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Re: “Make room for affordable homes in Denver,” Nov. 29 guest commentary.
Respected developers Dana Crawford and Susan Powers have made great contributions to LoDo and other previously dilapidated neighborhoods, but their guest commentary does not offer any new ideas for affordable housing. Throwing public money at the problem is a timeworn attempt at a solution.
I would propose a change in the city’s zoning code revising the “single family residence” to allow up to two people per bedroom whether related or not. This would allow a baby boomer widow to supplement her Social Security income by renting out a bedroom (or two) to those who cannot afford a complete apartment. This protects her from foreclosure and possible homelessness and also provides shelter for up to four people if she owns a three-bedroom house. It would also allow a struggling family to remodel and rent out a garage to a couple or single person, again killing two birds with a single stone.
In other words, bring back that staple of the Depression and war years, the boarding or rooming house. These got a bad name in the ’50s when zoning laws were enacted, but it is time for their return — and public money is not required.
Carl Bruckman, Denver
This letter was published in the Dec. 6 edition.
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