Sometimes local residents can inspire and catalyze new development, and sometimes, local residents do everything they can to stall new development. When there is a dire need for more housing, it's necessary to come up with strategies to combat the not in my back yard sentiment. Eve Picker, former HIVE dean, offers these four tips to make sure your project comes to fruition.
If you’ve been paying even the slightest attention to the housing market, you know that we are in the midst of a housing crisis. Cities across the country are experiencing heightened levels of homelessness and housing insecurity, with the problem being most severe in West Coast cities like Los Angeles, Seattle, Portland, and San Francisco. There is no single reason for the housing crisis, but a major contributing factor is the rampant NIMBY-ism that affects our communities, from the soaring heights of Billionaire’s Row in San Francisco to suburban bedroom communities outside of Tampa.
How can developers avoid the roadblocks created by “Not in My Backyard” local stakeholders?
Share your vision
It is critical that you show local stakeholders how your vision can improve their neighborhood and their lives. For example, in many housing crisis-afflicted cities, there is a push to rezone neighborhoods to permit ADUs or accessory dwelling units. ADUs allow for the construction of additional residences on lots zoned for single-family residences. Think a small home on a lot that already has an existing structure.
