3 ms·

I think what makes the most sense is to build in plans for future high density from the get go when the zoning is being first written. So the residential zonin

I think what makes the most sense is to build in plans for future high density from the get go when the zoning is being first written. So the residential zoning starts out as 8000 square foot lots but each lot is enabled in the future for high density 3 story residential in 30 years. Commercial zoning is enabled for high density residential towers in 30 years as well. Additionally, while it's still farmland, demarcate the right of way for future train lines, bike paths mass transit and freeways/underpasses. I think what chafes NIMBY home owners is that the developers are able to change the residential single family zoning to high density residential post facto - and pocket the spoils. Basically changing the rules of the game via lobbying city council members. Meanwhile the rule following NIMBY home owner's zoning remains unchanged and they just have to deal with more traffic and less sunlight. And then make all home/property buyers sign documents attesting that this is the city charter and cannot be changed.

jeffbee 3y ago
I don't know if we are still talking about California, but if we are, note that there is not an analog of the federal system within the state. Cities are not independent and do not have powers and cannot abrogate the state's powers with what amounts to an HOA. Cities in California are political subdivisions of the state and they exist to further and promote the policies of the state.
- somethoughts 3y ago
  The general idea would fit in with the overarching California initiatives - particularly the California’s Density Bonus Law/Builder's Remedy that recently has been in the news. The general idea is instead of assuming this new city will always be a sleepy suburban residential until eternity - assume from the get go that it will have the same "where are we going to stick all the 5 story towers" hot potato problem that San Jose/Santa Clara are having right now. By laying out the future high density area zones on a 30 year zoning map, buyers can know a priori that if they buy the single family house on this street, their grandkids can potentially either expect to stubbornly live there in the shadows of a 5 story condo complex with low income components or cash out for tens of millions to a RE developer. I think why this hasn't happened before is because it always seems silly when you just look at 500 acres of farmland to throw down BART access right of ways. But in reality given California's historical growth patterns, its probably realistic if looking at a 25-50 year time horizons.
  - deepsun 3y ago
    I think it doesn't matter, grandkids will vote out any development complexex in their time, nimbying out all the plans that were laid out 30 years ago. The only way I see if the residents cannot own the property and the land. Something like max 15 years rent.
imtringued 3y ago
The city should also be designed to be friendly to self driving cars and autonomous delivery robots.
- eesmith 3y ago
  A stated goal is to be "as walkable as Paris or the West Village in New York." Why should it be friendly to cars at all, when neither Paris nor NYC are known to be car friendly?
  - JumpCrisscross 3y ago
    > when neither Paris nor NYC are known to be car friendly? Both are super car friendly. They’re just anti private car ownership.
    - eesmith 3y ago
      I've driven in NYC. No, it is not. Just about every other city in the US is more driver friendly. Here are others who agree that NYC is not super car-friendly compared to other places. "Almost every New Yorker and anyone who has ever visited will encourage you not to drive in New York City." - https://www.tripsavvy.com/tips-for-driving-in-new-york-city-1612991 https://www.tripsavvy.com/tips-for-driving-in-new-york-city-... "Driving in NYC requires some serious skills and patience to conquer. Between the impatient and angry drivers, impossible street parking, inability to turn right on red, and the nightmare of getting stuck in the middle of an intersection, it’s definitely not the place you want to leisurely cruise between destinations. But if you should build the bravery to dive into the sea of yellow taxis in the Big Apple, you’ll want to be prepared with these safety survival tips." - https://shebuystravel.com/driving-in-nyc/ https://shebuystravel.com/driving-in-nyc/ "We gave New York [State] a “Good” rating for Traffic and Road Quality, despite the New York metropolitan area being one of the most traffic-congested regions in America." _ https://www.hagerty.com/media/archived/how-classic-car-friendly-is-your-state/ https://www.hagerty.com/media/archived/how-classic-car-frien... Compare it to Salt Lake City - that's a super car-friendly city.
  - deleted 3y ago

jeffbee 3y ago

I don't know if we are still talking about California, but if we are, note that there is not an analog of the federal system within the state. Cities are not independent and do not have powers and cannot abrogate the state's powers with what amounts to an HOA. Cities in California are political subdivisions of the state and they exist to further and promote the policies of the state.

somethoughts 3y ago
The general idea would fit in with the overarching California initiatives - particularly the California’s Density Bonus Law/Builder's Remedy that recently has been in the news. The general idea is instead of assuming this new city will always be a sleepy suburban residential until eternity - assume from the get go that it will have the same "where are we going to stick all the 5 story towers" hot potato problem that San Jose/Santa Clara are having right now. By laying out the future high density area zones on a 30 year zoning map, buyers can know a priori that if they buy the single family house on this street, their grandkids can potentially either expect to stubbornly live there in the shadows of a 5 story condo complex with low income components or cash out for tens of millions to a RE developer. I think why this hasn't happened before is because it always seems silly when you just look at 500 acres of farmland to throw down BART access right of ways. But in reality given California's historical growth patterns, its probably realistic if looking at a 25-50 year time horizons.
- deepsun 3y ago
  I think it doesn't matter, grandkids will vote out any development complexex in their time, nimbying out all the plans that were laid out 30 years ago. The only way I see if the residents cannot own the property and the land. Something like max 15 years rent.

imtringued 3y ago

The city should also be designed to be friendly to self driving cars and autonomous delivery robots.

eesmith 3y ago
A stated goal is to be "as walkable as Paris or the West Village in New York." Why should it be friendly to cars at all, when neither Paris nor NYC are known to be car friendly?
- JumpCrisscross 3y ago
  > when neither Paris nor NYC are known to be car friendly? Both are super car friendly. They’re just anti private car ownership.
  - eesmith 3y ago
    I've driven in NYC. No, it is not. Just about every other city in the US is more driver friendly. Here are others who agree that NYC is not super car-friendly compared to other places. "Almost every New Yorker and anyone who has ever visited will encourage you not to drive in New York City." - https://www.tripsavvy.com/tips-for-driving-in-new-york-city-1612991 https://www.tripsavvy.com/tips-for-driving-in-new-york-city-... "Driving in NYC requires some serious skills and patience to conquer. Between the impatient and angry drivers, impossible street parking, inability to turn right on red, and the nightmare of getting stuck in the middle of an intersection, it’s definitely not the place you want to leisurely cruise between destinations. But if you should build the bravery to dive into the sea of yellow taxis in the Big Apple, you’ll want to be prepared with these safety survival tips." - https://shebuystravel.com/driving-in-nyc/ https://shebuystravel.com/driving-in-nyc/ "We gave New York [State] a “Good” rating for Traffic and Road Quality, despite the New York metropolitan area being one of the most traffic-congested regions in America." _ https://www.hagerty.com/media/archived/how-classic-car-friendly-is-your-state/ https://www.hagerty.com/media/archived/how-classic-car-frien... Compare it to Salt Lake City - that's a super car-friendly city.
- deleted 3y ago