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I also agree with the basic premise: new development doesn’t build livable neighborhoods. Consider San Francisco’s mission bay. UCSF is a bad neighbor - they h
by ryanobjc 8y ago
I also agree with the basic premise: new development doesn’t build livable neighborhoods.
Consider San Francisco’s mission bay. UCSF is a bad neighbor - they have large unfriendly buildings that create a dangerous street environment. The adjacent residential isn’t a lot better. Lots of parking garages, no effective street level housing, no effective businesses. There is no legitimate reasons for someone to be hanging around after dark.
I also lived near the Castro and lived thru 5 large apartment infill developments. Only one produced useful ground level business (Whole Foods). All the others had their retail space sit empty for years, Years! This is in an existing neighborhood that has a strong history of mixed retail and residential.
Not to mention that during the construction (1-3 years depending) the sites are the very definition of bad neighbors. They suck away street parking, they cause noise and air pollution (new concrete work causes plenty of air pollution), make it difficult to get around the area.
As an existing resident the upsides are minimal (no effective new business, the new ones tend to be expensive, doesn’t cater to existing residents) and the downsides are guaranteed.
- pcwalton 8y agoSpeak for yourself. I just purchased Mission Bay adjacent property and the neighborhood is fine. The park in particular is pleasant and well-maintained, and that new public library branch is a very nice addition to the city. UCSF is anything but "dangerous": I have no idea where you got that notion from. And retail is just tough in the modern environment. If there's someone to blame for the woes of retail, it's Amazon. Not the developers for catering to the whims of the Planning Commission. I'm excited to see the new Pier 70 development, and I wouldn't have bought if I didn't think the new development was going to be anything other than a nice way to make the central waterfront accessible again and some sorely needed housing. How could I be a NIMBY when the area doesn't even have a grocery store yet? You know what isn't a livable neighborhood? The Sunset, with its rows and rows of ticky-tackies with ugly little yards in the back. Give me Mission Bay over that pastel low-rise concrete jungle any day of the week.
- DrScump 8y agoI hope you've obtained earthquake insurance. Mission Bay is on extremely low-quality fill. Also, be prepared for your neighborhood to be overrun on event nights at the new Warriors building and 83+ Giants home games each year. April and May will include both Warriors and Giants games simultaneously at times. Get home early, or stay out late.
- pcwalton 8y agoMine is one of the few buildings on bedrock, and I'm on the other side of the stadiums.