the lights in this city
and the way this city lights up
you see the lights in this city
and the way this city lights up
like this crystal palace, it is
and the way this city lights up
like this crystal palace, it is
an unbelievable sight to see
like this crystal palace, it is
an unbelievable sight to see
Manhattan lit up at night from
an unbelievable sight to see
Manhattan lit up at night from
the sky.
And so not only are you in awe
of the lights and the beauty of
of the lights and the beauty of
it, but being from New York,
it, but being from New York,
being a New Yorker, when you
being a New Yorker, when you
come back into that, it's
come back into that, it's
( sighs) "I'm home."
[Captioned by
[Captioned by
The Caption Center
WGBH Educational Foundation]