The planned demolition of Newark?s crime-plagued Brick Towers has some residents worried about the loss of affordable housing.

The city plans to build three new buildings with restaurants, residential space and retail stores. Officials say anyone who can afford the new rent is welcome to apply. Some Newark residents say the city is trying to drive them out of the area as it is redeveloped.Housing officials argue the towers, which were built in the late 1960s, have turned in to a haven for illicit activities. They say the demolition is long overdue. The most recent tenants complain the building had no heat or hot water. A former resident says he was robbed twice.

Mayor Cory Booker (D-Newark) is, perhaps, the most well-known former Brick Towers tenant. Booker lived there until recently and supported tenants? complaints.