Get active to stop home demolition

I read “Chips Off the Old Block,” Jan. 9, with great interest and sadness: We have the same thing going on here, older homes and buildings being flattened to build condos that the traditionally “creative” residents of the city can often not afford to live in.

I am an activist in West Hollywood, going back to the city’s creation more than 20 years ago. The preservation of architectural diversity is the cornerstone of demographic diversity as well. It is impossible to have one without the other.

Edward “Ed” Garren

West Hollywood

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Cities can do something about preserving architecturally and culturally significant buildings. First, in single-family zoned neighborhoods, they can establish architectural review for additions and new construction. Second, they can limit density with setbacks, height and bulk requirements in the zoning ordinance. Third, cities can approve the conversion of rentals to condominiums with far fewer restrictions than currently applied.

If Santa Monica had allowed apartment owners to convert courtyard-style buildings to condos without exasperating red tape and impossible restrictions, these buildings would be owned today by their occupants, and the likelihood of demolition would be close to zero.

Peter H. St. Clair

San Diego

Letters must include the writer’s name, address and daytime telephone number and should be sent to the Real Estate Editor, Los Angeles Times, 202 W. 1st St., Los Angeles, CA 90012, faxed to Real Estate Editor at (213) 237-4712 or e-mailed to real.estate@latimes.com.