NIMBY and CARE

Recently Builder Magazine published an article on the impact local housing policies have on the long term viability of the community. They cited two case studies and how NIMBYism has been a detriment to the economic growth of the community.

As you know by now, I have been in the housing industry for a long time! Every time there is momentum in the housing industry, the economy resets and recessionary factors keep prices in check, until now.

The primary reason why we had a housing bubble – at least in my non-expert opinion, is that the 2001 recession was mild for housing and prices were not reset, most likely due to interest rates staying low.

In any event, local municipalities can’t focus on the future when they must channel all of their energy on keeping the government entity viable.

It is time for local governments to change their zoning ordinances and maps to increase densities, promote mixed uses, and micro-plan areas. The competition for jobs and companies will be intense. Social, environmental, energy, transportation, and economic factors guiding growth will win in the future only if government seeks input from citizens who are:

NIMBY --- Not in my Back Yard               or                CARE ---- Citizens Against Really Everything

Who will win the planning fight of the future, NIMBY or CARE or those seeking sustainable community developments?

I happen to believe sustainable community approaches are the key to successful real estate development projects in the future. Higher densities and mixed uses meeting the definition of a sustainable community project. The housing industry must lead and everyone will follow. Instead of NIMBY or CARE, we need HOPE ---- housing opportunities please everyone!