Redeveloping or preserving public housing : the future of Columbia Point

Abstract

Columbia Point, Boston's largest and most stigmatized public housing project, has been a focal point for public and private. investment strategies to create a new mixed-income residential community. Columbia Point provided attractive housing for 1,500 families or close to 6,000 people for more than 15 years. Presently, only 350 households remain. Problems in management, maintenance and lack of concern for low-income housing led to the rapid deterioration of the project in the 1960s. More than a dozen redevelopment plans have been proposed which have spanned four periods of active initiatives by the major actors. This thesis examines the history of the planning process and the rationale for the proposed redevelopment plan. The implication of redevelopment on the low-income population as related to four main issues is addressed: private redevelopment, mixed-income housing, demolition and disposition of public housing, and the proposed physical design. The study concludes that the events surrounding Columbia Point and the evidence presented in the plans do not justify the recent proposals for demolition or disposition, nor is private redevelopment an appropriate solution to the problem. Significant losses will be sustained by the low-income population if the present plan is implemented. Moreover, mixed-income housing is overstated as a desirable goal and is fraught with serious problems. Recommendations are made to the Boston Housing Authority to insure that necessary measures are taken so that the low-income population will benefit from the revitalization of Columbia Point.