Gene Balk’s analysis of income by census tracts reveals the decadeslong transition of rural locations into high-income large homes on large lots (“King County’s highest- and lowest-income neighborhoods,” Feb. 3, Local News).
This spread of wealth into rural areas includes the cities of Duvall, Carnation, Snoqualmie and North Bend. These homeowners had the money to buy in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle but opted for rural living. Those who espouse that urban density will reverse or halt this housing expansion into rural areas are denying the desire for traditional homes, yards, parking, and freedom from crime, encampments, noise and graffiti.
Giving up Seattle residential areas to expensive tree-canopy-killing redevelopment will accelerate the suburban flight of families seeking a home with a yard. Want more sprawl? Greenlight redeveloping Seattle’s shrinking residential neighborhoods.
Joe Wall, Seattle
