In her Aug. 4 guest perspective, Laurie Hietter asserted that “The most sustainable, climate-friendly development is rehabilitating existing properties, not replacing them.” As a Ph.D. climate scientist and professor, with extensive experience in climate change discussions organized by international government agencies, I must respectfully challenge this viewpoint. While preserving historical structures holds cultural significance, it’s important to recognize the broader environmental implications.
Maintenance of aging buildings often demands a significant allocation of resources. This involves sourcing custom materials and employing specialized labor, which can lead to increased energy consumption and emissions. Outdated plumbing, electrical systems and insulation contribute to energy inefficiency, resulting in higher utility costs and elevated greenhouse gas emissions. The structure of the old buildings often makes updating these system significantly costly, and sometimes only compromised measures can be practical. Over time, the ongoing cycle of repairs not only strains financial resources but also exacerbates the building’s carbon footprint.
Historical buildings also face challenges in adapting to evolving environmental and technological standards. Their inflexible nature impedes the integration of modern building codes, accessibility requirements and climate resilience measures.
Mandating all homeowners to preserve the historical appearance of their homes adds a significant burden to those who wish to embrace innovation, efficiency and flexibility to contribute to a greener and more adaptable urban environment.
Chih-Pei Chang
San Mateo
The letter writer is a distinguished professor, U.S. Naval Postgraduate School.
Yes professor - you could say the same for the elderly. They are far too expensive, so let's get rid of them. Is she thinking about folks like Biden and Feinstein? And she is teaching our young military might? Heaven help us. I know a bit about improving building efficiency. I managed a multi-million dollar program for the University of California system. Would she tear down stately buildings at Berkeley and UCLA? Those campuses have found a cost effective way to keep them functioning. She needs to go back to her cubicle, surrounds herself with approved IKEA art, and quietly study common sense.
Dictating what your neighbors values should be, is way off line. Laurie Heitter can apply for an individual historic designation and get her plaque. Respect the rights of your neighbors and do not force your values on everyone. If you want to change things start with the Planning department ordinances, not the property rights of your neighbors. People paid lots of money for their homes, and they should have a voice in what happens. Baywood residents want this application to come to a vote. Let the voters decide. Don't trample over the rights of your neighbors.
I don't know what distinguishes her but energy efficiency in building is definitely not one of her strengths. I wonder what she teaches there, woke basket weaving?
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(5) comments
Yes professor - you could say the same for the elderly. They are far too expensive, so let's get rid of them. Is she thinking about folks like Biden and Feinstein? And she is teaching our young military might? Heaven help us. I know a bit about improving building efficiency. I managed a multi-million dollar program for the University of California system. Would she tear down stately buildings at Berkeley and UCLA? Those campuses have found a cost effective way to keep them functioning. She needs to go back to her cubicle, surrounds herself with approved IKEA art, and quietly study common sense.
Dictating what your neighbors values should be, is way off line. Laurie Heitter can apply for an individual historic designation and get her plaque. Respect the rights of your neighbors and do not force your values on everyone. If you want to change things start with the Planning department ordinances, not the property rights of your neighbors. People paid lots of money for their homes, and they should have a voice in what happens. Baywood residents want this application to come to a vote. Let the voters decide. Don't trample over the rights of your neighbors.
Anna - I agree! Good points!
Chih-Pei Chang’s letter is well written and highlights many of the hindrances and concerns that an Historic Designation would dictate.
I don't know what distinguishes her but energy efficiency in building is definitely not one of her strengths. I wonder what she teaches there, woke basket weaving?
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Keep the discussion civilized. Absolutely NO personal attacks or insults directed toward writers, nor others who make comments.
Keep it clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
Don't threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Anyone violating these rules will be issued a warning. After the warning, comment privileges can be revoked.