New York NIMBYs Turn Against Democracy

This article discusses the struggle in New York City to address its housing shortage, specifically focusing on the City Council's attempts to block ballot measures designed to simplify the permitting process and increase housing development. It delves into the concept of "member deference," a discretionary power allowing individual legislators to halt housing proposals in their districts, and critiques how this undermines democratic processes. The piece provides historical context, tracing the evolution of urban planning and citizen participation from the mid-20th century pro-growth machines to the anti-growth mechanisms of today, highlighting how both can lead to dysfunction. It concludes by arguing that voters should have a say in development policies and notes a potential solution in rescheduling municipal elections to coincide with higher-turnout federal and state elections.