‘Caps Set Wrong City Limits’

This is another example of so-called “experts” catering to their own special interest, in this case, real estate profits. These individuals either are greedy or have their heads in the sand.

They state that setting limits to the number of residential building permits that a city may issue will not solve any of the current pro-growth problems and will offer very few advantages. They argue that demand for residential units will increase if such a limit to the number of units is imposed. This increase in demand would subsequently increase housing costs and low and middle-income residents will suffer.

Nothing could be further from reality. In the pro-growth period of the last two decades in Southern California, housing costs have increased almost 200%. By comparison, housing costs in the East, where less growth has occurred, have risen imperceptibly. The article states that by limiting growth of one region, growth pressures would increase in neighboring areas. This situation already exists under the present pro-growth policies of Southern California but would likely lessen if the entire region coordinated its growth controls.

If living standards in Southern California are to improve, growth controls are necessary now.

DARYL KOUTNIK

Reseda