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Back to Which Way, L.A.?

Which Way, L.A.?

Remaking Watts' Infamous Jordan Downs Housing Project

Developers have plans to tear down 700 units of public housing, to upgrade Watts without displacement of the low-income people that comes with gentrification.

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By Warren Olney • Jul 13, 2012 • 51m Listen

The Housing Authority of the City of LA has big plans for Jordan Downs, 700 units of public housing in the heart of Watts where some families have lived for generations. Private developers have now begun plans to tear it all down to make way for a much larger "urban village," including subsidized homes and houses to be sold at fair-market value. The idea is to upgrade the neighborhood without the displacement of low-income people that comes with gentrification. Will all the current residents be allowed to move back in? Where will they go in the meantime? Can private operators protect the public interest while they're making a profit? On our rebroadcast of today's To the Point, long-term unemployment and the "American Dream."

  • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

    Warren Olney

    former KCRW broadcaster

  • KCRW placeholder

    Christian Bordal

    Managing Producer, Greater LA

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    Anna Scott

    Former KCRW Housing and Homelessness Reporter

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    Frances Anderton

    architecture critic and author

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