I first encountered the acronym NIMBY (“Not In My Backyard”) two decades ago when the $5 billion Atlantic Yards project in Brooklyn was announced. This term has since become intertwined with the broader housing crisis in America.
Atlantic Yards, now known as Pacific Park, aimed to transform Atlantic Avenue at the Flatbush Avenue intersection into a major transit hub featuring the Barclays Center, retail spaces, and more. The project faced significant opposition from owners of expensive brownstones in the affluent Prospect Heights/Park Slope area, who feared it would harm their neighborhood and decrease their property values. Over the years, many small businesses and apartments were demolished through eminent domain.
Brooklyn today is almost unrecognizable, with numerous expensive condo developments and skyrocketing real estate prices, which have displaced long-time residents. Homeowners who feared their property values wouldn’t appreciate due to the development were mistaken.
Changing Perceptions of NIMBYism
While the NIMBY movement couldn’t stop the Atlantic Yards project and some argue that gentrification was already well underway, the connotations of NIMBY have evolved significantly. Initially, it referred to neighbors resisting apartment developments and was seen positively as a way to protect communities. Today, it’s associated with efforts to keep people out and maintain high property prices, contributing to increased racial segregation and wealth inequality.
A Complex Issue
NIMBYs and YIMBYs (“Yes, In My Backyard”) have been at odds for decades. YIMBYs support high-density development, while NIMBYs oppose it. The conflict encompasses a range of issues, including politics, finance, zoning laws, racial segregation, and quality of life. California Governor Gavin Newsom has even stated that “NIMBYism is destroying the state.”
Historically, developers were seen as villains profiting at the expense of green spaces and close-knit communities. Now, with a homelessness crisis and a severe shortage of affordable housing, developers are viewed as essential for building affordable homes.
Racial Disparities in Development
The term NIMBY is often linked to white neighborhoods, while Black neighborhoods historically lacked the community-based voices to protect their assets. For example, in 1957, Pittsburgh’s Bethel AME church in the Hill District was demolished under eminent domain for the Civic Arena, while a nearby white Catholic church remained. The loss was profound for the Black community, which had no legal recourse.
In a notable gesture, the Pittsburgh Penguins recently returned the development rights for the church’s old site to Bethel AME, underscoring the need for affordable housing in the area.
The Ongoing NIMBY vs. YIMBY Debate
The NIMBY movement is particularly strong in places like New York’s Long Island, where local leaders oppose Governor Kathy Hochul’s plans to build faith-based housing in suburban areas. Similar battles are being fought across the country, reflecting deep divisions over zoning laws and development.
In Miami’s South Dade County, residents successfully opposed a zoning change to build an assisted living facility, reflecting broader tensions over housing development.
Final Thoughts
As the housing crisis and affordability issues continue to dominate political discussions, NIMBYs and YIMBYs are gearing up for further battles. Politicians are also proposing various solutions, but the debate over how to address the need for affordable housing remains contentious. The intersection of interest rates, cost of living, and development policies will keep this issue at the forefront of national discourse.
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