As a Towson resident for 20 years I am bewildered by the drumbeat and call for ever increasing population density in Towson. I am not against thoughtful development but Towson is exponentially increasing its population density seemingly without any regard for the quality of life changes that go with increased density. Developers should not "get a free ride" but should contribute to preserving parks, open space and the community's quality of life. I would support a slower, more thoughtful approach to development that emphasizes the community's quality of life over maximizing (wealthy) developers profits while degrading the area's livability.
Kim Dulay Hobbs - 11 years ago
Vancouver is a great example of how effective this is for creating more livable public spaces. "Their municipal planners demand massive community benefits from developers in exchange for the right to build higher.The city is repaid with parks, plazas, day-care centers etc. this allows Vancouver to recoup 80 % of the new property value created by upzoning. There is no density without a lifestyle dividend for the community." from Charles Montgomery, Happy City.
As a Towson resident for 20 years I am bewildered by the drumbeat and call for ever increasing population density in Towson. I am not against thoughtful development but Towson is exponentially increasing its population density seemingly without any regard for the quality of life changes that go with increased density. Developers should not "get a free ride" but should contribute to preserving parks, open space and the community's quality of life. I would support a slower, more thoughtful approach to development that emphasizes the community's quality of life over maximizing (wealthy) developers profits while degrading the area's livability.
Vancouver is a great example of how effective this is for creating more livable public spaces. "Their municipal planners demand massive community benefits from developers in exchange for the right to build higher.The city is repaid with parks, plazas, day-care centers etc. this allows Vancouver to recoup 80 % of the new property value created by upzoning. There is no density without a lifestyle dividend for the community." from Charles Montgomery, Happy City.