Los Angeles Times

Build more granny flats

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Re “A plan that’s short on housing,” editorial, Nov. 9

I am disappoint­ed by The Times’ support of high-density housing near transit stops as a way to solve the “affordable” housing crisis. Getting people out of their cars plus giving them affordable housing are two separate issues and should be treated as such.

Why not build affordable housing in neighborho­ods where people actually live rather than where we want them to live?

Let’s continue allowing granny flats and guest houses in neighborho­ods that are not close to transit. Let’s allow spot zoning in residentia­l neighborho­ods for duplexes, triplexes and small-lot townhome developmen­ts — yes, with parking spaces.

A guest house that can be rented offsets the high cost of a single-family home and may put home purchases within reach for people of modest means. A guest house will surely rent for much less than a fancy new apartment in, say, downtown Los Angeles.

Let’s stop trying to cram more people into areas that were never meant for high density in the first place. Judy Graff Fisher Studio City

There are not enough affordable units being produced in Los Angeles today. Developers are focusing on apartment constructi­on because people have been priced out of buying homes.

Developers don’t want to lose money here, so they’re not offering affordable units in the quantity necessary to reverse the housing crisis in Los Angeles. This is truly what is fueling the increase in homelessne­ss.

The city should mandate 50% affordable units in every apartment complex that is built in Los Angeles. Mindy Taylor-Ross Venice

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