Hi,
I am not sure if your response was in reply to my previous post (and I don't really follow the logic of your reply), but I'll follow up anyway. What are the solutions to this problem? I think we need to make development , at all levels, easier, to increase supply and type of housing. The so called affordable housing programs will provide housing, maybe, to the lucky few who are able to get in on it. This does nothing for the overall problem. As long as Sarasota remains desirable, and housing supply limited, prices will be high. We either need more supply (easier development, relaxed zoning, etc) or Sarasota needs to be a less desireable place.
If course the more interesting problem is, how do we make development easier but keep the qualities that we all find desirable about Sarasota. In that light, I don't think, for example, a Walmart or a public low income housing project on Main street or St. Armands, would be a good idea. I think most are coming into agreement that we need a vibrant , diverse, mixed income/use city. I just don't like most of the afforable housing proposals. Would prefer to see vibrant economic development lead this along.
In a related matter, the Observer posted an interesting editorial regarding the November 8 Sarasota Forever vote. They claim, this bill is anti affordable housing, since it will limit developable land, therefore decreasing housing supply and keeping cost pressures high. I was going to post a similar comment ealier, but didn't want to antogonize too much, since lots of people here seem to be for the proposal.
Reply to Teacher
Hi,
I am not sure if your response was in reply to my previous post (and I don't really follow the logic of your reply), but I'll follow up anyway. What are the solutions to this problem? I think we need to make development , at all levels, easier, to increase supply and type of housing. The so called affordable housing programs will provide housing, maybe, to the lucky few who are able to get in on it. This does nothing for the overall problem. As long as Sarasota remains desirable, and housing supply limited, prices will be high. We either need more supply (easier development, relaxed zoning, etc) or Sarasota needs to be a less desireable place.
If course the more interesting problem is, how do we make development easier but keep the qualities that we all find desirable about Sarasota. In that light, I don't think, for example, a Walmart or a public low income housing project on Main street or St. Armands, would be a good idea. I think most are coming into agreement that we need a vibrant , diverse, mixed income/use city. I just don't like most of the afforable housing proposals. Would prefer to see vibrant economic development lead this along.
In a related matter, the Observer posted an interesting editorial regarding the November 8 Sarasota Forever vote. They claim, this bill is anti affordable housing, since it will limit developable land, therefore decreasing housing supply and keeping cost pressures high. I was going to post a similar comment ealier, but didn't want to antogonize too much, since lots of people here seem to be for the proposal.