The mansionizations of Long Beach is gathering more and more momentum. After seeing an article on the LA Times not too long ago and finding out that city was also growing concerned, we have have read in the local publication about this phenomena.
Mansionzation or the Mc Mansion effect is described as the replacement of old traditional bungalows and building huge in an otherwise quaint neighborhood.
It's a tough one to call. As a lover of traditional architecture and especially Spanish Colonial Revival, it is sad to see these beautiful little gems torn down. As an owner, I would also prize space. However, as an owner, would I want to shove a big house and cast shadows on my new neighbors? And even then, my hard bought lot is my own. It is freedom of choice versus mutual respect. But where is the fine line?
In the case of flipper investors, the verdict is slightly different. It's pretty unanimous that they will not live there, so tearing down homes and upsetting neighbors is the least of their worries. However, if you are going to buy one of these homes, make sure you talk to the neighbors and get a feel for the community.
The Press Telegram wrote about it not too long ago here. As with anything in life, nothing rests, everything changes. Should the zoning laws also change? Should the laws take into account how bigs homes should be? Should we preserve our heritage and architectural patrimony? Where do we stand on these issues?
The city is asking for feedback on the issue to be included in a report the Housing and Neighborhood Committee will present to the City Council scheduled for Aug. 21, according to Suzanne Frick, the city's director of Planning and Building. Current rules and regulations allow for a point .6 proportion of a home to its lot, second stories cannot be higher than 20 foot, and homes may not cover more than 40 to 50% of the lot. Obviously, many homes do and that is what has many residents concerned. Once the homes have been built and the variances not been fully given, who will ask to tear down a multi-thousand dollar home?
It's a tough call but something will have to be done if we want to keep the quaint feel of our city. Oh, and here is survey from the city.

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