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Back to Which Way, L.A.?

Which Way, L.A.?

Can Public Housing Be Privatized?

Jordan Downs in LA's Watts district was begun as a shelter for factory workers during World War II. It was turned into public housing in the 1950's. After the Watts riots of 1965, it became known for gang violence and other forms of crime.

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By Warren Olney • May 12, 2014 • 1 min read

Jordan Downs in LA's Watts district was begun as a shelter for factory workers during World War II. It was turned into public housing in the 1950's. After the Watts riots of 1965, it became known for gang violence and other forms of crime. Generations of families have been living there since, and they report that conditions aren't as bad as they used to be. Now HACLA, the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles, has authorized private developers to plan the tearing down of all 700 units, to be replaced with 1800 new homes they call an "urban village."

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    Warren Olney

    former KCRW broadcaster

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    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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    Saul Gonzalez

    Reporter

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    Doretha Perkins

    Motivated Mothers of Jordan Downs

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    Douglas Guthrie

    Los Angeles Public Housing Authority

    News
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