Enough with the McMansions

Huh? Well I don’t live in a McMansion — far from it. I don’t know what an “elitist” really is these days but I don’t think I’m one of those either. But I am an environmentalist, and so I take the letter printed on Aug. 20 to be somewhat confusing, disturbing and definitely an attack against Angie Homola.

When I went to her Web site at www.electangie.com and read what she wrote, I found her ideas very comforting and reassuring. I see so many McMansions built on this island since I moved here 5 years ago that I fear I won’t be able to afford the property taxes as the cost of homes increase due to these McMansions.

Many of them are not even the primary residence of the owners! I see these homes built in areas near shorelines that flood and wonder how they even got a permit to build from the county! I want Angie Homola as commissioner to stop this ridiculous practice which is seen all over the county!

Angie Homola believes we must “change our growth markers to criteria that is appropriate for island, not mainland standards. The current practice of making growth predictions on past building permits is irresponsible and unsustainable .”

She also writes that “rampant building in an area nearly void of living wage jobs results in a predominantly retired community base, which places a sales tax revenue burden on those with fixed incomes.”

Check out her Web site to read more of what she will do, such as supporting local businesses and promoting living wage jobs. Now that’s what we need on the island! Not more McMansions!

Mary Brencick

Greenbank

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.