Business
Stand Against The UpZone Plan
April 5, 2023 
Guest Opinion by
HENRI WIEBE
As citizens, we must speak out against the proposed city lead zone code rewrite, which seems to be based on a premise as ridiculous as the plot of the movie “O Brother, Where Art Thou?”
Just like the three convicts in the film, we have been duped into believing that increased development density will magically bring affordable housing to our city. But let’s face it, folks, we’re not living in a fairy tale. Increased density only leads to increased traffic, noise, and overcrowding. And as for affordable housing, well, we’re still waiting for that treasure to be found.
Mayor Lauren McLean, who is playing the role of Pappy O’Daniel in this real-life drama, seems to be singing the same tune as the city’s new development director, Tim Keene, and the entire development industry. They’re all trying to sell us a bill of goods, folks. But we’re not buying it.
Former Boise Police Chief Mike Masterson is playing the role of Homer Stokes in this plot, trying to put a stop to this madness and save our city from the destructive effects of increased density.
We need sensible zoning policies that will protect our neighborhoods and preserve our quality of life. We need policies that will truly address the issue of affordable housing, rather than just promising us a treasure that doesn’t exist.
So let’s be like Homer Stokes, folks, and stand up for what is right. Let’s tell Mayor McLean and the city’s development industry that we’re not going to be fooled by their false promises anymore. It’s time to put the interests of the citizens first, not the interests of developers who are only looking to make a quick buck.
Affordable housing is a real issue, and it requires real solutions. Let’s work together to find those solutions, rather than chasing after a mythical treasure that will never materialize.
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Comments & Discussion
Comments are closed for this post.
Apr 5, 2023, 8:37 pm
Well said Henri!
Apr 6, 2023, 8:13 pm
Very well said Henry.
Higher density brings higher crime and mental illness. Everyone should be spreading out instead given that half of jobs can be done completely remote now.