Comment 103799

By AnjoMan (registered) | Posted August 07, 2014 at 17:52:06 in reply to Comment 103795

I think the broader point here is that we should tackle issues of poverty by using smart policy to alleviate it. That means making living more affordable, stimulating economic activity to create jobs, building robust transit to reduce the cost of transportation and using good housing policy to ensure that rent remains affordable despite urban intensification.

To suggest that we don't improve corridors like Main/King for reasons of rent control is to suggest that we keep an area of the city depressed and less attractive to live in so that those with less money can afford those areas. This approach doesn't address the real issues of poverty because those who are forced to live in such areas still have to deal with the negative side effects: increased pollution, fewer options for jobs, dangerous car traffic nearby, exposure to crime and vandalism, fewer opportunities, less access to safe cycling routes, etc... A real approach to tackling poverty would be to implement policies that ensure no resident cannot afford to live in a place that is safe, accessible and is designed for their flourishing. Keeping the Main / King corridors depressed does nothing to improve the situation of low income residents who live there. That's why we are talking about social and economic changes - how can we talk about reducing poverty without talking about changing peoples socio-economic status?

Permalink | Context

Events Calendar

There are no upcoming events right now.
Why not post one?

Recent Articles

Article Archives

Blog Archives

Site Tools

Feeds