WebStamp November 29, 2017
Advantages of Tiny House Communities
We all have heard of the many advantages that tiny house (TH) living can have. We are also aware TH living is economical housing providing savings in money and reduce maintenance and upkeep, while providing more leisure time for a higher quality of life and save the environment. However, the advantages that TH communities can provide to a city living environment, such as less urban sprawl, reduced traffic congestion, and a larger tax base, are basically neglected. As part of my M.A.D. Move to make changes I would like to relate some of my ideas on how TH Urban Communities can improve the local economy and benefit city infrastructure.
A mobile home park is a good example of how a TH community can exist and provide comfortable affordable housing in a city environment. Having TH communities, you slow down city expansion relieving the city from having to build additional roads and utilities. The city could also increase the tax revenue base by taxing smaller lots slightly higher. Because of the higher density and a larger burden on infrastructure this cost is justified for the additional maintenance required.
With a higher density zoning within the city we also reduce traffic congestion. People will have less of a distance to commute, compared to coming from the outskirts of the city, providing more time for rest and relaxation. Many more individuals will find that they may be closer to work and activities and take alternative transportation such as walking, cycling, and transit. Less time spent commuting also results in a cleaner environment with more manageable traffic.
When you have the majority of the population not spending most of their income on housing, they have the funds to pursue recreational and leisure activities. Not only will this benefit and uplift a person’s spirit, but also helps the local economy by supporting local businesses. This leads to a more prosperous city filled with contented citizens.
Tiny House Communities are like a village within the city providing close-knit and safe communities. These TH neighbourhoods offer an easier way to socialize with your neighbours and encourages community participation. Among several tiny homes, one could have the snow blower, another the lawnmower, while another has the gardening tools. It could also be agreed upon that snow clearing, or mowing are shared among homeowners, promoting a healthier social interaction within the community.
These are a few additional benefits with a tiny house community that many have not considered. I am sure there are several more advantages with TH communities in an urban environment. We at WebStamp would like to hear your thoughts about the advantages of having TH communities built within city limits. The biggest obstacle in today’s society with developing these neighbourhoods are the rules and regulations, mainly those dealing with land use.
Make A Difference and join the M.A.D. Movement towards creating affordable housing for Calgarians. Give us your thoughts on how we can encourage City Council to change the land use bylaws so we can develop places for tiny homes where homeowners won’t get evicted from. Tiny house communities within city limits can have many benefits for the residents, the community, and the city.
Share This Article
http://www.k-state.edu/media/newsreleases/2016-10/tinyhouses10316.html
http://cjonline.com/news/2016-11-05/tiny-houses-could-produce-big-benefits
http://abcnews.go.com/Business/living-tiny-home-benefits-drawbacks/story?id=17742823
https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/housing/info-2015/tiny-houses-are-becoming-a-big-deal.html
Articles in this Issue
Improving the Local Economy
by Connecting Calgarians
With their Communities