Ironically, J. Robert Oppenheimer, the figure best associated with the Manhattan Project, was almost kicked off after attending left-wing Communist meetings in the 1930s.

Crews work at a floodwall being built in Project Area 1 of the ESCR project (left). Floodwall and natural plantings take shape near Stuyvesant Cove Park (right). Photos Courtesy of NYC DDC/Mathew ...