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To me it’s replacing one problem with another. Simply changing zoning from single to multi-family doesn’t actually change core root problems in my opinion. A su

To me it’s replacing one problem with another. Simply changing zoning from single to multi-family doesn’t actually change core root problems in my opinion. A suburb full of single family homes or a suburb of multi-family homes are just different kinds of suburban hells. I think we need to be thinking about designing entire communities more intelligently with things like local markets, shops, parks, rest areas, schools, public transport etc. within walking distance. Unfortunately people don’t like to admit the downsides of dense multi-family housing either: no parking, increases traffic/congestion, reduction in greenery, looking straight into neighbors windows, etc. I’d personally like to see smarter zoning with mixed usage in a nice balance where all kinds of types of residences can coexist but I believe it requires proper administration. Otherwise the economic incentive for builders will result in the dominance of multi-family housing.

epistasis 4y ago
While I agree that we need mixed use zoning, if you look at where the upzoning is happening, it's typically in places that allow mixed use. Ending single family zoning is also required to allow corner stores, not just allow apartments.
- ianburrell 4y ago
  The upzoning will mostly affect walkable neighborhoods because those are the ones where there is most demand and where density will fit better. Those would be the pre-war streetcar suburbs and similar post-war suburbs. The funny thing is that there are “missing middle” apartments in my neighborhood and similar ones. The duplexes and up were just banned for decades.
ianburrell 4y ago
Suburbs aren’t the problem. There are walkable neighborhoods with all that stuff. I live in pre-war streetcar suburb that doesn’t feel like post-war but is mostly single family homes. Part of increasing density is making those things you want possible. My feeling is that most of the effect of upzoning will be felt in close-in walkable neighborhoods because they are most desirable and easier to upgrade. Also, there is a wide range of multi-family housing from giant towers, mid-height apartments, and N-plexs. Most proposals are to mix “missing middle” housing in with single family. A lot of older neighborhoods already have some. A few triplexes are not going to cause problems. Around here, they are allowing 6-story apartments along major roads. They work well because there is good public transit.
CPLX 4y ago
> I think we need to be thinking about designing entire communities more intelligently with things like local markets, shops, parks, rest areas, schools, public transport etc. within walking distance. Start by asking if these things you’re mentioning are literally banned. If so start there.

epistasis 4y ago

While I agree that we need mixed use zoning, if you look at where the upzoning is happening, it's typically in places that allow mixed use. Ending single family zoning is also required to allow corner stores, not just allow apartments.

ianburrell 4y ago
The upzoning will mostly affect walkable neighborhoods because those are the ones where there is most demand and where density will fit better. Those would be the pre-war streetcar suburbs and similar post-war suburbs. The funny thing is that there are “missing middle” apartments in my neighborhood and similar ones. The duplexes and up were just banned for decades.

ianburrell 4y ago

Suburbs aren’t the problem. There are walkable neighborhoods with all that stuff. I live in pre-war streetcar suburb that doesn’t feel like post-war but is mostly single family homes. Part of increasing density is making those things you want possible. My feeling is that most of the effect of upzoning will be felt in close-in walkable neighborhoods because they are most desirable and easier to upgrade. Also, there is a wide range of multi-family housing from giant towers, mid-height apartments, and N-plexs. Most proposals are to mix “missing middle” housing in with single family. A lot of older neighborhoods already have some. A few triplexes are not going to cause problems. Around here, they are allowing 6-story apartments along major roads. They work well because there is good public transit.

CPLX 4y ago

> I think we need to be thinking about designing entire communities more intelligently with things like local markets, shops, parks, rest areas, schools, public transport etc. within walking distance. Start by asking if these things you’re mentioning are literally banned. If so start there.