Teardowns and new home construction

​“I don’t want us to become another ….”
 
In my conversations with Ward 1 residents, I’m hearing a lot of concern about teardowns and new home construction. While most people I’ve talked with understand the need to provide move-up housing for growing families who want to stay, they also worry about the impacts of large, new homes on small lots, both aesthetic and environmental.
 
I share this concern. I believe we can find the right balance between encouraging development and preserving our sense of place, but to achieve this will require City leaders to be proactive. As your council member, I’ll advocate for the consideration of new residential design standards for St. Louis Park that govern things like maximum height of single family homes, minimum side setbacks, and limits on total lot coverage. I’ll also advocate for consideration of a limit on the number of wrecking permits we issue each year. Because we’re strict in our enforcement of building codes, most of St. Louis Park’s older homes are in good shape and, importantly -  affordable. Let’s pause and reflect before we tear too many of them down.
 
New construction can have significant environmental impacts too. When we add vinyl siding and concrete driveways, we lose pervious surfaces that absorb storm water and keep it from flowing into our lakes and streams. Often, we also lose mature trees. As a council member, I’ll advocate for the consideration of ordinances that require builders to replace trees they remove to build new homes, as well as other mitigation – for example installing rain gardens or native plantings instead of traditional grass. Our commitment to the environment and sustainability can be extended to this realm as well – why shouldn’t it?
 
I’m glad St. Louis Park residents have a variety of housing options, and I’m glad many of my friends have found move-up housing that suits their needs and are still here. But being an elected official means being responsive to residents’ concerns, and clearly, the style and pace of new home construction in our community is a concern. So, no, let’s not become another (fill in the blank). Let’s continue to be St. Louis Park! ​​