In discussing the general housing problem in the monograph "Housing Conditions in the New York Region," which was prepared by Thomas Adams in collaboration with Wayne D. Heydecker, the authors state:

The housing problem may be divided into two parts, one part being that which relates to securing proper conditions of land development, control of surroundings and distribution of residential growth; and the other, that of securing more and better houses. The latter is usually and mistakenly considered as the whole problem. It involves questions of construction, sanitation and internal arrangement of dwellings, and questions of building finance in relation to economic return. In the solution of this part of the problem cities require good building ordinances and consideration of methods of financing the building of homes for various groups of the population. The first part of the problem is, however, of primary importance, in the sense that it deals with basic conditions. It involves the control of land subdivision and of densities and surroundings of residential areas by means of city plans, zoning ordinances and public acquisition of open areas for small parks and playgrounds.....1