© 2024 Connecticut Public

FCC Public Inspection Files:
WEDH · WEDN · WEDW · WEDY · WNPR
WPKT · WRLI-FM · WEDW-FM · Public Files Contact
ATSC 3.0 FAQ
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Housing issues affect everyone in Connecticut, from those who are searching for a safe place to live, to those who may find it increasingly difficult to afford a place they already call home.WNPR is covering Connecticut's housing and homelessness issues in a series that examines how residents are handling the challenges they face. We look at the trends that matter most right now, and tell stories that help bring the issues to light.

History Repeating Itself? New Haven Neighbors Fight To Keep Their Homes

http://cptv.vo.llnwd.net/o2/ypmwebcontent/Chion/do%20130611%20The%20Hill.mp3

Back in the early 2000s, a group of mostly low-income African- American families took the city of New Haven to court. They were fighting to stay in their homes which were slated for demolition in order to build a new school complex. A documentary film airing tonight on CPTV tells their story.

"My house is paid for. I’ll never have to pay another mortgage no more in life. It's not much, but its mine."

“The Hill”, directed by Lisa Molomot, takes a look at the tangled web of issues that surround urban planning, gentrification and economic renewal. The film centers on families who lived on the streets just adjacent to Yale-New Haven Hospital, and their struggle to keep their homes.

"I think of it as a story of history repeating itself."

Connecticut filmmaker Lisa Molomot.

"And I think of it as a story of fighting City Hall. And I think of it as a story about real people who live in New Haven."

The city was already known as a poster child for urban renewal. In the 1960's, New Haven demolished block after block in the Oak Street neighborhood to make way for office complexes, housing projects, a mall, and a highway connector.

"And basically the same thing has happened again with this story and I think has happened again and again and again in New Haven and across the country."

In Molmot’s film, education and city officials say this eminent domain project offers a chance to improve the lives of young children by building a school.  

"Who can argue with building a new school for children? Like it seems impossible, right? But that’s sort of what this film is about."

“The Hill” airs tonight at 10:00 on CPTV. 

For WNPR, I’m Diane Orson. 

Tags

Stand up for civility

This news story is funded in large part by Connecticut Public’s Members — listeners, viewers, and readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information.

We hope their support inspires you to donate so that we can continue telling stories that inform, educate, and inspire you and your neighbors. As a community-supported public media service, Connecticut Public has relied on donor support for more than 50 years.

Your donation today will allow us to continue this work on your behalf. Give today at any amount and join the 50,000 members who are building a better—and more civil—Connecticut to live, work, and play.

Related Content