tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6707097324590670527.post3720952082431538342..comments2023-04-05T03:04:55.412-07:00Comments on Cal Pensions in Brief: Why Rents Don't Decrease with Higher DensityMichael Goldmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05751347868383989536noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6707097324590670527.post-33439345786431489552014-01-16T18:53:54.374-08:002014-01-16T18:53:54.374-08:00I actually agree with much of what you say,Jeremy ...I actually agree with much of what you say,Jeremy in terms of what growth will bring, like it or not as your preferences dictate One can make various arguments about why development is good or bad. I just wanted to put to rest any notion that building more units will decrease prices.<br /><br />With that false hope of decreasing rents out of the picture we can honestly debate what growth we want or don't. Sunnyvale will likely become more expensive and if you own real estate, that is good for you. It will still become more expensive, without any growth or development as well.Michael Goldmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05751347868383989536noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6707097324590670527.post-56831585214399777042014-01-16T14:48:26.124-08:002014-01-16T14:48:26.124-08:00The arguments above seem to support a rapid increa...The arguments above seem to support a rapid increase in housing density. Currently, developers want to build and see increasing rents if they do. This will add to the housing stock. More people that want to live in the area would be able to live here. It also allows for more diversity in housing choices. People that prefer living in high-density housing, but also want to live in Sunnyvale would now have the option. Economically, it will be beneficial to the city. The new housing would have a new tax base (thus more revenue.) A high density housing unit would require fewer city services than a single family home. (The residents would also tend to skew towards younger professionals - a group that does not consume many school or community resources.) Sunnyvale has a surpluss in jobs and serves as lower-cost "bedroom" for many jobs to the north. There is a lot of room for new housing.<br /><br />What happens if we don't allow high density housing? The space could remain undeveloped. (Look how happy people have been over the "undeveloped" state of downtown Sunnyvale.) It could be developed into single family homes. (This would be a more expensive option for the city, and do little for housing diversity.) Neither option is as good.<br /><br /><br />An NPR post looks at some reasons rents are high:<br />http://www.npr.org/blogs/codeswitch/2014/01/06/260282186Jeremyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10569090337787255231noreply@blogger.com