More on Urban Development Elitism
Jul 31, 202029.8K Shares765.2K Views
Since we’re on the subject of the Atlantic’s story predictinga return to urban living, I should note that not everyone shares this view, at least when it comes to the city’s downtown core.
While not a fan of bedroom communities, Joel Kotkin, author of The City: A Global History,” said he views the increased building of downtown luxury condos in Los Angeles and in other cities with a certain alarm.Contrary to the Atlantic, he doesn’t see this type of urban development creating an authentic sense of community.
“My argument with the downtown condo mania is that you’re not building a neighborhood, you’re just speculating,” Kotkin told the Independent recently. “You’re going to have people who are going to live there for just a couple of years and move. These are not people rooted in the community.”
He also doesn’t think the luxury condo market makes much economic sense. There aren’t enough empty-nesters, he said, to fill them all.
Maybe the next New Slums will be the high-rises on Main Street.
Paula M. Graham
Reviewer
Latest Articles
Popular Articles