[DenisM]

I'm all for build-out, but you have an interesting point here. We need some sort of elastic build-out scheme, so that if/when people move out it doesn't turn into another Detroit.

Realistically I don't think it will happen in Seattle, I don't see a lot of people moving out. Even if there is a technology bust, where would those engineers go? I doubt there will be better jobs for them anywhere else...

[kgc]

Amazon should look into on-demand scalable housing solutions that you can pay for on a usage basis.

[celim307]

You're describing trailer park rentals. I'm in!

[vram22]

AHS - Amazon Housing Services (like AWS).

Multi-tenancy included :)

If ol' Jeff picks up the idea, he should give me and parent commenter a cut.

[dacox]

Build out has happened in Vancouver, and it really needs to focus on building up instead. Pushing working people into neighbouring communities in the metro area isn't the worst, but it's drifting farther and farther out. Whereas closer cities already had their own communities, I feel like too many people are flocking to towns that have no reason to exist other than their (relative) proximity to Vancouver.

[DenisM]

Sure thing, I'm all for building up. Buildout does not have to be bad if you have public transport. I would take 60 minutes riding on a train over 30 minutes driving in a car.

[jimmywanger]

> I would take 60 minutes riding on a train over 30 minutes driving in a car.

That's not precisely the case. Did you take into account the time it takes to get to the train, the waiting time, and the time it takes to get to work after you get off the train?

I was waiting 10 minutes (nominally from the train) from work. I had to drive 7 minutes to the train, wait 5 minutes (train was 10 minutes, and I like to get to the station 5 minutes before the train shows up) and the train is generally late. And then a 20 minute walk to my job.

[DenisM]

I see your point.

I'll tell you where I'm coming from. Walking, in a pleasing environment, is fun, excersize and mind-clearing rest. Riding a train is reading time. Driving is neither and it's an addition stress of being on the lookout for potentially fatal events around you.

In theory. In practice I still drive. :/

[skinnymuch]

You can walk around during most of those in between times. Not so when just driving.

[burger_moon]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Seattle_since_1940#...

This sounds similar to the current dependency on Amazon in the city.