Do you have a source for the claim that it was intentionally to keep rents high? That's contrary to the goals of most city planners, and would require corrupt influences.
While it's not impossible, it is a conspiracy theory, and requires evidence.
While it's not impossible, it is a conspiracy theory, and requires evidence.
Odd claim given the outcome of their policies.
Today, maybe. The game was quite different 100+ years ago. We are talking about a pre-FDR, robber-baron era.