I think today’s class is more interesting than last class. We started by reflecting on the interview with the CUNY Chancellor to what kinds of jobs and stuff that satisfy what we need, and I’m looking forward to discussing more about that in future classes. In our discussion, I can really see the problem of housing is really intertwined. I guess that is why it is hard for real estate to build more buildings. We often view the issues that caused the problem to be singled out, one is more important than others, but most of the problems are connected together. Using the housing problem as an example, people might see zoning as the main issue since there are tons of rules and regulations for building something. And some see the problem as the cost of construction (which I do), since building something costs a lot of money, and in today’s economy it might not be easy to get the money. And others see it as NIMBY, since the location of the building is also important. But I think all of them are tied up together, as many New Yorkers view time as money which means the time they spend to look for a place to build, apply for building, and time to get the money in, all are part of the cost of construction as well. And not all neighborhoods agree to build new buildings.

The interview with Mr. Rubin is really interesting! His journey that led him to where he is currently really opened my eyes. And his journey and all other interviewees tell us that what we studied for in college doesn’t actually lock us in for our whole life, and doing what we like is really important, if we don’t like what we are doing now, we can and should give up and try something new and looks interesting to you. And I found the part where NYCHA let private sector companies bid for fixing and maintaining a public housing apartment is really interesting! I’m intrigued to know more about how those companies who got the bid make money then fixing and maintaining the apartment. And I think the most fascinating thing is that there are construction companies (or are they also part of the private sector company, i don’t remember what he said exactly) that will help tenants to renovate their entire apartment by knocking it down, and build them a new one!! I think this should be loved by many people, especially those who live in public houses. As Mr. Rubin said before these public buildings were more than 50 years old, they were hazardous buildings, specifically ones which weren’t well maintained. Having a new building for them to live in would be safer for anyone.