Remember that the beautiful, vibrant neighbourhoods we campaign for aren't monocultures, but diverse spaces for all kinds of living (within reason). 4-6 storeys is expected, as are 1-3 and even 26. The magic is in the planning and use, not so much the verticality.

Have a look at Vancouver's West End for example. I lived there for around 10 years and it's really doing a great job in all the right categories. There's some single family homes, some town homes, small apartment blocks, historical homes, and some skyscrapers, all situated around mixed use commercial/residential areas, parks, cycling, and transit. It's not perfect, but it's pretty great for North America.

Amsterdam, our favourite model (I lived there for 5 years) also has a broad mix of densities. Though it definitely favours 2-4 storeys, there are many different elevations and I lived in a gorgeous 6-storey apartment block off the Veemkade for some of the greatest years of my life.

So don't worry so much about the height. Worry about the spaces between and how they're planned. Is the transit good, are they prioritising people over cars? Are there parks and other walkable spaces, as well as space for cafés and grocers? That's the magic right there.

What do you think?

Sounds great!

Could you still support higher density housing when it means something twice the height going into your neighborhood, hundreds of tenants where now it’s 3-10 per building?

100%. Put it in my literal backyard for all I care.

What would you do when you get what you were asking for but it’s in your neighborhood and way out of scale?

Rejoice at the possibility of having a large local social network and get to know the neighbors as they trickle in.

Having grown up in both "single family zoned neighborhoods" (although they're called something different from where I'm from) and "mixed density neighborhoods" (where 3-4 storey buildings and single family homes are put together), it just feels a little different for the first few days. You get used to it real quick!

I think a lot depends on the actual architecture and the surroundings. I've lived in several 4-6 buildings and they were really different - in terms of contact with other neighbors, cleanliness, general vibe and quality of life, ... I prefer them because resource consumption for single family houses is insane (at least with the types of buildings in Germany) and they allow for more space to be used for other things, like green spaces, while still keeping everything walkable.

It was a great idea when things were grouped by size. But now it’s a behemoth towering over three deckers and the like, and even looming near single family housing.

You can't have a transition without a transitionary period. For the next few years, it'll likely feel odd and weird but in a few more years, you probably couldn't imagine the neighbourhood without it and when the next couple of buildings of similar size will appear in the next decade, it'll all feel normal.

I also think you're exaggerating a little here. 6 stories isn't that high, especially when there's three deckers around.

I grew up in a single story building in a neighbourhood with all kinds of building heights with the highest right around the corner. I don't know how tall it is exactly but it's at least 10 stories. It all still works out.

yes, definitely. the increased housing without increasing infrastructure expenses will bring in lots of revenue for parks, services, and other programs to benefit the community.

I too live in a state that's eliminating stagnating regulation, which in turn is causing my town and neighboring towns to catch up with extreme housing demands. I imagine we both will experience an awkward phase as some lots get updated buildings next to lots that haven't seen construction in 60+ years.

I view my recent experience as long needed development. There's no way a developer would plunge that much money into a building if they didn't believe they could sell the apartments/condos. I'd watch to see how fast they sell out, if they haven't already. Consider investing in nearby development if the complex sells quick. Maybe also consider moving further down the train line if you're looking for a less dense neighborhood.

Yeah I am walking the walk. I live in a mid-rise and there are zoning applications for highrises. I'm going to advocate for non-market/not-for-profit/co-op housing in my area. I will support affordable higher density housing even if it means I will be displaced to make way for it. We aren't going to solve the housing and rent crises, and also improving transit if we keep opposing things due to them "feeling out of place".

What your city might be struggling with is the "missing middle". This may sound insensitive but where your single family home is, a 3 to 7 storey building needs to be. Then the high density doesn't feel out of place between a bunch of medium density, and further the low density just outside of that doesn't feel out of place next to medium density.

Problem is many medium density buildings are old because city governments have been making it difficult to build medium density through their bylaws.

Pointing out that the proposed development would be out of place does not make you a hypocrite. Maybe you and any like-minded neighbors can explain your viewpoint, emphasizing that you would be happy with a smaller apartment building.

It may be that in a few decades, such structures will not look so out of place in your neighborhood. Developers seem to think there's a demand. You live in a desirable location.

I can commiserate. I'm in a similar area, with a mix of single family homes, duplexes, and small apartments, a few blocks from a walkable downtown. I don't think a 6 story building would be aesthetically pleasing next to the 2-3 story structures near me.

With that said, I emailed my representatives, and hope to attend the city meeting in support of a new zoning plan allowing for more apartments and businesses, without parking minimums in my neighborhood.

We don’t have zoning here like you do in NA. We get more and more new mixed neighbourhoods with family houses (ground floor + first floor usually) sprinkled between mid-size apartments buildings (ground floor + 5 levels on top). There are shops, schools, kg, restaurants and bars in the ground floor of the apt buildings, people living there has a parking spot underneath and are 10 minutes walk from the commuting train. They are all built with an oasis mindset : limited street level parking, trees and walkable paths between the buildings, field type areas between them with lots of trees and grass where people can go enjoy summer and kids can play.

We are a culture of owners so most of the apts and houses are lived in by the people who own them. A few might be real estate investment but if they are rented, it’s for families that stay long term.

Overall, it’s quite nice and I’m quite sad we didn’t build those neighbourhoods in the 70/80s instead of theee gigantic apt complexes with concrete everywhere and next to it rows of houses.

What are you even afraid is going to happen? Cannot wrap my head around this.

I don't mind the additional people as long as they're not driving around. It means more activities, more public services, more hot singles in my area.

Blocking sunlight or a nice view is a harder pill to swallow, but that's life and there are ways to adapt.