Fair exchange

Citing fairness to property owners, Roger Pilon praises Proposition 90, which would cause governmental agencies (and therefore taxpayers) to pay for restrictions on land use that “result in substantial economic loss” (Opinion, Oct. 30). This provision would seemingly apply if someone’s real property is down-zoned or if building height restrictions are imposed.

I contend that fairness to taxpayers necessitates a provision that would operate in both directions. When a property owner gets a conditional-use permit or a zone change increasing the permitted level of development, the owner should pay the governmental agency (taxpayers) the increased value of the property.

FRED HOEPTNER

La Crescenta