One issue is that we treat homes as investments, and as such an investment must always go up in value, and to use monopolistic practices to protect values (zoning) in addition to opposing redevelopment and construction of new housing. Secondly, there seems to be a desire to treat our neighborhoods as a museum rather than as a living orga…
One issue is that we treat homes as investments, and as such an investment must always go up in value, and to use monopolistic practices to protect values (zoning) in addition to opposing redevelopment and construction of new housing. Secondly, there seems to be a desire to treat our neighborhoods as a museum rather than as a living organism. Lastly, there is a desire to keep out individuals deemed as “undesirable” and prices are one way to do that.
Also, I find the phrase “single family character” to be oxymoronic, as neighborhoods with swaths of nothing but single family homes completely lack anything that brings character.
Regarding your first point, "that we treat homes as investments," it should be noted that for many their home exists as the primary source of financial security or old age insurance. Any wealth they have exists as home equity. It's their only tangible asset that appreciates in value.
"Home" is the final redoubt against poverty, but it is under assault by dreamers who see that space as obstructing their utopian plans.
One issue is that we treat homes as investments, and as such an investment must always go up in value, and to use monopolistic practices to protect values (zoning) in addition to opposing redevelopment and construction of new housing. Secondly, there seems to be a desire to treat our neighborhoods as a museum rather than as a living organism. Lastly, there is a desire to keep out individuals deemed as “undesirable” and prices are one way to do that.
Also, I find the phrase “single family character” to be oxymoronic, as neighborhoods with swaths of nothing but single family homes completely lack anything that brings character.
The perfect summary of this mess.
Regarding your first point, "that we treat homes as investments," it should be noted that for many their home exists as the primary source of financial security or old age insurance. Any wealth they have exists as home equity. It's their only tangible asset that appreciates in value.
"Home" is the final redoubt against poverty, but it is under assault by dreamers who see that space as obstructing their utopian plans.