Why is Papi not bothered by living in row houses?

I believe you are referring to the chapter titled, The Blood of the Conquistadores? If so, living in row houses provided a lot of distractions. When Trujillo's men arrived the family, the neighbors, and close friends still had a way to communicate. Silently and ceaselessly, the men's presence became know.... new at the gate, warnings, all were possible because of the proximity and community provided by the row houses.