Building Affordable Housing In Affluent Communities

Ethel Lawrence Homes is a case study in the challenged involved in building afforable housing for poor people in an affluent community.

1 minute read

November 5, 2004, 1:00 PM PST

By Chris Steins @planetizen

"After a bruising legal fight, an affluent New Jersey town has housing for the poor. But it's still a struggle to keep doors of acceptance open...

Nestled in the heart of Mount Laurel, near Philadelphia, the Ethel Lawrence Homes are one of the few places in America where affordable housing has been built specifically for poor people ... in an affluent community.

It took three decades of litigation, legislation and financial wizardry to construct these apartments, and the last tenants moved in this year. But the conflict continues. Some longtime residents remain angry, and activists voice frustration that more apartments haven't been built elsewhere."

Thanks to Chris Steins

Read the full story: Home Is Where the Hurt Was

Friday, November 5, 2004 in The Los Angeles Times

Housing New Jersey

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