Livingston Philanthropies founder Jeff Friedman (a selfdescribed “cub reporter” for the Tribune), in his recent travels through town, could not help but notice a growing pattern. It is one many of us have likely encountered over the past few years. Seemingly, a large majority of homes sold in Livingston are being knocked down, rebuilt as large as the lot can legally allow (many times requiring special variances to be permitted to do so), and then flipped for a large profit.
The result of this practice – which is certainly not unique to Livingston, though it does appear to be more pervasive here than in many other neighboring communities – is that young families are being priced out of living in town. Gone are the “starter homes” that invite a new generation into Livingston, and in their place are miniature compounds that regularly sell for well over a million dollars apiece.
This is not the ideal situation for a healthy community. Pricing out young people from living in town results in ripple effects that may not be immediately obvious, but are certainly dire. To give just one example of this, in past decades, it was these young adults that filled out our volunteer first responder squads. Fewer 20- and 30-somethings being able to afford to live in the community has a direct effect on the membership of our Fire Department and First Aid Squad. The average age of these organizations is now older, with fewer new members joining the ranks. The next time a 200-acre wildfire hits Livingston, what if we lack the resources to contain it? While this is not in imminent danger of occurring, it is nonetheless a scary thought.
Is there a solution to this issue? Perhaps not. But it is worth recognizing what we are losing when we say goodbye to these modestly-sized homes.Times are tough for many at the moment, particularly the type of young families who would love to start their lives in Livingston. This town would look a lot less vibrant without them. Hopefully, over the next few years, more people consider keeping smaller homes intact once they are purchased, allowing the next generation of Livingstonites to set down roots.
