Franklin D. Roosevelt and Robert Moses, New York City’s “Master Builder,” had a long-standing, contentious relationship. While no direct comparison exists in the provided text, their feud and contrasting visions for urban development reveal a deep-seated animosity. This article explores their conflict over the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel, highlighting how Roosevelt’s decision favored a tunnel over Moses’s proposed bridge, a move that underscored their opposing priorities and ultimately undermined Moses’s power.
Roosevelt and Moses: A Clash of Visions
The rivalry between President Roosevelt and Robert Moses dated back to 1924, stemming from disagreements over parkway funding. Their conflict reignited in the 1940s with the proposal to connect Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan. Moses championed a grand bridge, aligning with his reputation for monumental projects like the Triborough Bridge and Jones Beach. However, Roosevelt, along with community groups and political figures, favored a tunnel, citing potential security risks associated with a bridge in the event of an attack.
President Roosevelt at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel. Photo courtesy of Getty Images. The groundbreaking ceremony for the tunnel, captured in the image above, symbolized Roosevelt’s triumph over Moses.
The Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel Decision: A Turning Point
The decision to build the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel wasn’t solely based on security concerns. Widespread opposition to Moses’s bridge plan arose from various stakeholders, including historic preservationists concerned about the bridge’s impact on the New York City skyline and community groups worried about displacement.
The New York Aquarium, which would have been demolished for Moses’s bridge project. Image courtesy of the Museum of the City of New York. The potential destruction of the New York Aquarium, pictured above, further galvanized opposition to the bridge. Secretary of War Harry Woodring’s intervention, citing the bridge’s proximity to the Brooklyn Navy Yard, ultimately sealed its fate.
The Demise of Little Syria
The tunnel’s construction had significant consequences for Little Syria, a vibrant immigrant community in Lower Manhattan. To accommodate the tunnel’s entrance ramps, the neighborhood was demolished, displacing residents and businesses.
St. George’s Syrian Catholic Church, a surviving remnant of Little Syria. Image courtesy of the New York Public Library. St. George’s Syrian Catholic Church, depicted in the architectural drawing above, remains as one of the few surviving structures from this lost neighborhood.
Conclusion
While Roosevelt didn’t explicitly compare Moses to anyone in the provided text, his actions speak volumes. By prioritizing community concerns and national security over Moses’s ambitious vision, Roosevelt effectively curtailed the “Master Builder’s” influence and reshaped the urban landscape of New York City. The Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel stands as a testament to this power struggle and its lasting impact on the city.
