Re: Density shift idea concerns Young (News, Nov. 14)
Victoria Coun. Geoff Young’s concerns are correct about the suggestion of funding affordable housing by adding new density bonuses anywhere.
Planning is important for density to be “where it is appropriate” and fits, while giving back to the local area. As a citizen, I understand the cynicism of citizens giving input to a plan, only to have the main aim thwarted by spot zonings.
Further, such zonings increase land costs generally, so building affordable housing becomes more expensive.
One suggestion raised before that would get the city full dollars consistently, is following Vancouver’s method of assessing the true value of the development and bonus.
Could council have a policy that bonuses require developers to build affordable units, onsite or elsewhere? The number of such units would increase without cost to the city.
Mary E. Doody Jones
Victoria