The Middle Ground: Robert Moses and the Politics of Progress

From the perspective of City officials, LOMEX offered funding through the Federal Highway Act that would build infrastructure, create jobs, and potentially shape a Mayor’s legacy. Building large scale projects in densely populated New York City required space that could only be created by eliminating neighborhoods and removing their residents. This “slum clearance” was the preferred method of dealing with urban areas deemed blighted by City planners.

In the early stages of the project, elected officials aligned with Moses, but as opposition from affected communities increased, the officials took a different path and eventually de-mapped the expressway.

Selected documents below chronicle City Hall perspectives and decisions.

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1942

Under Mayor LaGuardia, post-war works programs emerge.

1957

Harry R. Betters, Executive Director of the United States Conference of Mayors describes the funds apportioned for national highway programs.

1960

Mayor Wagner designates Robert Moses as the NYC representative in negotiating planning and execution of Federal and State assisted highway projects within the City.

1962

Representative John V. Lindsay voices concerns on LOMEX.

1966

In his role as Mayor of the City of New York, Lindsay terminates Moses' authority as a representative in City matters relating to arterial highways.

The timeline below details the history of the Federal Highway Act and includes the construction costs of LOMEX.