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Here are even more readers’ thoughts on an ongoing discussion we’ve been having about housing density.
Tery Grey:
For many years, I was among those who believed in smaller houses. Density is OK if the problem is traffic and garages. This calls for public transportation. Mixed-use provides a richer environment, too. As long as the reality of our money value supports inflation, mortgages for smaller houses can be handled by the middle class. The 30-year mortgage should be abolished. Building mansions may make more money for builders, but people who cannot really afford them buy them. Too often they lose their money, and banks become realtors. The “homeless” need to be housed, but some of them have no experience as homeowners and maintenance is no part of their life. Each community must provide minimal shelter.
Tom Scott:
How many of the folks that are opposed to making their neighborhoods more dense love New York, Paris, San Francisco and London and have wanted to live there? Oh and, by the way, what would those places be like if the first settlers had today’s attitude about more neighbors?
Where would current residents be living today if the previous generation had fought the development of the home that they live in today?
In return for not allowing any more development in their neighborhood, are they willing to provide housing for their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, etc., in their existing home? Shouldn’t their responsibility be to accommodate the growth that they have been responsible for?
Why is it that everyone equates increasing density with high rises? Paris is a city of four-to-five-story buildings, which, if allowed here, more often would meet our needs for a long time to come.
Just wondering.
Connie Lambert:
Like it or not, the reality is that the senior population makes up a large percentage of San Diego. Waiting lists are as long as five-plus years right now. Baby boomers are adding to that mix, monthly, and in large numbers. Affordable housing should be at the top of the list and, if it isn’t addressed, a large segment of our society will be hurting. They have nowhere to turn.
Update: We’ve updated Ms. Lambert’s name to reflect her preference in name.
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