Are there solutions for McMansions; those oversized giants which make all other houses look like particleboard dollhouses?
Here are some of the problems, as if we aren’t already aware.
McMansions are often too big, too overpowering, too intrusive and with architectural styles never seen before by some neighborhoods. People are complaining about the new next door house looming over fences, blocking sunlight and privacy.
McMansions are making property taxes jump way up, which is an encyclopedic subject in and of itself. Don’t get me started. (See past posts).
What’s the solution?
First, let’s look at what isn’t the solution.
I don’t believe in more useless laws with gaping loopholes. Those don’t help anyone. Keep city officials out of it. Plopping down band aids won’t change anything.
Personally, I think the market place will take care of some of it. We’re already seeing some [tag-tec]McMansions[/tag-tec] and McMansion duplexes staying on the market longer here in Nashville. That means they’re not selling as quickly as they used to and somebody is losing money by the month. That’s the best, most effective way to punish bad builders who don’t get it and don’t care.
Another option is for the neighbors to get together and buy the next house that might be torn down. Too preposterous? It has already happened in one upscale Green Hills neighborhood here in Nashville. Not only did the neighbors successfully complete the transaction as a cohesive unit, they managed to replace the old house with a nice new one that actually fits into the scale and scheme of their neighborhood.
Am I against tearing down the old and replacing with the new? No, but I think everything can be done within reason without overlays and strong arm tactics. What I want to eliminate are the bad builders.
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