To what extent should a home be forced to fit within a neighborhood’s character?

House sandwich
Two new homes sandwich an older home on the 5300 block of Zenith Avenue S., Monday, Mar. 17, 2014 in Minneapolis. Jennifer Simonson/MPR News

"Five upscale neighborhoods have been at the epicenter of an unprecedented building boom, which has led to a barrage of complaints from neighbors concerned about oversized homes, construction noise and debris, writes MPR News reporter Curtis Gilbert.

The growing dispute pits longtime residents who want to retain the charm of quiet, wooded streets and modest homes against newcomers who want to raze outdated houses and replace them with larger, modern homes.

Home builders say the moratorium, which the council passed quietly earlier this month, is an overreaction to concerns about overbuilding. They want the council to repeal the measure.

Today's Question: To what extent should a home be forced to fit within a neighborhood's character?

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