While I do not think my old public housing, not in the US though, looked great, it definately wasn't the helpless mess you describe even by a long shot. I think

While I do not think my old public housing, not in the US though, looked great, it definately wasn't the helpless mess you describe even by a long shot. I think this is a different problem than you describe. Poor maintenance only results if profit is the motive and no penalties are applied.