Sacrificing the sky
Re: “Dallas, the only way is up — There are many reasons to grow vertically, yet everyone thinks small,” by Dallas Cothrum, Sunday Opinion.
Homeowners prefer buildings that block less of their view. Sadly, Texas rejected the doctrine of ancient lights that protected such views.
Paris is famed for its architecture. Baron Haussmann limited buildings to six stories during the city’s renewal in the 19th century.
Opinion
Few Dallas single-family homeowners want to sacrifice blue sky so a developer can make a profit with a huge tower that blocks their view. If developers want to build such towers, create an area like La Défense in Paris.
Count me as a Not in my Backyard (NIMBY) on this issue.
Edward Walker, Dallas
Read up on housing
A cynic might suggest that opinion columns by Cothrum, CEO of a zoning and land use firm, reflect views that benefit his business. I might have once agreed. But as the lack of housing — especially affordable housing — has taken center stage in policy debates at all levels, I wondered what solutions exist.
I recently read Escaping the Housing Trap by Charles L. Marohn Jr. and Daniel Herriges. It offers a thoughtful explanation of how we got here, and what can help ease the crisis.
The answer must include increased density (including value per acre from height), but not large, sprawling developments. Instead, the authors propose incremental change rooted in neighborhood character (expansion of duplexes, for example).
As Dallas begins zoning reform, I urge those who will show up in force to resist density to read this book, or any well-researched material, on the critical solutions we need.
As Cothrum points out, without expanding the housing stock, Dallas’ declining population means higher property taxes and fewer services for those who remain. Future generations will be priced out of home ownership, while we see a deterioration in our neighborhoods due to a lack of city services.
Paula Day, East Dallas/Munger Place
Remap reasoning wrong
Re: “Why Texas GOP is right to redistrict — New map is fairer and more inclusive of Hispanic voters,” by Nate Crain, Friday Opinion.
I was intrigued by any possible reason Crain might have to support redistricting. The biggest protest I’ve heard from Democrats is not that the change is racist, but that it is coming from Donald Trump, not Texans.
I haven’t seen any attempt by Republicans to say otherwise, so I thought there might be something else I hadn’t considered. However, when Crain claims Democrats want boys in girls sports, support higher taxes and defunded police officers, and Republicans want to protect women and give Hispanics a stronger voice, he lost all credibility.
Cara Sheroke, Dallas
Welcome to Chicago
The Texas Democrats have just descended on my fair city. I’m sure they were greeted warmly by our Democratic mayor, our Democratic governor and many of our former Democratic council members — at least the ones who’ve successfully made bail.
It should also be remembered that rumors about all the violence on our streets are greatly exaggerated since Al Capone is long gone and gang members are inclined to shoot only at each other.
I hope that the state legislators partake of all that our great city has to offer. Toward that end, I’d like to make a few recommendations: 1. It’s mandatory for any well-respected tourist to experience a genuine Chicago-style “red hot.” It comes fully loaded with onions, relish, mustard, a pickle, two sport peppers and celery salt but no ketchup. 2. Deep dish pizza is still popular, but it’s mostly been replaced by the thinnest of pies, made in a brick oven.
3. The top tourist attractions, including the “Bean” at Millennium Park, Wrigley Field on the North Side and Lake Michigan, as seen from a moving vehicle going down Lake Shore Drive.
In short there’s nothing to compare to Chicago, and I trust everyone will enjoy their stay. However, although 30% of the city’s population speaks a foreign language, we’ve yet to fully comprehend the true meaning of the term, “y’all.”
So, please, be patient, speak slowly and above all else, smile.
Bob Ory, Chicago
Census outdated
Isn’t taking a physical census outdated for this modern era? It is my understanding the Social Security Administration keeps track of American citizens from the time they are born until they die. We could do away with the census bureau. Congress could ask the SSA for that information.
Ken Stradley, Princeton
Priorities misplaced
Re: “Rescue efforts described as being chaotic — Chronology assembled with weather service warnings, recordings, testimonies,” Saturday news story.
Your story was heartbreaking in its description of what these people went through. Thank you for printing that.
With such devastation in our state, one wonders why this wasn’t the No. 1 item on the agenda of the Gov. Greg Abbott-mandated special session.
Instead, Abbott bowed to the whims of a president worried about what would happen in Washington if he lost the Republican majority in Congress. We now know where Abbott’s priorities lie.
Hans F. Voorn, Frisco
Time for a Texas recall
I am a recent transplant of less than five years, and have been captivated by the distinctive intelligence and understanding of the Texans I have met. One of the most enduring characteristics of these Texans has been their courtesy when disagreements arise.
My assumption was that these noble qualities were instilled into our legislators and our governor as well. My mistake. The level of disrespect displayed by Gov. Greg Abbott toward legislators who disagree with him validates him as a poor-quality statesman who has performed his duties dishonorably.
Ladies and gentlemen of Texas, it is time to contact your legislators to enact a recall.
Melany Strike Noltenius, San Antonio