Letter to the Editor: Downey fails on setbacks for new housing

Dear Editor:

I enthusiastically endorse the idea of amending the Downey zoning code to look (again) at lot-splitting and mansionization.

It's apparent to me that the current code utterly fails to maintain the scope and character of neighborhoods, and you can see that failure any time you drive down a street of approximately 2,500 sq. ft. homes, only to find a 6,000 sq. ft. McMansion sticking out like a sore thumb in the middle of it. (I can't help but wonder what those McMansions do to the property value of the homes next door.)

In addition to overall size, zoning requirements routinely fail on setbacks. It's bad enough that two-story homes are being built that are literally more than twice the size of the surrounding homes, they also loom over the sidewalk and their closeness to the pavement makes it impossible to plant trees, install landscaping, and in general ignore the two-story entrances that I personally find to be their most unattractive feature. 

Lack of setbacks, by the way, seems to be a common failing. I see that problem everywhere, including the townhome development on Paramount Boulevard, and with commercial buildings on multi-lane boulevards. Lack of setbacks means meager sidewalks, and no trees, creating a landscape that can only be charitably described as "bleak." 

So if there's a way I can encourage a study to be conducted revisiting these issues, please count me in!

Joan Niertit
Downey