Housing Needs
Re “Showdown Set Over State’s Requirements for New Housing,†June 26: We are finally at the breaking point when our population and economic growth can force officials to consider higher density to accommodate the housing needs of the state. The time for land use reform is now, but winning support for higher density among California voters, homeowners and aspiring homeowners is the challenge awaiting planners and politicians.
Educating the public about the benefits of density is part of this challenge. But who can disagree with the principles of smart growth that could potentially lower home prices, reduce traffic and create more walkable cities through compact land use, reinvesting in the urban core, or mixed-use development? Smart growth is a winning strategy for not only our political leadership but also for the future of all Californians.
YASMIN TONG, Director
Livable Places, Santa Monica
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The demand by the state Department of Housing and Community Development that the six counties of Southern California provide 504,000 new dwellings by 2005 to meet expected population growth raises one question: “Got water?â€
BURT IRWIN
Cypress
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