POLL: Should Robert Moses Statue Be Taken Down?

BABYLON, NY — A statue of Robert Moses, the city planner who oversaw the building of much of Long Island's network of parkways, public parks and beaches, was erected by Argyle Lake in Babylon Village, where Moses had a summer house. But now, a group of protesters is calling for the statue's removal, citing systemic racism and segregationist policies in Moses' planning.

The statue was installed in 2003 with funds from Suffolk County given to the Babylon Village Public Arts Commission.

Vanessa Cardino is a Babylon Village resident who organized a protest Saturday calling for the statue's removal. About 100 people gathered by the statue on the Montauk Highway.

"We want people to know the true history of Robert Moses, which cannot be done justly by commemorating him and his actions," Cardino told Gothamist. "The removal of the statue will be the first step of many to make Babylon welcoming and inclusive of all people."

Cardino started an online petition, which as of Monday garnered 13,000 signatures.

"Robert Moses has left behind a long legacy of prejudice and gentrification, specifically targeting the Black and Jewish communities," the petition states. "Through his role in building infrastructure throughout Long Island, he supported tactics leading to housing segregation so Long Island neighborhoods were predominantly inhabited by White Christian folks. Yet, many still praise him for his work, calling him a 'true visionary.'"

A counter-petition was started by Diane Mahoney, another Babylon Village resident, calling for the statue to be saved because Moses was "one of the greatest builders/engineers" in state history.

Protesters said they planned to "flood" city officials with phone calls and emails demanding the statue's removal.

What do you think? Should the statue be taken down or stay? Tell us why you voted yes or no in the comments.