I am all for enforcement.
One reason is the process of enforcing stupid rules might lead us to
think about rules and make changes (including additions and subtractions)
which make sense.
I believe the local HD movement would not have had such strong supporters
if the Zoning and Building Codes had been better enforced, and I believe
fewer fearful detractors if the rules weren't so vague (yet all
encompassing) and the precedent of Zoning and L&I so inconsistent and
troublesome and obviously prejudicial.
The Three 'unrelated' person per unit rule makes lots of sense, and in
most cases, 'family' members answer to one alpha personality who
organizes the chores and sets the curfew. And since rights and
responsibilities are more completely pooled, there are usually stronger
limits on noise, trash and nuisance behavior and (at least in the city)
there is usually better car sharing and so a smaller demand on the
curbside spaces. Some "group" situations are among our best neighbors
and my three worst neighbors were two out-of-control families and a
single man with a loud dog and a crappy aesthetic. Fortunately the dog
and the kids grew up and got quieter. As a Realtor, I have seen homes so
damaged by 'groups' that just the damage to the floors (from grease, pet
urine, scratches, etc) was close to $10,000 in less than one year.
One thing to consider is MANY (and most of those in the 3,000 Sq.Ft
range) UC homes come with the automatic right for Duplex. Both In-Law
and Fully separated apartments are possible and even logical uses for our
bigger homes. With sufficient outdoor space and proper existing Zoning,
permission to Duplex can be achieved in an "Over-the-Counter" Zoning
change. The last time I checked, the permit was $100.00 and the ongoing
fees were $30 / year / unit for any units not owner-occupied. With
Duplex Zoning SIX (6) unrelated people can share the home. So, Ms.
Dubin, would six folks in 3,000 Sq.Ft. satisfy your sensibilities?
A good thing about the PENN mortgage incentive is that it supports the
purchase and developement of Owner occupied Duplexes. In most cases it
has helped owners so some restoration on Triplexes and Quadplexes as the
"USE" was reduced to Duplex, but I had one Buyer client who used it to
up-use his purchase to gain the income needed to make his mortgage
payment.
I think people should own their own behavior.
Landlords should either honor the rules or fight to change the system.
Tenants should not disturb the peaceful use by neighbor's of their own
homes.
Tenants should not consume a disproportionate number of tax-paid
services. Above a certain number of occupants, there should be
commercial hauling of trash, for one example.
One thing I love about this list is how we see ourselves and others and
how we interact. I almost cheer when people "out" themselves. People
should not do what shames them and thus should not hide their choices. I
believe this is how the doors to tolerance are opened. How can we hate
the Doctor who helps our siblings or the Teacher who helps our kids to a
breakthrough or the Artist who makes our spirits soar?
I also love how this list exposes our contradictions.
For example I suffer on the horns of a social dilemma.
While hopelessly (and happily) heterosexual, I am pro tolerance.
We have even painted our bay windows in rainbow solidarity (with gays and
people of different colors).
Yet I am an avid supporter of the Boy Scouts.
The organization has taken a stand for intolerance.
How do I resolve it?
I continue to set the example that works for me.
I enjoy my heterosexuality without PDA.
I go to church on Sundays (and drag my minor children).
I see the current publicity as a stepping stone for discussions about
beliefs, behaviors, choices and tolerance.
I get to share my belief that minor children should be celibate and that
even access to X-rated movies and pornography should be limited. Thus I
am intolerant of pedophalia (of either gender preference).
I am vocal about my hope and faith that the Scouting organization will
grow and change.
Why do I stick with the Scouts?
Many of the grown men I cherish, including several gay men, are former
Scouts,
I see the good it did them.
Scouts are under 18. Thus, my belief is that sexuality should not be on
the Scout agenda. But, since its a 'real' world, than parents or some
other organization (PFLAG might be one example) should be handling the
questions of homosexuality for Scouts who have questions.
What Scouting does better than any other organization for urban youth is
that it provides kids with access to places and skills in unparalleled
settings with time tested paradigms. There are books, Campsites,
traditions and a common culture. It is almost impossible for today's
busy parents to reinvent the wheel. And it seems pointless to do so,
when the Cadillac known as Scouting can be boarded and used so easily.
Scouting provides an after school activity that imparts practical, life
skills.
Our Troop has small kids who have saved lives because of skills learned
through scouting.
Our Troop does several camping trips per year including a Klondike
(winter) Derby and Summer tent fun. Many of these kids would have no
access to the country, or swimming pools or camp fires if not for
scouting. (Note, our Troop maintains a Venture Crew which includes
girls.)
I have chosen to give as much support, as I can to kids (and their
volunteer leaders) and hope they will not suffer while Adults engage in a
heated debate and a war of monies and space uses.
Back to rules, I guess you could say this one Scouting has some stupid
ones, enforcing them put them on the table and a dialogue for change has
begun.
Back to housing...
My choice with neighbors who disturb my peace is to go back at them.
I hand their litter back.
I move their dog poop to their properties.
If they keep me awake at 3 AM, I make sure to let them know with a 5:30
AM wake-up call.
The difference becomes clear when they realize that we get up at 5:30 AM
every other morning without waking them, but because of their
inconsiderate behavior, we feel to tired, crabby or ill to let last
evenings transgression pass.
Usually, people begin to either change their bad behaviors or take them
somewhere else.
Often, we even become friendly acquaintances after a bumpy start.
Volunteering together has been one of the best ways to get past
differences.
Sometimes, all it takes is to include folks in both the work and the
opportunities.
Unlike NL, I don't believe that increasing Owner Occupancy would reduce
sale prices.
And, unlike RB, I don't believe that enforcing codes would lead to a
vertiginous drop in occupancy.
A better neighborhood will always be attractive to incoming Buyers.
We just need to define (and enforce :-) ) better.
Best!
Liz
For your convenience my Web page links to any ACTIVE listings and many
useful sites and tools:
http://ilead.realtor.com/display/?id=13380525&;
Elizabeth Campion
Neighbor, PENN Grad '77 & Real Estate Broker
Direct & VM: 215-790-5653
Cell Phone: 215-880-2930
Private mail to :
P.O. Box 23632
Phila, Pa 19143
MailTo:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
or
MailTo:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
PRUDENTIAL, FOX & ROACH
Reception: 215-546-0550
Shared Fax: 215-546-9781
Office at
210 W. Rittenhouse Sq., Suite # 406
Phila, Pa 19103
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