slums
The suburbs are becoming the slums. And more "lifestyle centers" are being built instead, meaning everything is within walking distances. I am also guessing that the Hispanics immigrating to America do not think of a house with a car and a picket fence as wonderful.
What makes it somewhat sad is how families have been "induced" to follow trends. It talked about how when affluent people started moving toward the suburbs, crime rates increased, which then resulted in families moving to the suburbs as well. Now, affluent people are moving toward the cities, contributing to a rise in suburban crimes, which then mean that families must follow them to the cities. The crime is due primarily to the declining tax base.
That made me think of Proposition 13 and the state's heavy reliance on sales tax. It has been thought to promote the construction of big retail stores and huge mall. I wonder if the development of lifestyle centers will create a tax base that encourages further urban development, to the benefits of urban living vs. surburbia.
Link
What makes it somewhat sad is how families have been "induced" to follow trends. It talked about how when affluent people started moving toward the suburbs, crime rates increased, which then resulted in families moving to the suburbs as well. Now, affluent people are moving toward the cities, contributing to a rise in suburban crimes, which then mean that families must follow them to the cities. The crime is due primarily to the declining tax base.
That made me think of Proposition 13 and the state's heavy reliance on sales tax. It has been thought to promote the construction of big retail stores and huge mall. I wonder if the development of lifestyle centers will create a tax base that encourages further urban development, to the benefits of urban living vs. surburbia.
Link
Labels: culture
posted by Alan at February 19, 2008
1 Comments:
It would not surprise me greatly if the population of suburbs declines and their character changes significantly over the next 50 years. If nothing else, the escalation in the price of oil will cause such a shift, as the long drives characteristic of suburban life become increasingly difficult to afford. Even if alternative fuels significantly offset the cost of a given trip, people will still have to replace vehicles, again at high cost. As a result, substantial redistribution of commercial and residential suburban areas (bringing them closer together) or re-urbanization is to be expected, and perhaps even welcomed, if it reduces pollution.
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