“Choose” is a critical word, too. We’ve chosen it partially because some laws setup over half a century ago have a lot of inertia, and have literally made it i

“Choose” is a critical word, too. We’ve chosen it partially because some laws setup over half a century ago have a lot of inertia, and have literally made it illegal to build many of the places you’re describing. Even when it’s not explicitly illegal, it can be stymied by people who were appointed who simply can’t imagine people wanting to live near public transit and not own a car. Just recently in Boston, a building that was 5 stories high, and a 5 minute walk to an excellent subway station, was rejected by the Zoning Board of Appeals. [1] The arguments made included that the building was too high, and that it lacked parking. At 5 stories high, it was 1 story higher than a very nearby building, and 2 stories higher than many residences near it, which are 3 stories. And it’s a 5 minute walk to a subway. That’s exactly the kind of place to live and not own a car. But the city zoning board didn’t think that was an acceptable way to live, and they chose not to… partially because the law gave them the ability to choose that, because not having minimum amounts of parking is illegal when building a new place to live. It’s illegal even if you live a 5 minute walk from a subway stop. [1] https://www.universalhub.com/2022/board-rejects-apartment-building-near-ashmont-t https://www.universalhub.com/2022/board-rejects-apartment-bu...