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Editorial
September 8, 1960
Twin City Observer
Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Hennepin County, Ramsey County, Minnesota
What is this article about?
The editorial highlights the irony in St. Paul residents' and City Council's opposition to public housing projects in their neighborhoods, despite general support for such initiatives, using the analogy of public transportation and noting the heartless impact on the poor.
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OCR Quality
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Full Text
IT DIDN'T REQUIRE A radio and television program of that title to demonstrate that "People Are Funny."
All of us see that every day as we go about our daily jobs
But what brought the thought to mind at this particular time was the trouble the good people in St. Paul are having on where to locate public housing projects.
Now most people in general, are in favor of public housing of some nature, particularly when it fills an obvious need, which it usually does.
But nobody — and we repeat but nobody - seems to want public housing in his neighborhood. For example, the St. Paul City Council, obviously bowing to the voice of the voters, rejected still another public housing site proposed by the St. Paul Housing and Redevelopment Authority.
This one was on St. Paul's West Side, in the vicinity of Arundel and Larpenteur. Earlier. the council had turned down nine other sites on the West Side, which had been recommended by the Authority.
As a matter of fact, out of 20 sites recommended, only one has been approved up to now -- and that was for an addition of 42 units at the already existing McDonough homes at Jackson and Arlington.
Now, all the residents who object to a public housing project in THEIR neighborhood feel they have sound and valid reasons for these objections.
But if every residential section in the city objects to public housing in that particular locality, where is there going to be any public housing at all - even though almost everyone says he favors it as a general principle?
It's something like public transportation. Everyone wants bus service nearby - but "not on MY street!"
Unfortunately, the fact that "People Are Funny" doesn't have many humorous aspects to the people who need the benefits of public housing, and who are deemed unwelcome as neighbors because many of them are poor. To them, it might mean that "People Are Heartless."
All of us see that every day as we go about our daily jobs
But what brought the thought to mind at this particular time was the trouble the good people in St. Paul are having on where to locate public housing projects.
Now most people in general, are in favor of public housing of some nature, particularly when it fills an obvious need, which it usually does.
But nobody — and we repeat but nobody - seems to want public housing in his neighborhood. For example, the St. Paul City Council, obviously bowing to the voice of the voters, rejected still another public housing site proposed by the St. Paul Housing and Redevelopment Authority.
This one was on St. Paul's West Side, in the vicinity of Arundel and Larpenteur. Earlier. the council had turned down nine other sites on the West Side, which had been recommended by the Authority.
As a matter of fact, out of 20 sites recommended, only one has been approved up to now -- and that was for an addition of 42 units at the already existing McDonough homes at Jackson and Arlington.
Now, all the residents who object to a public housing project in THEIR neighborhood feel they have sound and valid reasons for these objections.
But if every residential section in the city objects to public housing in that particular locality, where is there going to be any public housing at all - even though almost everyone says he favors it as a general principle?
It's something like public transportation. Everyone wants bus service nearby - but "not on MY street!"
Unfortunately, the fact that "People Are Funny" doesn't have many humorous aspects to the people who need the benefits of public housing, and who are deemed unwelcome as neighbors because many of them are poor. To them, it might mean that "People Are Heartless."
What sub-type of article is it?
Social Reform
What keywords are associated?
Public Housing
St. Paul
Neighborhood Opposition
Housing Authority
City Council
Hypocrisy
Low Income Residents
What entities or persons were involved?
St. Paul City Council
St. Paul Housing And Redevelopment Authority
St. Paul Residents
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Opposition To Public Housing Sites In St. Paul Neighborhoods
Stance / Tone
Ironic Commentary On Public Hypocrisy
Key Figures
St. Paul City Council
St. Paul Housing And Redevelopment Authority
St. Paul Residents
Key Arguments
Most People Favor Public Housing In Principle But Oppose It In Their Own Neighborhoods
City Council Rejected Multiple Proposed Sites, Approving Only One Addition To Existing Mcdonough Homes
Out Of 20 Recommended Sites, Only One Approved Despite Obvious Need
Residents Have Valid Reasons For Objections But Collective Resistance Prevents Any Housing
Analogy To Public Transportation: Desired Generally But Not Locally
Situation Is Heartless To Poor People Needing Housing