To the editor: Its editorial board shows its unwavering commitment to a strain of progressive politics best described as: “If I can't have it, no one can.” It is a punitive form of social justice disguised as enlightened politics. (“Los Angeles cannot become an affordable, livable city if single-family zoning is protected,” editorial, June 17)
Abolishing single-family zoning would eliminate the neighborhoods that give Los Angeles its unique character and turn Los Angeles into a third-rate (and ultimately failed) version of cities that feature defined downtowns, high-rise development, and a population concentrated served by comprehensive and long-standing public transportation.
For better or worse, Los Angeles is a sprawling, strangely alluring metropolis characterized by donut-shaped establishments, a Hollywood sign designed to promote real estate, and a variety of residential neighborhoods where “Spanish” houses stand shoulder to shoulder. shoulder with the Tudor-, Norman style. – and Disney-type cabins. Plus McMansions.
We need housing, for sure. Start by redeveloping underutilized shopping centers, malls, commercial properties and light industrial sites. If that still doesn't work, come back and we'll talk again.
Shelley Wagers, Los Angeles
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To the editor: A few years ago, a family bought a house three doors down from us. But they didn't like the interior, so for half a year before they moved in, there was always dirt on the street. The best part was when a five inch construction nail destroyed one of our tires.
Imagine how much more fun it will be when we get rid of single-family zoning and there is a new multi-unit construction project next door.
It will take a year. It won't do us any good, but we'll be happy that other people are using the street parking. And when the work is finished, the people on the fourth floor will have a nice view through our windows.
I have lived in Burbank, Northridge, Pacoima, Sepulveda, West LA, Redondo Beach, Lakewood and Orange. I fondly remember the days when people would look through our apartment screens to steal things, when car alarms would go off at 2 a.m. and when all the street parking was sold out and I had to circle the neighborhood in the dark looking for a place. Park after work.
Why did we ever move?
Lew Livingston, Orange
