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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

    • KCRW placeholder

      Doretha Perkins

      Motivated Mothers of Jordan Downs

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      Douglas Guthrie

      Los Angeles Public Housing Authority

      News
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