Letters to the editor
The HBA uses letters to the editor to respond to and engage residents, consumers, business leaders, and elected officials on issues that effect the housing industry.
May 21, 2007
Mr. Tom Murray
Managing Editor, Main Line Life
Dear Mr. Murray:
I am writing regarding your article “Moratorium on development needed on the Main Line”, which appeared in the May 17, 2007 issue of MainLineLife. I believe you touched on many issues where both developers and current residents may agree; however, placing a moratorium on development is clearly not a reasonable solution.
Contrary to popular belief, developers are not able to enter a community, purchase land, and erect “mcmansions” or whatever type development they see fit. As your article suggests, the moving target of municipal regulations and political pressures, directly dictate the end product.
Additionally, you suggest the moratorium be placed on all development, the implication being that any development and redevelopment is bad for the community. The Home Builders Association argues that redevelopment serves to better the community not only through physical improvements to infrastructure and façade, but also promotes economic development, all of which many older Main Line communities are struggling to attain.
In the article, you echo the sentiments of many property owners throughout Pennsylvania, with your statement: “If I want to sell my house for above market value, I’ll be damned if someone is going to stand in my way”, while at the same time suggesting a moratorium on other land owners’ properties. All property owners maintain the right to receive fair market value for their land, unnecessary regulations and social pressures should not restrict them from doing so. Furthermore, placing a moratorium on development would be a disservice to those property owners who utilize their land as an investment, as additional delays to the already burdensome process of land development will only result in decreased profitability for the landowner and increased cost to the future consumer.
The common misconception that developers are the bad guy and want to destroy the livable communities that contribute to the charm of the Main Line is just wrong and an unfair characterization. Developers, like any other business owners, aim to develop a marketable product for current and future residents. Rather than demonize these projects, we suggest enhancing the lines of communication between municipal officials, residents, and potential developers and investors. The Pennsylvania Legislature has provided municipalities with ample tools to assist in planning within their own boundaries and with their neighbors. It is only through careful planning and conversation, not a moratorium on development, that successful and mutually beneficial communities can be developed.
Sincerely,
Bridget Scanlon
Local Government Affairs Manager
Mr. John Rossomando
Staff writer
Daily Local News
250 N. Bradford Ave
West Chester, PA 19382-2800
Dear Mr. Rossomando:
After reading your Sunday, December 10, 2006 article “Officials: Time for Impact Fees”, I would like to reiterate the Home Builders Association of Chester and Delaware Counties’ opposition to the use of impact fees to fund education.
The HBA believes that funding public education is a shared responsibility of all citizens. We believe that impact fees present an irresponsible and an unfair burden on citizens who chose to purchase a new home. These consumers may have no children, may already be enrolled in the school district, or may attend private schools, thereby having zero impact on the local school district.
Furthermore, there have been no conclusive studies to determine newly constructed homes produce a negative financial burden to school districts. On the contrary, studies have shown that new home construction can positively impact the local economy.
Also, with respect to the assumption that home builders are unwilling to develop affordable housing, our members have found that escalating home prices are a direct reflection on the cost of land, expanding fees, zoning regulations and the market. Any additional impact fees will certainly increase the bottom line for consumers.
The Home Builders Association is committed to developing affordable housing and quality communities and welcomes the opportunity to discuss the use impact fees with both our elected officials and the local community.
Sincerely,
Ted Moser
President HBA of Chester & Delaware Counties
June 13, 2007
Patricia S. Walker
Bucks County Courier Times, Executive Editor
8400 Route 13
Levittown, PA 19057
Dear Ms. Walker:
Recently, elected officials and media outlets have been proposing placing a moratorium on development as a feasible option to reduce, or even eliminate, sprawl. In today’s paper, the article “Measure will help control sprawl”, highlights some concerns and proposed solutions to the trend of suburban sprawl.
The proposal by the Pennsylvania Land Use Coalition goes so far as to require municipalities with significantly increasing populations to require 10-acre lots for each housing unit. This proposal would not only exacerbate the problem of suburban sprawl but would also further drive an increase in tax, due to the unnecessary extension of municipal services and utilities; not to mention the disregard for negative environmental implications and skyrocketing cost to future homeowners.
Neither increased lot size nor a moratorium on development is necessary. I would argue that both the cause and the solution to sprawl and taxation rest in the hands of the municipal officials who already possess the ability and resources to effectively manage development and minimize the trend of suburban sprawl. Contrary to popular belief, sprawl is caused by unnecessarily large lot development, low density requirements, lack of multi-municipal planning, and excessive regulations regarding setbacks and buffers.
Rather than demonize builders, the Home Builders Association believes that municipalities have an opportunity and the tools to open the lines of communication between adjacent municipalities, residents, developers, and investors to ensure that development occurs in the best interest of all stakeholders. Stunting development, re-development, and economic growth will only be a disservice to landowners, residents, and government bodies, alike.
Sincerely,
David Brandschain
2007 President HBA of Bucks/Montgomery Counties
