The Fascism of TOD

This editorial from the Hawaii Reporter argues that plans for transit oriented development are "based in communist and fascist thinking" and that building rail and TOD will be bad for Hawaii's families.

2 minute read

February 24, 2008, 1:00 PM PST

By Nate Berg


"The idea behind TODs is to "limit sprawl." "Sprawl" is apparently a bad word for planners and the politicians they've bedazzled. But 'sprawl' is the outcome of what most people hope for (and work hard to achieve) ... especially families ... a house in a nice neighborhood with a little land for children to play. "Sprawl" is the result of the essentially the Ozzie and Harriet life ... the 'American Dream.'"

"Oh sure, these TODs are supposed to be nice, even expensive, places to live. But, TODs are ... and this is not politically correct to reference, but real none-the-less ... based in communist and fascist thinking. When thinking TODs, think "ghetto." And most ghettos were historically the result of 'social, economic or legal pressure.' Hum, sound familiar?"

"The mentality is that TODs will increase rail use. However, TODs across the country have failed, and Honolulu will be particularly hard-hit by such legislation."

"Why? My number one reason is that neither rail nor TODs are truly family-friendly."

"Rail does not address the needs of families, who use cars to go about their day-to-day living. Cars, not public transportation for the most part, get kids dropped off at school and to other daily activities and lessons. Cars help parents go grocery shopping and other errand-running. Life would be hugely more complicated for families without access to cars."

Friday, February 22, 2008 in Hawaii Reporter

View form second story inside Southdale Mall in Edina, Minnesota with escalators and model cars parked on downstairs floor.

The Mall Is Dead — Long Live the Mall

The American shopping mall may be closer to its original vision than ever.

March 21, 2024 - Governing

View of Austin, Texas skyline with river in foreground during morning golden hour.

The Paradox of American Housing

How the tension between housing as an asset and as an essential good keeps the supply inadequate and costs high.

March 26, 2024 - The Atlantic

Houston, Texas skyline.

Report: Las Vegas, Houston Top List of Least Affordable Cities

The report assesses the availability of affordable rental units for low-income households.

March 22, 2024 - Urban Edge

Aerial view of Anchorage, Alaska downtown with mountains in background at golden hour.

Anchorage Leaders Debate Zoning Reform Plan

Last year, the city produced the fewest new housing units in a decade.

3 hours ago - Anchorage Daily News

Young man in wheelchair crossing zebra crosswalk.

How to Protect Pedestrians With Disabilities

Public agencies don’t track traffic deaths and injuries involving disabled people, leaving a gap in data to guide safety interventions.

4 hours ago - Governing

Aerial view of mountain town of Steamboat Springs, Colorado in the winter with snow at dusk.

Colorado Town Fills Workforce Housing Need With ‘Dorm-Style’ Housing

Median rent in Steamboat Springs is $4,000 per month.

5 hours ago - CBS News

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.