Good for kids, but the neighborhood?

It seems to me that the Engs family tore down a fine traditional home, the design of which fit perfectly with its lovely Cheviot Hills neighborhood (“Addition by Subtraction,” July 8). How do aluminum windows and exposed sheet metal tie in with the traditional homes by the Engses? Perhaps they should have consulted their neighbors and obtained input about how their proposed design would affect those living nearby.

This house may be a good example of why there is a groundswell to establish Historic Preservation Overlay Zones.

As for wanting to “let the kids live in their house,” amen -- but part of growing up and learning respect for individuals and the community as whole is to learn to be careful and respectful of one’s surroundings and possessions. Being able to hose off a living room floor may not provide the best setting in which to teach and learn this lesson.

Toby Horn

Los Angeles

Editor’s note: The Engses showed the plans to their neighbors, who were hesitant at first but then embraced the design that replaced a dilapidated ‘40s home built by a nonprofessional.