Weekend Reading: Density Helps Productivity, Economist Writer Says

It is a bit of a conundrum, especially when you think about excessive density in mega-cities such as Mexico City and Manila and the idea of rush-hour congestion.

But greater density, argues economics writer Ryan Avent, is one way to boost higher wages and economic growth. Of course, density does not always equal these outcomes. The New York Times on Saturday ran an essay by the writer for The Economist in which he contends:

Some studies suggest that doubling density raises productivity by around 6 percent while others peg the impact at up to 28 percent....density explains more of the productivity gap across states than education levels or industry concentrations or tax policies.

How does this apply to Sammamish, if it does at all? If you support Avent's argument, which should be read in full, wouldn't greater density be beneficial in Sammamish?

The city has its Town Center plan, of course. Part of the plan is to have businesses eventually locate in that area. Some residents, though, have reservations about the overall concept. The transfer of development rights in the city's Town Center and surrounding area recently was in the news.

Yet, in the context of greater density and open space, Sammamish residents live in a city which has a rural-suburban mix. The trees, mountain views and lakes add to the residential quality of life. Residential real estate remains important in the city. Its main business district is on the Plateau.

But is Avent right? If so, where in the Seattle area should density occur at a more rapid pace? In Western Washington's big city of Seattle? In Bellevue, the largest municipality on the Eastside? Bellevue already has office towers, one of the region's largest shopping malls and high-rise residential buildings. Or in Sammamish? Or is more density a poor fit for the city?

Years ago, when the economy was stronger, I interviewed commercial real estate developers and leaders in the Seattle life sciences and biotechnology industries. They made the case for the proximity of research centers in Seattle - so specialists from different offices could easily talk to one another in person to brainstorm and work together.

Certainly, these days, technological advancements - and the size of an iPhone, iPad or Droid phone - help productive people do their work from remote places. But have you seen all those new buildings, which include research labs, commercial offices and university space, in the South Lake Union neighborhood of Seattle?

Sammamish also is home to residents, who work in some of the leading companies in the Seattle region. So, the beehive idea to stimulate a market likely crossed their desks or entered their minds. A push for density also helps economic growth, especially in construction.

The flipside, though, with greater density is that views get blocked, the environment is affected, utilities are needed, more people are in town, trees can go down and more cars, trucks, SUVs, vans and buses occupy the roads. Also needed in the formula: Investment dollars and market demand to ensure sustainability.

Recently in Sammamish, with the , planners and consultants even considered the addition of two traffic circles along 228th Avenue, given the expected number of people who would drive to to use the fitness facility. City leaders and some residents, though, balked at the high price.

Years ago, I traveled to big East Coast cities. One thing I noticed, on the street level at least, was that my clothing had a little more exhaust-in-the-fabric feeling at the end of the day. Space for kids to play and people to exercise was limited. At times, in certain crowded neighborhoods, it was easier to walk near a curb or in the street than down the middle of a sidewalk.

But it was easy to take a subway, which at times was standing-room only, and then walk to a world-class museum. Along the way, I spotted offices of major corporations. Later, with relative ease, I stopped off at a quaint restaurant for some delicious dessert.

-- Brad Wong, Sammamish Patch editor