NIMBYism With a Twist

Low-income residents of Brewerytown, PA are saying no to the development of 200 new upscale townhomes.

1 minute read

March 19, 2004, 5:00 AM PST

By Erin Clark


Generally, the NIMBY label (not-in-my-back-yard) is applied to middle class suburban homeowners who oppose lower income housing in their communities. In the case of Brewerytown, PA, it is low-income minorities who are slow to welcome middle class whites. One longtime resident fears that the proposed construction of luxury townhomes will change the character of his community and displace older families. In his words, 'we're not anti-development. Our desire is to see this neighborhood become wonderful. The only difference between our desire and others is that we want to be here when that happens.'"

Thanks to Erin Clark

Tuesday, March 16, 2004 in The Philadelphia Daily News

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