Erik: I agree that neighbors should be able to purchase adjacent lots. But is that beside the point?

It does seem fishy that the restrictions are placed on lots under 5,000 sf, as you pointed out. So, perhaps, McMansions aren’t going out — they’re just getting bigger.

I would prefer that the city didn’t have to get involved. There seems to be a clear movement in other parts of the country that McMansions aren’t selling. People actually prefer smaller, more efficient homes with green technology and green space. Go figure.

As far as the neighbors buying it, that is pretty tough to do when the flippers are willing to go above market value. Then they wait (not cutting the grass) until they can get the city to go along with their plan for an over-sized house. We would love to have someone who really wants to live in the neighborhood buy the house and gradually improve the property. People who live in McMansions in our neighborhood get tired of watching people come by and point at their house. I don’t think they will be repeat buyers.

http://www.nomcmansion.org

Did any of you guys get to the bottom of that article…the laundry list of BS describing what the suckers who own less than 5000SF would lose the right to do?

Conlin said it best:
“It’s very difficult to come up with something that works perfectly,”

Actually, no its not – “others have bought adjacent property to keep it out of builders’ hands.” If green and open is the best use for property, neighbors have the right to buy it and use it that way.

Gotta say boo on the faux columns, too, Ellie. Greek Revival works on Greek Revival homes; not so much on boxy newbies.

And why, why, why must every McMansion have faux columns around the doors? Is it some kind of McMansion tagging scheme invented by a secret government department?

http://www.nomcmansion.org

1) Ugly
2) View blocking
3) Gentrification
4) No yard, no trees
5) Tear down perfectly good houses
6) Higher property taxes
7) Only the super rich can afford to live in Seattle