Auburn's Urban Renewal

Urban Renewal was a federal policy in the United States meant to address urban decay in cities by demolishing 19th century buildings and clearing out areas considered "slums."  Auburn, NY, was prosperous in the 19th century but by the 1960s, the city suffered severe traffic congestion and many empty, derelict buildings in the downtown business district.  City leaders decided to follow Urban Renewal trends and knock down dozens of buildings in downtown Auburn.  Loop Road and the Arterial road were built while historic city blocks were razed.