“Our goal is a slumless city — the first in the nation….”
Richard Lee's Vision of Urban Renewal
Richard Lee was born in New Haven in 1916. He graduated from Hillhouse High School, and went to work for the Yale University News Service, while serving as an alderman for Newhallville. After two unsuccessful attempts, he won election as mayor in 1953. Though Lee’s programs and policies were controversial, few question his political skill. Lee used masterful political tact to achieve an extraordinary amount of change during his eight terms of service to the city. In this archival recording, Lee describes his vision of urban renewal.
To find out more, visit The Life in the Model City Online Exhibit.