Maybe a good compromise would be to raze these monstrosities and build greener, smaller, more affordable housing. There's a big need for that, and I think there will be a growing demand as well. Replant trees in these subdivisions, provide space for gardens, have a community area. If I were a developer, you better believe I'd be doing this, both for ethical and profitable reasons.

I have never understood the attraction of those soulless treeless neighborhoods full of sterile boxes, no one outside, no kids playing, everyone sealed in their oversized building with garages so you don't have to encounter your neighbor.... One of these places is going in right behind me, and they ripped out old woods and displaced all the animals -- all that remains is maybe 2-3 acres out of what was probably 20 or more. It was horrible hearing the foxes screaming at night for a while, seeing animals that I've never encountered before wandering into my yard. And 14 months later, not a single one of the houses has sold. And yet they keep building them. Insane.