What do y'all think of people tearing down homes in Tarrytown and building new modern style homes?? (Austin: new home, neighborhoods)

[katiev111]

I have a good friend who lives in Tarrytown, and has for the past 25 years. We were driving around and she pointed out that many people have bought homes there, and have completely torn them down and rebuilt new, contemporary style homes (even though several of the homes were in fine condition-no need for a complete overhaul). Now I totally get that people can do as they wish with their property, but it kind of saddens me as Tarrytown and Clarksville and such have some gorgeous old style and southern style homes....and to me it just seems ill fitting to put a super modern contemporary style home in that type of neighborhood. What do you guys think?

[centralaustinite]

Doesn't really matter what I think, unless there is some historic significance, the property owner should be able to do what they like. All the new homes have to meet impervious cover limits, McMansion size limits, set backs etc. Tarrytown had some big lots and as a result, they can support big homes. Most of the new homes are much more energy efficient and easier to live in (up to date HVAC, low VOC paint, robust electrical systems etc). I have dear friends who live in older Tarrytown homes and friends in brand new ones. There is significant annual expense in maintaining those older homes.

[kev_in_atx]

I too believe that homeowners should be able to what they want with their property, to an extent. I also believe The CoA and neighborhood organizations need to be doing more to protect neighborhoods from developers who are only interested in $$$. When living in Atlanta, I was an active member of the planning and zoning Team form an exemplary civic association in my neighborhood. We combatted this very thing there and has a surprising success rate. I wish Austin residents were more active in preserving what we have, while still embracing change and growth.

It made me equally mad that these same developers are exploiting residents of the east side. We need to be doing more to protect the residents and the homes found in the east side to make sure we still have relatively affordable, modest size homes in this city and diversity within our neighborhoods.

[katiev111]

Originally Posted by kev_in_atx

I too believe that homeowners should be able to what they want with their property, to an extent. I also believe The CoA and neighborhood organizations need to be doing more to protect neighborhoods from developers who are only interested in $$$. When living in Atlanta, I was an active member of the planning and zoning Team form an exemplary civic association in my neighborhood. We combatted this very thing there and has a surprising success rate. I wish Austin residents were more active in preserving what we have, while still embracing change and growth.

It made me equally mad that these same developers are exploiting residents of the east side. We need to be doing more to protect the residents and the homes found in the east side to make sure we still have relatively affordable, modest size homes in this city and diversity within our neighborhoods.

Great points Kev. I agree everyone needs to take an active role if they want to make something happen!! and of course I agree about the affordable housing!

[TexasHorseLady]

Originally Posted by kev_in_atx

I too believe that homeowners should be able to what they want with their property, to an extent. I also believe The CoA and neighborhood organizations need to be doing more to protect neighborhoods from developers who are only interested in $$$. When living in Atlanta, I was an active member of the planning and zoning Team form an exemplary civic association in my neighborhood. We combatted this very thing there and has a surprising success rate. I wish Austin residents were more active in preserving what we have, while still embracing change and growth.

It made me equally mad that these same developers are exploiting residents of the east side. We need to be doing more to protect the residents and the homes found in the east side to make sure we still have relatively affordable, modest size homes in this city and diversity within our neighborhoods.

I agree with this.

[Trainwreck20]

From what I personally know about in TT and tear-downs - it isn't developer driven, it is homeowner driven. And the two homes that I know of personally that came down were pretty hazardous due to age/lack of upkeep.

[TexasHorseLady]

I have seen new homes built that, while not identical to the neighborhood, were respectful of it. And I've seen monstrosities that it sure seems would have driven down property values in the immediate vicinity, although I'm sure the homeowners who built them were very proud of them and thought they were "improving" the neighborhood, even a neighborhood like Tarrytown - some people just have to pee on everything and change it to make it "theirs" before they feel comfortable.

[centralaustinite]

Originally Posted by Trainwreck20

From what I personally know about in TT and tear-downs - it isn't developer driven, it is homeowner driven. And the two homes that I know of personally that came down were pretty hazardous due to age/lack of upkeep.

Yes, this fits with I know too. Yes, developers drive a lot things in many neighborhoods, but those Tarrytown tear downs are mainly driven by homeowners. There can be discomfort and disconnect even then, folks doing a tear down to build a 2 million + home are often quite different in outlook from those long-time homeowners who bought their home 25 years ago and I've seen that dynamic play out from both sides too.

[Austin97]

I think it is great. Many of those old houses are just old and dont even fit our climate. We dont have snow so the steep roofs are are pointless.

Character of the neighborhood is just opinion.

[TexasHorseLady]

Originally Posted by Austin97

I think it is great. Many of those old houses are just old and dont even fit our climate. We dont have snow so the steep roofs are are pointless.

Character of the neighborhood is just opinion.

Oh, you must be a delightful neighbor to have. Probably one of the ones I referenced in my comment.

For the record, character of the neighborhood has actual financial impact on property values. So not "just opinion".