Letters to the editor of Gainesville Sun for August 1, 2021

Gainesville isn’t overdeveloped

A letter published on July 18 echoed disappointment that ongoing construction would turn Gainesville into a concrete canyon in just a few years. I respectfully disagree. The canopy of leaves in residential areas has never been thicker than it is today.

Between 1960 and 2010, the US Census Bureau household size in Gainesville decreased from 3.5 people per household to 2.25. The central and eastern parts of the city have become so depopulated that they can no longer support a viable retail or service economy. Gainesville is not overdeveloped, but has receded to an almost semi-rural status on its eastern fringes.

Apartment buildings in the corridors around the university would be less disruptive if they had major setbacks and better exterior design. Colonnades and larger tree fountains should be encouraged. In any case, Gainesville cannot thrive without a vibrant mixed-use area from the university to downtown.

You can’t even see the larger buildings in Innovation Square from University Avenue or 13th Street. Over 70% of the University of Florida’s faculty and staff live outside the city limits, so most of the city’s traffic is generated by commuters rather than inner-city development.

It’s time to abandon the idea that Gainesville was just supposed to be a bigger version of Micanopy or High Springs.

Mike Hoge, Gainesville

Further letters:

Impact on Affordability

In response to the column “Where have all the trailers gone?” – While the author’s permissive use of the word “follower” to describe living conditions is offensive by some, his insights into the growing need for affordable housing and how to achieve it are spot on.

The need for affordable housing in Gainesville has never been greater. Today, the average median list price of a home for sale is $ 254,000. Most young families and service workers just cannot afford to pay that much for a house.

An often overlooked solution is the renovation of older RV parks. This begins with removing barriers that prevent older, outdated homes from being replaced with new prefabricated homes.

A current example of a regulation that missed the target is new height requirements for floodplain areas. The city of Gainesville could have adopted the federal government-recommended height requirements of the Florida Building Code, but instead passed an ordinance raising replacement homes in RV parks higher. This requirement unnecessarily increased the cost of new homes and pushed some of Gainesville’s most price-sensitive families out of the market.

Everyone deserves to live in a safe, decent home. Elected officials must carefully weigh the impact of their decisions on housing affordability.

James R. Ayotte, General Manager, Florida Manufactured Housing Association, Tallahassee

Learning opportunity

I have to disagree with the author regarding a recent letter about children asking for donations while driving. This is not a good example, and it is not to be commended. It’s unsafe too.

When I see young people asking for donations, I am sad that the trainers, parents or counselors missed a great learning opportunity. Fundraising is an opportunity to teach how to set a goal, create a plan, and work towards achieving that goal.

I like to contribute if you want to wash my car or do a cake sale. Just holding out a hand does not mean teaching a lesson that reflects an honest work ethic.

Kathy Hastings, Gainesville

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