on february 28, 1934, moses announced a plan for an upgraded beach at pelham bay, which had been inspired by the design of jones beach on long island. the beach would be reconstructed through the works progress administration (wpa) under the 1930s new deal program, along with another project to construct the nearby pelham bay golf course. moses canceled 625 camping leases in march 1934 so the beach could be built on the land. most of the campers were connected to the tammany hall political structure that had ruled the city at one point. campers protested to the mayor, but to no avail. campers subsequently filed a lawsuit against the city, which concerned moses's right to cancel the leases. the courts ruled in favor of the city in may 1934, and the site was cleared of campers in june.