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I'm all for YIMBYism, but it's framed in a couple ways that I often disagree with. First, I actually doubt that loosening zoning restrictions to allow multi ap
by geebee 8y ago
I'm all for YIMBYism, but it's framed in a couple ways that I often disagree with.
First, I actually doubt that loosening zoning restrictions to allow multi apartment dwellings will harm owners of SFR properties. It'll change the neighborhood, and may lower housing costs per square foot of living space. I personally thing that it it's done properly, SF will be a more interesting place (outside of SF, I've lived in NY and Paris, and the denser places were nicer and more interesting to me).
The other thing is... well, NY (Manhattan) and Paris (left bank) are also the only places I've lived that are more expensive than SF. And the higher density neighborhoods in SF are among the most expensive per square foot.
I think a YIMBY SF could well turn out to be more interesting, more livable, and, more expensive. More density might just amplify network effects and create even more economic activity.
This is why I do think that for affordable housing, we really do need a first class light rail and subway, like Paris and New York (and a few others). Just building density isn't going to do it.
- Tiktaalik 8y agoYou're right in thinking that it's not a simple solution of simply adding density. More supply is good, but care needs to be taken that it's the right sort of supply and regulations are in place. Without care, more density may simply juice speculation. Both Vancouver and Seattle create lots of new residential buildings, but only Seattle is seeing significant increases in vacancy. YIMBY activists are on the right track, but they need to ensure they focus on increasing vacancy, not just increasing building construction.
- wbl 8y agoDensity is a response to high housing prices, not a cause.
- geebee 8y agoI'm not sure I agree. I think that density can lead to more desirable urban neighborhoods, which in turn attract higher income workers. Also, network effects can be dramatic. A higher concentration of knowledge workers can end up generating a higher level of economic activity, and knowledge workers can increase their economic output by living in close proximity to each other. A larger concentration of high income workers can absolutely fuel higher housing prices. This is why I'm not sure that higher density will lower housing prices in SF in the long run.
- tmh79 8y agoparis and manhattan are now less expensive than SF