tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1928622184607631910.post3310269760441438215..comments2023-10-22T01:56:21.243-07:00Comments on Where Do We Go from Here?: Deconstructing SuburbiaDave Aldenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04365271229524041881noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1928622184607631910.post-75229589555835015992012-01-05T11:57:50.092-08:002012-01-05T11:57:50.092-08:00Tony, thanks for raising this subject. I didn'...Tony, thanks for raising this subject. I didn't see the 60 Minutes segment, but have talked to many who did. And I know that Detroit has been doing something similar for years, demolishing old row houses that have fallen into disrepair with no hope of finding new owners to do the major renovations needed.<br /><br />Although I understand the actions by the county, I'm concerned that it is a short-term fix without adequate consideration of the long-term implications. Who'll maintain the newly-cleared lots? I suspect the remaining homeowners will find a weed-chocked vacant lot only marginally more acceptable than a derelict home. What is the long term intention for the lots? Will they be available for new single-family homes when the market needs them? How about the water services to the now-vacant lots? Have they been capped so they aren't a contamination risk to the remaining homes? And ultimately, what are the thoughts about density? In a world where higher density is increasing seen as a necessity to provide efficient services such as garbage collection and transit, the county is effectively reducing density. Is there a long-term strategy to counter that effect?<br /><br />Also, I appreciate but don't share your sense of outrage at the lenders who failed to secure or to maintain the homes. Corporations are about making money and they'll do what they must to make the bottom line work. To expect them to act in the public good is like expecting a venomous snake not to bite. I'm not saying that they're evil, only that they are behaving in accordance with their basic character. The Ben & Jerry's of the world may have occasional runs, but ultimately the Unilevers win out. If we want corporations to behave with a higher level of public interest, it is up to us, working through all levels of governments, to impose the necessary obligations.<br /><br />Thanks again for beginning the discussion - Dave AldenDave Aldenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04365271229524041881noreply@blogger.com