Comments on: Density, demographics derail NIMBYs

By: Joel

Joel — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 15:20:18 +0000

I do not fear the developments aimed at singles, childless couples or smaller households, which Ohi references. The very developments Mark Lee cites in his column are, in fact, rising immediately next to districts of mostly historic townhouses with historic designation limitations upon them. In my own blocks, for example, the limitations prevent the historic townhomes from experiencing much in the way of division into too many multiple-unit structures. Translation: the townhomes are mostly 2 and 3 bedroom units, at higher price points, hosting larger households usually more established in their careers and also in their neighborhoods. Having nearby empty lots and forlorn properties turned into smaller residences adds to and creates a demographic mix, rather than threatening a mix. Furthermore, as a number of outlets have reported recently, there is a growing demand for these smaller units, where residents enjoy the neighborhood as an extension of their living space. It’s also more difficult than ever for younger people to meet credit requirements to purchase, so rental units are meeting an obvious market demand. Finally, they help create more of a 24-hour economy, avoiding the tilt towards a largely nighttime economy which many people fear.

By: Ohi

Ohi — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 17:18:37 +0000

Much of the newly proposed construction lacks capacity to house families (parents and children), instead opting to squeeze value out of studios and small 1-bedroom units that can be sold or leased to singles at a higher rate per square foot. The result is a neighborhood full of singles — which is fine, if you don’t mind that. But a truly vibrant neighborhood should have a mix of singles, families, and retired couples, else it risks becoming homogeneous and particularly transient.

By: Doctor Whom

Doctor Whom — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 14:00:33 +0000

People love to move to party neighborhoods and complain about the noise, or to the rural fringe and complain about the smell of fertilizer. Here are two thoughts. If you don’t like a particular environment, don’t move there. If the ways of your present home town are so perfect, stay put.