Being born in Modesto, and living my entire life here, I have a unique perspective of this area, and what we could be doing better. The construction of new homes could be improved by re-visiting practices that were done back in the 50's and 60's. We really are not getting good value for the buck with respect to new home construction.

When I grew up, it was common practice for new subdivisions to be built where people could buy a lot before building a home. Many times the purchase of a lot was a first step for people to get into the process. It gave these people time to save for a time when they could afford to begin construction. People could get their own plans drawn up, and build a home that exactly met their needs and wishes. What resulted in these neighborhoods was a remarkable diversity of home styles that produced a vastly superior neighborhood compared to the "cookie cutter" neighborhoods being constructed today.

All homes built back then were built on raised floors with crawl spaces below for important access to plumbing. Being elevated, these homes were far less prone to flooding from severe storms. Lots were spacious enough for these homes to be expanded when children were born. I know that lots are much more expensive now, but I am sure people would pay extra to have a larger lot. We make much more money now than we did in the 60's, which will soften the higher prices.

New homes currently are so tightly packed that privacy becomes a real issue. Everybody seems to look down on their neighbors back yards. People who buy these homes are saddled with CC&R's that restrict what they can do with their own property. Ever wonder why all the homes are painted basically the same color? It is because the CC&R rules prohibit anyone from choosing a different color scheme. People can't even put up a basketball hoop on the end of their own garage. These are not real neighborhoods that have been created. It is what my wife and I call institutional living.

So Mr. Developer, Mr. Land Use Attorney, etc. , I challenge you to look to the past for a way to improve our future. Take that drive through the Junior College District, and see what was done right so long ago. We can do it again, but it will take many of you to change your ways. We don't have to be a community where all new construction looks the same. Let's try and build a diverse and beautiful Modesto, and get away from the bad idea that is being built today. 

Comments (2)

Thank You Bill! written by Administrator on September 27, 2006 At the very least they need to make these new neighborhoods more diverse. They should allow people the freedom to paint their homes any color they want. People should be able to modify the exteriors of their homes, and to put up basketball hoops on the garage. A person should be able to work on his own car in his own driveway. I would love to get back to a time when a person can buy just the lot, and to submit plans for approval that would allow them to make a home that exactly meets their needs. Diverse neighborhoods. That is what we need. Administrator Not all people want larger lots written by Bill on September 27, 2006 Many, many young home owners do not desire large lots. With long communtes and children activities most familys are streched for time. Time consuming yards have become less desirable. Lots of older folks are retireing and don't wish to be a slave to their yards. They would rather entertain themselves with T V, movies or travel. I don't disagree with you though. THE NEW AGE BUILDING IS UGLY AND RESTRICTIVE. Way too much government regulations.

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