Rehabilitating Robert Moses

Hizzoner is working to rehabilitate the memory of Robert Moses by pushing the issue of eminent domain to the forefront:

In recent weeks, Mr. Bloomberg has traveled to Washington to meet with members of Congress on the issue. He also convened a group of 100 Manhattan-based political donors for a lunch at which he handed out a wallet card of priorities, including “Eminent Domain — Oppose legislation that would cripple affordable housing and responsible re-development (like Times Square).”

Yesterday, he brought the campaign to an event in the Times Square neighborhood, which he argues couldn’t have been cleaned up without eminent domain power — a portrayal challenged by some critics.

“Times Square really was the poster child for a seedy, dangerous, unattractive, porno-laced place,” the mayor said after announcing a renovation of Duffy Square at 47th Street. “Because of eminent domain and some forward-looking people in this city, they turned it into a place where 24 hours a day you’re safe on the street.”

. . .

Those who oppose the use of eminent domain for private development — as opposed to long-standing government uses — challenged the mayor’s portrayal of history. They said private property seizures were not the driving force behind the cleanup of Times Square and that the landmark site would have turned around without it. A civil rights attorney, Norman Siegel, said new zoning laws and market forces were both crucial to the revitalization.

“When people like the mayor engage in this kind of advocacy, it doesn’t represent the reality,” he said. “Times Square could have been completed without the use of eminent domain.”

Of course Mayors and City Councils want the tool of eminent domain at their disposal. That still doesn’t mean it’s right . . .