Author: Syeda Kamal (page 1 of 1)

Congestion in NYC is a major problem. While some people say that it is expected and inevitable in a city as dense as NY, it may be due to bad policy. Currently, there are tolled and un-tolled bridges in NY. The bridges that are not tolled are a tragedy of the commons- because it is free, people use it as much as they want without thinking of how others may be affected. In order to avoid the tolled bridges, most drivers try to take un-tolled bridges causing serious congestion, especially during work hours. Also, cars that are simply passing through NY and do not necessarily need to use the bridges often use them because they’re free way of passage.

The Move NY program proposes a solution. It supports a recalculation and a reduction of the heavy tolls on some of NY’s bridges, including the Throgs Neck, Whitestone, and Triborough bridges. To supplement the lessened tolls, it places tolls on the currently un-tolled bridges, including the Williamsburg, and Queensborough Bridge. This, the program suggests, would cause people to lessen their extensive use of the free bridges, and thus lessen congestion.

While this plan is perhaps currently the most practical solution for city’s congestion, it is important to consider the possible consequence: if tolls are placed on bridges that are not currently tolled, many drivers would find it economically feasible to take the subway to enter the city. We then must consider whether our subways, which are already crowded and often delayed, are capable of dealing with additional traffic. While theoretically the MoveNY plan makes sense, the possible burden it would put on our subway system must be considered before it could be implemented.

-Syeda Kamal

I think Robert Caro’s overall assessment may be a bit lacking. What Robert Moses did for New York as far as infrastructure is concerned is in part commendable. He shaped the city and literally made  New York the well-loved city it is today.

However, Caro is undeniably right in that we cannot simply remember Moses as an ideal man. Moses manipulated and threatened people, and paid millions to get his way. He said he wasn’t a politician, but certainly played politics. He never forgave anyone who tried to cross him. Most importantly, in order to create his empire he took down homes of more than 250,000 people- which unsurprisingly were homes of minority groups. He tore apart neighborhood and, by effect, ruined lives of generations. When he did build housing for poor and underprivileged communities, he made bleak and cheap buildings. While Robert Moses did wonders for NY’s infrastructure, he does not deserve is to be remembered an ideal man because he wasn’t one. While his creation is a marvel, the actions he took to get there cannot be dismissed and their effects cannot be minimized.