Two-tier urbanism can be traced back two centuries ago.

As cities grew during the industrialization era, urban areas became more populated. However, with the use of steam powered trains and electric trolley, cities became more accessible from farther locations. Thus the suburbs were created for the middle class who could afford a more suitable living space. The lower class, on the other hand were stuck in the dangerously crowded cities. The influx of foreign immigrants brought about another divide within the cities between race and culture. Although New York became the most diverse city in the nation, it had divisions between neighborhoods with residents who were of the same class, culture, and race clustering together.

However, it seems that the federal government is the cause behind this two-tier system. The property owners wished to make their building space more profitable and so they created smaller and smaller living spaces for their tenants, creating a more congested city. Inadequate regulation of housing laws resulted in hazardous and unhealthy tenements. On the other hand, the Federal Housing Authority made low interest construction loans for veterans and other individuals who seemed capable of repaying their debt. The middle class was encouraged to move outside the cities and create safe and clean suburban neighborhoods. Consequently, this migration of the middle class meant the loss of the cities’ tax base so the government was incapable of providing much service to the large population of the working class.

Discussion Question: How do we appropriately destroy the division of the two-tier urbanism that became the foundation of New York?