Anne McCandless asked: Why is there a perception that decent, clean, well-built housing cannot also
be affordable and able to stand up to the wear and tear of time. My response: Affordable housing can certainly stand the test of time. But, this discussion is about building criteria from the city. These mandates: Stucco. Garages. Full basements. Large windows. All cost more. Many people talk about affordable housing. My response is simple. You ain't seen nothin' yet. Wait until interest rates climb more. Then see how affordable the average $212K house is to the average family. It is hard with these unbelievably low rates, it will soon be impossible. And you think more Government Regulation shouldn't hurt? Have we all forgotten the wonderful paper written by Ron Feldman of the Mpls Federal reserve? He studied the affordable housing crisis in 2002 and concluded that the crisis is derived from one of two things: a) a lack of income (duh) or b) too much government regulation unnecessarily driving up housing costs. Mr. Feldman's paper is here: http://minneapolisfed.org/pubs/region/02-09/feldman.cfm BTW, many of you have mentioned unscrupulous builders. Certainly they exist -- just like in all professions. However, most do a great job and are very reputable. If you disagree, I encourage you to enter the business and start building homes. It is a business I would not want to be in. Highly regulated, very competitive and unrealistic customers. Regards, Bill Cullen Whittier Landlord. -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.344 / Virus Database: 267.10.16/83 - Release Date: 8/26/2005 REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[email protected] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
