Dear Editor: Paul Fanlund recently assumed that those who support zoning redesign are “mostly younger political activists — presumably newer to the city” (“Does zoning furor suggest Madison is becoming two cities?” March 25).
Despite accusing critics of ageism, Fanlund seems comfortable dismissing young newcomers to a city perpetually populated by young newcomers. However, I was born in Madison and have lived here for most of my 34 years, and I support zoning redesign and smart development.
Madison has always been an outstanding place to raise a family, which is why my husband and I recently bought our first home on the west side to start ours. We were lucky to be able to. But if Madison fails to plan for the steady stream of new residents and families, we risk making the dream of a life in Madison inaccessible to all but a privileged few.
The Madisonians who most benefited from the last 40 years of explosive growth have owned and profited from their homes for decades. In Madison, home values have risen by 300% to 500% or more. But now, those same long-time homeowners assume the naivety of young Madisonians and want to shut the gates to further development that would ease housing costs.
How much wealth consolidation is enough for them? Why must younger families watch the city close its doors, leaving us struggling to find a foothold in a city that will need to adapt to serve generations far beyond us? Density does not have to be a dirty word. Bike and bus lanes will not destroy drivability. Affordability benefits us all.
Young, pro-density Madisonians share an equal interest in sustaining Madison as a vibrant, family-friendly community that serves us all. The legacy we leave behind shouldn’t just be in property values.
Laura Checovich
madison
