Article Reflection No. 39 (1/29/2023)

Article: Senior Housing That Seniors Actually Like

Reflection:

In the article “Senior Housing That Seniors Actually Like” by Paula Span, the journalist explains the different perspectives surrounding accessory dwelling units (A.D.U.s), or smaller house structures annexed to a main house. According to the article, A.D.U.s are rising in prevalence, a seemingly appealing location as members of older demographics are able to live in close proximity to their family members. In California, Span writes, there was a large increase of approximately 18,800 permits from 2016 to 2021. Despite this increase, others have expressed doubt about the A.D.U.s because of “single--family zoning, [which was] widely used since the 1950s to control development” (Span 19).

I wonder how A.D.U. will further affect the economy. Given how the article states that the median cost to construct an A.D.U. was $150,000 in California, how will the housing market be affected? How is this correlated with inflation?

(The New York Times)