Mayor Villaraigosa’s promise of “elegant density” is falling flat on its face. The labor union Unite Here Local 11 has drawn attention to troubled sales at the new W Hollywood Residences, and warns buyers and real estate agents of the luxe condos’ sharply declining prices. According to county assessor figures only 29 out of 143 units have sold since the condo/hotel project opened in May 2010.
Transit Oriented Development a Huge Failure
State and regional planners seek to radically restructure urban areas, forcing millions into narrowly confined, densely packed urban corridors. Metropolitan area governments are adopting plans that would require most new housing to be built at 20 or more to the acre, which is at least five times the traditional quarter acre per house. If the planners have their way, 68% of new housing in Southern California by 2035 would be condos and apartment complexes. It won’t save the planet but will make traffic even worse.
California Declares War on Suburbia by Wendell Cox – Wall Street Journal
April 9, 2012