Sarasota Livin'

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.

I am sick of hearing about the need for affordable housing. Being from the north, I am used to long commutes. While not ideal, one needs to make their own decisions regarding living and working arrangements. No one is entitled to live close to work or amenities. Most people are still choosing to live in more affordable suburbs rather than cities.

It seems, the only way affordable housing can exist is if is somehow less desirable than other, more expensive properties. This could mean, less desirable neighborhoods, further out of town, older/run down, smaller (in-law, garage apartment). I don't believe that legislating affordable housing is the answer, since among other things, it will make the non-affordable housing even more expensive (rent control NYC!). I think the market can take of itself with this matter and the government will only make things worse (zoning and such). If teachers, waiters etc, can't find work here, wages should increase to attract workers who may not want to commute. Otherwise, businesses may fail, which would cause local housing prices to fall, thereby making things more affordable again.

On the other hand, I am also tired of hearing about limiting growth. It is all well and nice that we have our houses already, so lets not let anyone else in. I don't think that is fair. This approach also will raise existing prices and new home prices and further reduce "afforable" housing.

DM