Rent Control

I have read with amazement the article written on higher rents and loss of affordable housing in the greater Los Angeles area (Metro, June 25).

One key point not addressed in this article is the stricter control imposed by city planning, particularly the City Council, on developers willing to build more housing in the area. This restrictive action, together with the action of some homeowners’ associations, makes it impossible to create additional rentals badly needed to produce vacancies in the more affordable areas.

There are in fact many builders now quitting altogether the consideration of residential income development. It is quite easy for some homeowners to fight development while residing in comfortable, luxurious homes, mainly objecting to be disturbed by the sight of buildings overlooking their pools and spas.

It is also easy for the Picuses and the Woos to stop apartment builders in the Reseda, Van Nuys, North Hollywood and other areas in need of redevelopment while they are actively endorsing high rises in the Warner Center area.

If builders are stopped from building more housing, the theory of supply and demand will prevail and there is going to be less and less affordable housing. On the other hand, if development is encouraged, the higher supply will produce lower rents throughout. This is simple, isn’t it? Maybe too simple for the governing authorities . . . .

MARIA GIL-VALORI

Woodland Hills