To the editor: Many of the homes, duplexes, and multi-tenant buildings in our historic neighborhoods often have setbacks and patios with permeable soil with room for large shade trees, which help mitigate heat islands for everyone's benefit (“Nearly half of Los Angeles County's pavement may be unnecessary, according to new map”. February 16). These neighborhoods feel and are actually cooler in the hot months. In many Overlapping Historic Preservation ZonesFortunately, you shouldn't cover the front of your property with double-wide driveways, parking pads, extra-wide driveways, plastic grass, or gravel.
Meanwhile, our city and state push for denser development, and developers build right up to property lines. We must demand that new buildings include space for large shade trees planted in the ground for a livable and healthy city. Big cities have a lot of pocket parks, so we need to figure this out as well.
Ann Rubin, Los Angeles
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To the editor: It's very exciting to see a front page article on Accelerate Resilience LA's urban landscape study. However, it was frustrating that he completely left out the fact that Measurement W imposes a property tax on private property owners for each square foot of impervious surface on their property. There is a financial incentive for private property owners to reduce the amount of construction work on their property.
To make it easier to understand the benefits of removing hard surfaces, Accelerate Resilience LA has created an online digital toolwhich deserves a separate article.
Ian McIlvaine, Venice
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To the editor: I am writing to applaud Meg Tanaka for the excellent article on the pavement problems in Los Angeles. By working in an area that is often intimidating (climate and environment), you get solid reporting that also allows readers to feel connected to potential developments.
Companies removing concrete should wait for the phone to ring and nurseries selling trees should be ready to deliver.
Judith Martin-Straw, Culver City
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To the editor: The article about the paving of Los Angeles reminded me of when I first arrived in Los Angeles in June 1969. I had taught in middle schools and a high school in Connecticut that were surrounded by grass fields and mature trees. I was amazed at the schools surrounded by acres of asphalt here. And after 57 years, it seems little has changed.
Bob Lentz, Sylmar
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To the editor: I agree about the need to use less concrete, but plan for continuity of sidewalks or walking paths of some type during concrete removal.
I say this after moving from San Pedro to Northwest Georgia almost nine years ago. My frustration is that so many country roads in southern states (especially in rural regions) are very narrow, with no shoulders or sidewalks, making it difficult to find a place to walk without the danger of being hit by a vehicle.
Gail noon, feet. Oglethorpe, Georgia.
