Re: "The Economic Benefits of Open Space"

[trevor burrowes <trevoroc@pacbell.net>]

Peter B. Meyer wrote:
> 
> ....... when we provide more open space, we add to the "open
> space" the relatively rich would provide for themselves anyway 

Good point. And this open space is an absolute good, enriching the 
environment we all share, however disproportionately (or unfairly) the rich 
benefit. The rich benefit unfairly in uncounted ways which have less 
positive relevance than open space to the lives of the general public.

 - and to
> make room for that open space, we need to pack the relatively poor into
> denser housing -- and move them further away from the open space since
> they can only afford to live on low cost land...
>         HOW TO WE CHANGE THIS PATTERN?
> That's the puzzle for those of us who would like to see more public
> green space available...
>         HOW ABOUT WORKING FOR INTENSE LAND USE REQUIREMENTS ALONG PARKLANDS?

Since a dense population near it could harm parkland through overuse, pets, 
traffic, runoff, etc., such developments would have to have very 
progressive standards of design. Village Homes in Davis, California is one 
of few examples I know of such development done well.

trb