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1. re not a commodity. yes its true that other goods and services have complex quality distinctions and are not "commodities" (wheat itself happens to be relatively complex comapared to corn - wheat has different gluten levels, protein levels, etc - corn, at least feed corn which is most of the market, is relatively homogeneous, at least it was pre GMO) The issue with housing are the high costs of moving - both the actual physical move, the search costs, and the loss of the non market provided externalities - all the neighbors you know, etc. If for some reason I need to switch from buying black suits to buying blue suits, its no big deal. If my (lets say rental) house Clarendon is torn down for a hirise, and I have to move to Fairfax, not only is that a big chunk of money and time, but it may take me years to recreate in Fairfax the community I had in Clarendon. Thats a very rational reason for resistance to change. Its ALSO an argument for IZ.

Richard points out that in places without height limits, IZ financed through density bonuses should be easier. Well guess what, here in NoVa, where, IIUC, Arlington and I think Fairfax do just that, theres ideological opposition. "OMG! Poor people are getting luxury amenities! Now those lazy bums will have no incentive to work!" Opposition to affordable housing programs, INCLUDING those based on density bonuses is now, IIUC, the official position of the Fairfax County GOP.

by AWalkerInTheCity on Sep 21, 2011 12:05 pm • link • report