Why on earth would city folks move to suburbs (Chicago: job, houses)

[via chicago]

Originally Posted by SloopyJ

Interesting thread, folks, but I have to challenge this point, which has come up by a few folks. How are developers to blame, exactly? Yes, developers are building spread-out tract housing in far-flung exurbs, but obviously there are plenty of people who want those homes. Should the developers not build those homes out of sheer principle? Personal choice be damned, legal zoning and entitlements be damned, they should all just agree not to build any more exurban homes? Or do you think that the developers should build greater density out there - which, by the way, they'd be happy to do if zoning allowed it?

Absolutely density should be greater. I would have much less problems if that were the case. And again, I dont have problems with development per se. But it can be done so much better and smarter.

[via chicago]

Originally Posted by Drover

That's OK, developers here in the city get blamed for building too dense in residential areas and increasing traffic, oh and for driving up property values and driving the poor out too. They just can't catch a break, so they'll just keep on building as long as people keep buying and they'll take it from both sides as they head to the bank.

For the record, I hate NIMBYS. if you move downtown, dont ***** when a skyscraper is unveiled 2 blocks away.

[SloopyJ]

Originally Posted by via chicago

Absolutely density should be greater. I would have much less problems if that were the case.

Again, I'm not disputing the point that development could be done better or smarter, but putting the blame on the developers misses the point. More density means more homes to sell means more money for the developers. Developers will happily build more density, except when (a) zoning doesn't allow it, or (b) the market won't buy it. So blame the towns, or blame the lack of regional transportation planning, but blaming developers (which is a favorite pastime of do-nothing aldermen and city planners) is to miss the real source of the problem.

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by Windy City John

Just curious why city dwellers are so h*ll bent on discouraging people that want space and low crime to move to the suburbs.

It's a good thing people like different things--


As far as the city having unique restaurants-- I see more chains downtown than in the burbs. everytime i go downtown I see plenty of locals flooding the lettuce-NOT-surprise-you restaurants; the steak houses Ruth Chris's, Mortons, smith & wolenskies, etc and dont forget the city dwellers favorite--Rainforest Cafe!!!!

I think you have it opposite do you not? Most people that go to the Lettuce's, Rainforest and more are suburbanites,tourists, and transplants. Your point is what?

[Drover]

It never occurred to me that there was something specifically wrong with eating at LEYE restaurants. Not all of them are obvious, corny tourist pits ya know.

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by Drover

It never occurred to me that there was something specifically wrong with eating at LEYE restaurants.

Actually they are not that bad. I avoid them for certain reasons which are too complex to explain, but I especially like L Woods!

[Drover]

Originally Posted by Avengerfire

Actually they are not that bad. I avoid them for certain reasons which are too complex to explain, but I especially like L Woods!

I'm partial to Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba myself.

I'd be interested to see you make an attempt at your complex explanation of why you tend to avoid them.

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by Drover

I'm partial to Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba myself.

I'd be interested to see you make an attempt at your complex explanation of why you tend to avoid them.

It would take too much time. I have no ill will towards the owner(s). In fact, I used to deliver to Mr. Levy's house when he lived near the Uptown theater in the 90's (not sure if he has that house anymore). He and his wife were very kind. It is just something that is not easily explained. I have no problem with the food at any of the places, in fact, all of it is very good.

[cdc3217]

Originally Posted by via chicago

STAR Line anyone?
Metra Connects : Proposed New Starts

WOW is that far out. (As in from the city) Wouldn't it make more sense for it to be a little more inward on the lines, so that it could accomodate more travelers to the east or west of it?

Or is there no place for development anywhere further in?

[supernerdgirl]

Originally Posted by via chicago

STAR Line anyone?
Metra Connects : Proposed New Starts

haha, yeah at this rate that proposed line will probably NEVER happen, thanks to the inept people running this state. Metra's going to have a hard enough time keeping their current lines going.