Comments on: Weighing Neighbor Impact vs. Walkability and Child Care Options

By: fifi

fifi — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 15:01:55 +0000

I was responding to Ridgelandistan saying it was all about walkability and characterizing these family home daycares as simply neighbors babysitting for neighbors.

By: Sam

Sam — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 13:34:51 +0000

I’m opposed to allowing more intensive use of our existing neighborhoods as this ordinance does. Consequently, while I don’t support the ordinance, I certainly support Amanda’s position. I think she is trying to strike a balance between those of us that see no or little problem with an intense life and those of us who appreciate a little quiet enjoyment.

By: smalltowngal

smalltowngal — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 22:57:36 +0000

What Fifi and Marshal said. If an issue is so clearly debatable, as this lot size requirement is, then discussion should arise regardless of whether or not there is someone “there to speak up for it.” Isn’t that what we “pay” the commissioners for?

Let me also take the opportunity to pile on about the “zoning by variance” paradigm that Decatur seems unable to shift away from; and the mentality of trying to write regulations to placate whiny neighbors who might appear later. Regulate safety and sanitation and let individuals work out the neighbor stuff. I’m not forking over precious tax dollars for the City to try and be everybody’s nanny.

By: Decatur Metro

Decatur Metro — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 21:34:40 +0000

I’m not sure the point was that EVERYONE will walk to a neighborhood daycare, but that more would than say one surrounded by nothing but commercial.

By: fifi

fifi — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 21:16:03 +0000

My point was that owners will be looking to have those six slots full and probably expect more than a few dollars for them. They may look for clients from farther away than just down the block. Farther from the block – less likely to be walking. To me there is nothing wrong with that – I am generally in favor of these businesses but it IS about more than walkability.