As described by City Councilmember John Okamoto, [“Lessons learned on rent control,” Opinion, July 28], “When supply is limited, demand goes up and higher rents follow.” That’s not only true with regard to rent, but higher prices for any type of housing. It’s basic economics of supply and demand.
With the HALA Committee’s proposals, we’re led to believe that squeezing in more units in any form to increase the supply of housing will create more “affordable” housing. Affordable for whom?
In my neighborhood, when a lot is developed, current zoning already allows much higher density than was originally allowed on the property.