Communities march against 'McMansions'

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http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/03/27/mcmansions.ap/index.html

Communities march against 'McMansions'
'We're losing mixed-income neighborhoods'

DELRAY BEACH, Florida (AP) -- Livia Landry likes life the way it is in this quaint tree-lined neighborhood a few blocks from downtown -- front porches with wind chimes and potted plants jutting out into sunshine-filled, perfectly groomed green yards.

Young mothers push sporty three-wheeled strollers up sidewalks past century-old homes, chatting with neighbors about the day's events.

Lately, talk has turned to history as this seaside city confronts a growing national trend, the "tear-down phenomenon," with wealthy buyers replacing turn-of-the-century bungalows on tiny lots with so-called McMansions.

Plainly put, it's out with the old and in with the new.

Communities across the country are grappling with the issue in a mad dash to save character. From Delaware to Georgia to California and Florida, historic homes are being demolished and replaced with 6,000-square-foot palatial properties.