They recognized that a bankrupt New York City would be both humiliating and perhaps unlivable.

FORBES: Why The Lessons Of New York City's Debt Crisis Won't Help Greece

If there was something on the table that was unlivable then we can work it out.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing

In New Jersey, impacted individuals can request rental payments for temporary housing for those whose homes are unlivable.

FORBES: One Week Later, The Cost Of Superstorm Sandy

And some of the "inventory" built up during the bubble is unlivable.

WSJ: Upside: Housing Stocks Face Trouble

In New Jersey, for example, federal aid programs granted to FEMA include rental payments for temporary housing for those whose homes are unlivable.

FORBES: For Superstorm Sandy Victims, Can FEMA Pay The Rent?

Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal, a New York City Democrat, said the current wage is unlivable and too little to pay a family's food bill, let alone medical and education expenses.

WSJ: NY Assembly OKs $9 minimum wage; Senate gets bill