Empire City: The Untold Origin Story of the NYPD
Episode: Code Switch: What Happens When Public Housing Goes Private?
Release Date: December 16, 2024
Hosted by Wondery | Crooked Media
Introduction
In this compelling episode of Empire City: The Untold Origin Story of the NYPD, listeners are invited to explore the intricacies of public housing in New York City and the controversial move towards privatization. Hosted by the collaborative efforts of Wondery and Crooked Media, the episode delves deep into the socio-economic and racial dynamics that underpin one of America's largest public housing systems.
Background: The Legacy of Public Housing in NYC
Gene Demby, the host from NPR’s Code Switch, sets the stage by highlighting the historical context of public housing in New York City. Originating in the early 20th century, public housing was envisioned as a solution to the overcrowded and dilapidated tenements that plagued urban areas. The United States Housing Authority (USHA) in the 1930s proclaimed:
"10 million American families, 2/3 of the human resources of American democracy are today living in slums, housed in very bad condition and infested with rats, roaches."
[00:01:31]
New York City's ambitious public housing projects became models replicated nationwide. However, decades of underfunding and neglect transformed these once-promising developments into hotspots of crime, drugs, and concentrated poverty.
The Shift Towards Privatization
Fonta Kaba, a resident of the NYCHA (New York City Housing Authority) complex in Mott Haven, Bronx, emerges as a pivotal voice in this narrative. At 17, Fonta has been actively reporting on the privatization efforts impacting her community.
Fonta Kaba:
"This is really all about money and the fact that public housing doesn't really have much of it anymore."
[04:44]
New York City, grappling with exorbitant real estate prices and limited space, has begun partnering with private developers to manage public housing projects. This shift is driven by NYCHA's $78 billion repair bill, a figure that starkly contrasts with the city's total budget of $107 billion the previous year.
Fonta Kaba:
"NYCHA can't take on debt, but these private companies can, and they can take out big loans and use that money to make renovations."
[14:49]
This partnership introduces private landlords with profit motives into a system traditionally focused on affordability and community stability.
Resident Perspectives and Personal Stories
Fonta's personal journey underscores the human impact of these policy shifts. Growing up in overcrowded and unstable housing conditions, her family's relocation to public housing in the Bronx was a bid for stability and community. Despite initial feelings of embarrassment during her youth, Fonta now recognizes the value that public housing has provided her family.
Fonta Kaba:
"NYCHA, specifically, like, my haven has meant, like, just stability for me. And also community."
[12:39]
However, the deteriorating conditions within NYCHA buildings—characterized by leaks, mold, and pest infestations—have eroded this sense of security. With rent consuming up to 30% of residents' incomes, the quality of life has significantly declined.
Sanji Lopez, a resident of Botanza Houses in the Bronx, initially supported the privatization effort, hoping for much-needed renovations. Her experience, however, revealed the shortcomings of the private management approach.
Sanji Lopez:
"The paint started chipping in like a matter of days. Mold also accruing even more than it did with NYCHA."
[18:53]
Human Rights Watch’s report further amplifies residents' fears, highlighting an increase in eviction rates post-privatization and the looming threat of demolition without adequate housing alternatives.
Brenda Temple:
"If you don't have any money, they're gonna put it on the tenants. So I say stick with Section 9."
[20:50]
The Privatization Options: Section 8, Section 9, and the Public Housing Preservation Trust
The episode breaks down the three primary options facing NYCHA residents:
- Section 9 Privatization: Direct transfer of public housing units to private developers who manage them for profits.
- Section 8 Housing Vouchers: Subsidies that allow low-income residents to rent privately, indirectly benefiting landlords.
- Public Housing Preservation Trust (PHPT): A new initiative allowing NYCHA to assume private debt to fund repairs while maintaining public ownership.
James Rodriguez, a professor at the City University of New York and former public housing resident, critiques the conversion of public housing units to private management structures.
James Rodriguez:
"They’ve already converted nearly 40,000 public housing units into this private property manager structure."
[16:24]
The PHPT aims to harness up to $10 billion in private debt to address repairs, but this approach raises alarms about the potential loss of affordable housing and increased vulnerability of residents to eviction.
James Rodriguez:
"The legislation offers no protection for using the housing as collateral in the event of a default."
[27:33]
The Democratic Dilemma: Resident Voting and Consent
In a significant development, NYCHA introduced a voting mechanism allowing residents to choose between remaining in traditional public housing, privatization, or the new trust option. Fonta Kaba attended informational meetings at Nostrand Houses in Brooklyn to gauge resident sentiments.
However, the voting process revealed deep mistrust and misinformation. Many residents felt uninformed or skeptical about the true intentions behind privatization efforts.
Fonta Kaba:
"But to be honest, that's the reality. For people in public housing, the status quo means things in their house stay broken and repairs don't get made."
[33:13]
With only 20% voter turnout required for binding decisions, there's significant concern that the majority who oppose privatization might remain unheard, potentially perpetuating the cycle of neglect.
Resident Voice:
"You can't stay this way."
[25:10]
Outcome and Future Implications
The vote at Nostrand Houses saw the PHPT option win by nearly 60%, initiating a transfer process expected to take up to two years before tangible repairs and management changes commence. Nevertheless, the long-term effects of this experiment remain uncertain, with fears of increased evictions and further erosion of affordable housing options.
James Rodriguez:
"The fate of the city, what the future of New York City looks like. A lot of that question is going to hang in the balance of how public housing is able to continue or not continue."
[35:23]
As Fonta Kaba aptly summarizes, the essence of public housing—as a sanctuary for low-income families—is at a crossroads, balancing between necessary repairs and the preservation of affordable, community-centric living spaces.
Fonta Kaba:
"I feel like there's no choice. Why do I have to pick one over the other?"
[36:08]
Conclusion
Code Switch presents a nuanced exploration of New York City's public housing dilemma, weaving personal narratives with policy analysis to highlight the profound implications of privatization. As the city navigates this complex landscape, the voices of residents like Fonta Kaba and experts like James Rodriguez underscore the urgent need for sustainable, inclusive solutions that honor the foundational principles of public housing.
Notable Quotes:
-
Gene Demby:
"It's just a combination of all the things I love doing. Like, I love to talk to people, I love to write, and I feel like journalism is just like a combination of those things."
[06:02] -
Fonta Kaba:
"All of these residents are paying rent that amounts to 30% of their income to live in conditions that no one should have to live in."
[14:19] -
James Rodriguez:
"We have to, I think, be cautious of even just the narrative that public housing is falling apart."
[22:37]
Attribution:
This summary is based on the episode transcript of Code Switch: What Happens When Public Housing Goes Private? from Empire City: The Untold Origin Story of the NYPD, released on December 16, 2024.