Report a Comment

This statement gets the logic precisely backwards: "As it is, developers tell me that there is considerable development, already approved, that is just not happening yet because of financing constraints. If things aren't getting built which have no zoning barriers, then removing zoning barriers won't solve all problems."

In fact, it is the zoning restrictions that artificially drive up the value of land. This makes obtaining financing that much more difficult. Relax the zoning restrictions, and land for housing will becomes more abundant, prices will fall, and the financing barriers will correspondingly diminish.

It's important to recognize that "affordable housing" is a goal shared by everyone. The question is: which policy mechanism most efficiently and fairly achieves it? Distributing under-priced housing units to a few lucky lottery winners seems like a strange way to deliver "affordable housing" to the maximum number of people.

by Mesbah on Jun 20, 2012 4:41 pm • link • report

Does this comment violate Greater Greater Washington's comment policy? If so, you can report it using this form and an editor will take a look.

What is the major reason you believe the comment violates the policy?
Comment is spam.
Comment attacks other individuals personally.
Comment criticizes the level of knowledge of another commenter or contributor.
Comment discourages others from posting their ideas.
Commenter is impersonating someone else.
Comment uses profanity or abusive language.
Comment advocates violent acts or harm to another.
Comment was posted in multiple areas of the site.
Comment is arguing about the comment policy.
Other:

Your name:
Your email:

Administrator page • spam