Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1922-04-15
The Need Grows Clearer

D lCHMOND'S need OF n coming system has
never been SO clear TO the public gen
orally as since the development OF the pres
ent great wave of construction. For hum
drcds of Richmondcrs, to whom the subject
has been OF only academic interest. the lack
of building restrictions has become worri-
some in an altogether practical sense. Per
sonai experience is teaching them that real
estate values are unstable and home build
ing much OF n gamble where the character
and use OF prospective neighboring struc-
lures are matters concerning which nothing
may be foretold.
Practical experience in various American
cities, notably in Los Angeles. New York
and Milwaukee. has shown that the argu-
ments advanced against coming do not stand
when the actual test is made. The coming
plan, on the contrary, is gaining in favor
everywhere as a result OF the highly salts
factory working out of the early expert
ments. No legitimate interest suffers from
the application OF coming restrictions. Both
the public aud the individual property own
er are protected. Something approaching
ordcrliness is introduced into city building.
and the buyer or builder OF a homo has the
satisfaction-and the Security-of knowing
in advance whether adjoining or opposite
lots may be dedicated TO the uses Of a meat
market, garage, pressing shop or hot dog
stand.
Director Cortelyou. OF the Philadelphia
Department of Public Safety. recently urged
upon the people al that city the impera-
tive need of coming. as means of protect
ing themselves against needless deprecia-
ton OF property and against other evils"
Some OF the points he made should be OF
interest 10 the people of city that is grow
ing as Richmond is growing: "Zoning is not
an experiment. 1t has been adopted and is
successful in many large and small cities
X has proved adaptable in its protection
both OF the individual and the public at
large. II one desires TO purchase home
he is always anxious 10 obtain one in a
restricted neighborhood because he feels
that he value OF his property will not de-
cline. Al present party purchases lot
and erects fine dwelling. Subsequently,
the owner of adjoining ground decides to
build a garage In so doing he lowers the
value OF the dwelling.
Many individuals purchase property as a
speculation and are antagonistc 10 any re-
strictions. They look upon zones as an
abridgment Of their rights not realizing that
Il will he OF great benefit to them as we'll
as 70 the public, In other instances. prop
crty is acquired at normal price. the buy
er knowing that the use TO which the build
ing is 10 ne put Will depreciate the neigh
boring properties, and that he will. in con-
sequence, BE- able 10 acquire them al his own
price. That IS an evil coming would cor
rect. Zoning will in no way prevent future
development. II a residential street is
needed for business purposes. II can be
changed 10 a business street by obtaining
The consent OF so per cent OF the property
owners within the block"
i is simply matter OF protection. The
property owners and prospective property
owners o: Richmond need this protection
sore.y and will need It more and more ur-
gel..E IS the civ expands