Letter: City wrong to focus on snout houses

I've been following the 'snout houses” discussion with interest. I'm surprised (shocked, actually) when the city doesn't acknowledge density of 'snout nose” houses fulfills one of their primary goals - property tax generation.

I agree 'snout nose” homes are ugly. I think some council member's homes are ugly, too. I wouldn't buy them. Others do. They get more home for their money with the 'snout nose” design (smaller lots cost less). The houses are not, as council says, less pedestrian friendly. Look at the sidewalks the homesteaders pay for and maintain. I doubt they discourage residents from getting to know one another more than other styles. I know apartment dwellers who don't even recognize their next-door neighbors.

If the city will pay the price difference between 'snout nose” houses and similar features in other designs, fine. If they want garages off alleys and will plow alleys (rather than plow them shut when plowing streets), fine.

But if they're not willing to commit to things like that, I'd appreciate it if they'd keep their 'snout noses” out of social engineering citizens' housing decisions. Let buyers vote with their dollars. Let council spend time doing things Cedar Rapidians need - like improving roads and reducing crime.

Karen Guse

Cedar Rapids