Lett@trs

Renovation Problems

David Cutler,

editor-publisher

The Merchant Magazine

4500 Campus Drive

Newport Beach, Caltf .92660

Dear Dave,

The editorial (October issue, p. 6) is beautiful in concept but obviously there's a lot more to it.

Since property values are predicated on the value of surrounding properties, an individual's opportunity is limited. Secondly, in California (and particularly the newer suburbs) the opportunity is different than in the older areas. And third, various government codes make such renovation very expensive and often impossible since such structures are at variance to master plans and only exist because they haVe been grandfathered in. And finally, the new tax code just passed by Congress has reduced the financial incentives for such renovation (except, I understand, in the case of abandoned apartments where the "loop hole" has been widened). Local taxes also discourage this.

Nevertheless, the single family residence is a prime opportunity and has seen a lot of action, particularly in the South Bay area. Due to red lining, many sections are by-passed and will continue to be by-passed.

It beats the hell out of me how you can have a "campaign" without first attacking the deterents and it would also seem that each community would require a different technique.

Chuck Caple

Beck Lumber and Hardware (C.E. Caple Co.)

22035 So. Main Carson. Ca.90745

Producttve Again

Dear Dave,

In response to your editorial "Conserving Another Resource ", I feel the nucleus of your report (Oct. p. 6) has tremendous merit.

The homes, offices, old buildings, etc., that are in "moth balls" at the present time surely could be, by renovation, restored to a productive community.

A good example are the areas of "Old Town" in Sacramento, Ca., and "Ghirardelli Square" in San Francisco. Some such areas are more often visited and business is better than some of our new shopping centers.

Keep spreading the word.

Rex Vowell

Louisiana-Pacific Corp.

3800 S.W. Cedar Blvd., Suite 200 Beaverton. Or. 97005

Off Fishing

Dear Friend Dave,

Here's a couple snap shots taken last July on the Medicine Lodge Creek in Idaho. No big ones but plenty of pan size.

We left ldaho in August and bought a home here in Sidney, Nebraska. We have a three bedroom home with attached Earage. Have painted inside and out plus putting up a chain link fence. Didn't know a 70 year old could do so much work. Ha!

Sure miss the Arizona Association meetings and the rest of you. I take the magazine so can read of Frank Davis, etc. so look forward to Your magazine which every lumberman needs to take as it surely helps me to know where to call and make purchases.

Miss our good times at the conventions also.

Ray A. Spelts

P.O. Box #192

Sidney, Nb.69162

Former Yuma, Az., lumberman Spelts is a past president of the Arizona Lumber & Builders Supply Association. -ed.

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