The _vast majority_ of land in the US, urban centers included, including NYC, is zoned for low density single family homes. Manhattan is only 1 of 5 boroughs in NYC, remember.
There is NO shortage of single family homes.
There IS a shortage of absolute number of units in urbanized areas.
This is because, contrary to what you claim, the only thing allowed to be built in many areas is exclusively single family homes.
> Should we make sure that our children can live in nice houses that our generation was not able to afford
I say this as a relatively fortunate homeowner in Los Angeles who is part of “this generation”: if we do not allow more homes to be built, the next generation will not be able to live in the city at all.
I myself would not have been able to afford my home in the city and neighborhood I love had the recent state zoning changes (sb9) which allowed me to convert my single family home into to a duplex not occurred.
I think people are even indifferent to single-family homes. Many people would be happy living in a duplex or any of the various structures of the missing middle. You can raise a family under those conditions. What difference does it make if your child plays soccer with their friends in the shared courtyard or your own private backyard?
The _vast majority_ of land in the US, urban centers included, including NYC, is zoned for low density single family homes. Manhattan is only 1 of 5 boroughs in NYC, remember.
There is NO shortage of single family homes.
There IS a shortage of absolute number of units in urbanized areas.
This is because, contrary to what you claim, the only thing allowed to be built in many areas is exclusively single family homes.
> Should we make sure that our children can live in nice houses that our generation was not able to afford
I say this as a relatively fortunate homeowner in Los Angeles who is part of “this generation”: if we do not allow more homes to be built, the next generation will not be able to live in the city at all.
I myself would not have been able to afford my home in the city and neighborhood I love had the recent state zoning changes (sb9) which allowed me to convert my single family home into to a duplex not occurred.