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You see the problem is one of incentives. New people want more housing but can’t vote because they aren’t residents. Old people want high real estate prices an
by Swizec 5y ago
You see the problem is one of incentives.
New people want more housing but can’t vote because they aren’t residents. Old people want high real estate prices and can vote because they’re residents or own property.
Guess who wins when it’s time for local political leadership to decide on important issues.
Now if housing wasn’t considered an investment and prices were kept flat somehow, that would solve the nimby problem immediately. But it would also bankrupt several generations of existing homeowners so we can’t do that.
- nradov 5y agoIf you actually talk to the existing homeowners you'll find that they're more concerned about maintaining a certain lifestyle than real estate values.
- mthoms 5y agoI'm not so sure about that. I think that it's just kind of taboo to admit that property value is important. Granted, I don't think it's their only motivation. Obviously, lifestyle is a big factor for these people too.
- themitigating 5y agoIf they are being asked about why they voted against expansion wouldn't it be in their best interest to provide a subjective reason that is difficult to argue against instead of saying "money"