“Whether in the complexes built by labor unions, radical fellowships or the city’s Housing Authority, New York – uniquely among American cities – has for more than 80 years insisted upon culture as a part of the social compact, something as essential to the working class as affordable rent and medical care. Such ventures have proved essential to New York’s prominence as a cultural capital, while remaining oddly invisible – because few New Yorkers realize the vast extent of union developments or recognize that public housing here defies the stereotype of fetid, crime-ridden projects.” – New York Times 09/03/00