Selections from Laura’s Inbox
Responses to a slight provocation…
LAURA’S INBOX:
Glen Park — Jan 28 (5 days ago)
Hello,
Just noticed a flier attached on a fence near me.
I’m wondering if your people came to the wrong neighborhood?
One to two blocks away is low income or affordable housing with mostly African Americans and other Persons of Color.
There are many children.
Three blocks away are many apartments that are low income/affordable housing with primary African American and other Persons of Color.
Most have children.
As the older folks die, houses and apartments are now occupied by 30-somethings and their minor children.
There are 3 homes with a total of 6 children within a 2 house distance from me.
Perhaps late 20s-30s is no longer considered young, and children are not in your definition of young?
You also write about increasing the walkability of the neighborhood.
One of Glen Park’s greatest asset is it’s nature and walkability. Your poster might be a boiler plate for all neighborhoods, but if you could make it more accurate, it might attract more supporters.
Just a thought.
If you goal is to make multi unit affordable housing apartments in empty lots or blighted buildings, you might want to just focus on that aspect vs age and ethnicity. I know young hard working people of all ethnic groups who believe they can no longer afford to live here.
In closing, I can’t help wonder if you represent developers who would like to do large expensive projects in this diverse neighborhood.
A response would be appreciated.
Thanks, D
PS are there fines for posting on private property?
LAURA’S OUTBOX:
Re: Glen Park — Feb 2
Hi D,
Perhaps someone did post in your neighborhood? Could be! It might be that you live in a neighborhood that is zoned RH-1, making it illegal to build apartments?
Here is a map of the current Glen Park zoning:
It may be that many decades ago, it was legal to build multifamily apartments, even subsidized affordable multifamily apartments. But unfortunately, your neighborhood decided they didn’t want more of that and downzoned, making creating more homes for families like the ones you describe illegal to build.
Overall, prices for housing are very high right now because of a chronic housing shortage. Exclusionary Zoning, like that found in much of Glen Park, is a big factor in keeping us from creating the homes we so desperately need.
A great video on the overall shortage: https://vimeo.com/240900004
I hope you’ll be open to thinking more about this critical issue!
Best,
Laura Foote Clark
Executive Director | Pronouns: she/her
