UNDERSTANDING SMART GROWTH: WHAT IS A NIMBY?

Go away! We don’t want you here: When current residents want to protect the value of their homes, they will often pressure their elected officials to change the zoning laws in town, thus creating the not-in-my-back-yard (NIMBY) downzoning phenomenon that only allows large homes on large lots to be built. This is the very definition of sprawl.

It is possible to balance New Jersey’s future growth with open space protection and preservation. The key is counterweighing all the advantages, disadvantages and opinions to focus on what people really need.

We would all like to see our cities revitalized, because strong cities strengthen the surrounding suburbs. Yet, redeveloping New Jersey’s urban areas will only meet a small percentage of the state’s housing needs. Development has to happen in the suburbs. Banning homes in the suburbs will not make the cities more livable.