Jane Jacobs vs. Robert Moses

[Morgan Carter]

Robert Moses and Jane Jacobs both had visions when it came to the concept of Urban Planning for New York City. The two had different views and ideas as to how New York City should be constructed. Moses was behind the concept of expressways, which displaced many people during the time of him being the city’s “Master Builder”.  He envisioned that New York would be a city that was built for driving. With the idea of expressways, this created revenue from the tolls. Although the tolls brought in revenue, some of his ideas had a negative effect. Some of his projects displace many people around the state. Moses wanting there to be easiness for automobiles ruined South Bronx and Coney Island. It also caused departure if the Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Giants.

Jane Jacobs was a journalist/activist who was more on the sides of creating a city based off community.  She was a huge advocate when it came to creating streets. She thought that streets were safer and more vibrant when people are on them.  Jacobs hated cars. She did not Moses idea of creating express ways and highways, because it would create more highway mileage.  Jane Jacobs wanted to embrace the chaos that came along with urban living. She pushed high level density, short blocks, mingle buildings, and diverse neighborhoods.

When looking at these two people who had totally different vision for the city, it can be seen that there was no common ground.  Moses was a powerful force within construction and politics, while Jacobs was more looked at a mother figure and journalist. With both of them having different roles, the levels of respect among people were different. More people supported Moses due to his experience and accolades. Since Jacobs was known as being a journalist, and did not have a lot of experience in Urban Planning as Moses did, she did not have as much respect.

Personally, I tend to side more with Jane Jacobs. I love being around people, and having conversation with them.  In big cities like New York or Los Angles, many people are on the go. There is no time for conversation and meeting new people. Jacobs wanted to create community in the state of New York. When there are a lot of highways, huge buildings and more cars it can take away from people interacting with others. Jane Jacobs wanted people to live the simple life not in the fast lane.    

http://www.fastcodesign.com/3029308/slicker-city/robert-moses-vs-ja...

[Angelica Cortes]

Jane Jacobs and Robert Moses both had a unique aspect of city planning . Moses planned a city with highways cities connecting making it faster to arrive driving vehicles. He found ways to build efficiently and effectively by saving money and building material . High cost of building material and be costly if one wants their house to be the most beautiful and unique. Therefore ,having a repetition of housing building could mean getting projects done and more people can move in quickly. However, many lower class suffered being homeless do to their apartment complex being destroyed in slum areas in New York. 

Jane Jacobs disliked the idea of moving in cars , there was no need of vehicles if everything one may need is located near by walking distance. I will prefer a Jacob Moses approach,there ideas of community and efficiency is ideal for living in a city . Business,families and single individuals will  benefit in living how Jacob and Moses plan making their lives easier and organic.