As attractive as I find market-based solutions in most situations, I must differ with Paul Lambie's urban development thesis, as summarized below. Given the dynamics of the marketplace, I know all too well that, absent sound policy development guidelines, short-term capital projects oriented toward quick profits, would quickly frustrate and overshadow a more structured, long-term oriented development scenario that supports a high-quality, healthy living environment while minimizing the public infrastructure resources required to maintain it-- in other words a sustainable (financially and environmentally) urban environment. A public-policy driven development structure must be relied upon to help assure the long-term viability of the system, or the public infrastructure will bankrupt itself.
Sound, long-term urban development requires careful urban planning policy that facilitates and draws private investment. Private investment alone is not enough. For example, though not a new strategy, good planning and coordination could result in local lenders (or the FHA/Fannie Mae) offering either lower-cost or higher-valued home mortgages to those buying urban homes/town homes/condos on transit lines. A similar strategy might work for rental units. In many cases, the annual avoided-cost associated with owning and operating an automobile (or two) is the equivalent of paying a mortgage. Mixed-use urban development makes such strategies much more possible-- co-locating more businesses and residences in close proximity along major urban transit corridors. This type development requires extensive planning and ordinances to succeed over time-- something that in most cases, unbridled, relatively short-term oriented private investment will not achieve on its own. Another possible affordable housing strategy requiring minimal public investment. Michael Hohmann Linden Hills www.mahohmannbizplans.com > -----Original Message----- > From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of > Paul Lambie > Sent: Monday, April 08, 2002 2:29 PM > To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Subject: [Mpls] control over local development issues > > > As a point of clarification, I do not desire that > control over development lie at the city level. I > would much prefer that control rest with the > landowners, developers, and potential buyers and > renters. > > As wise as councilmembers and neighborhood leaders may > be, I believe that market forces, as conveyed by > potential buyers and renters, will direct landowners > and developers to make decisions that will provide the > greatest benefit to the community. > > Paul Lambie > Lowry Hill > snip _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
