What is California to do about all these shopping malls and big box retail stores left empty by consumers shopping through the internet? One possible answer is to build housing on these sites in crowded California cities.
According to Star Tribune local zoning laws often don't allow housing at these locations. Changing the zoning is such a hassle that many developers don't bother trying. However, with a stubborn housing shortage pushing prices to all-time highs, state lawmakers are moving to pass new laws to get around those barriers. A bill that cleared the state Senate would let developers build houses on the most commercial sites without changing the zoning.
How do the residents feel? Mike Griffiths, a member of the Torrance City Council and founder of California Cities for Local Control, joins John and Ken with some answers. Take a listen to the interview below.