Atlanta razes last public housing - Thursday news round up

Chicago's LeClaire Courts

Atlanta has finally demolished the last of its public housing, according to reports by College News and the Associated Press. Although the AP article is a little more complete, take a look at the CN one. It struck me how similar Atlanta's Bowen homes looks like LeClaire Courts. Don't you think? Although it always strikes me how much the Cabrini reds look like my college dorm.

AP also talks about how Atlanta's public housing makeover was closely tied to the '96 Olympics.

One of the former Cabrini reds. Photo by Ryan Flynn.

Homes not priced to sell to low-income - According to a new study by the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, Chicago's "affordable" homes aren't really very affordable for most low-income people.

More Illinois children living in poverty and financially unstable homes - 2009 Kids Count report says things aren't so good for kids in Illinois. Percentage of kids living in poverty increased 13 percent from 2000 to 2007.

Upbeat housing news - AP says home prices and other housing stats are stabilizing a little, signs of good things for the economy.

HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan's inspiration - UChicago's press blog talks about a recent conversation between the current HUD Secretary and former secretary Henry Cisneros. However, it confuses me a little. Does this sound like an unscripted conversation to you? Donovan starts off by saying "As I embark on my own path as HUD Secretary...". Who speaks that way, other than in prepared remarks? Maybe loosen your tie a little, Secretary.