Harvard University professor Naomi Oreskes writes a defense of NIMBYism, asking that we rethink he use of the term by considering the community-protecting motives of many NIMBYs.
"Communities and individuals who oppose fracking, nuclear power, high-voltage power lines, and diverse other forms of development have all been accused of NIMBYism," writes Naomi Oreskes, "It’s time to rethink this term."
Oreskes cites the example of the recent controversy over Northern Pass, a plan to bring hydroelectric power from Quebec to southern New England: "By dismissing opponents as NIMBYists, proponents of Northern Pass and other projects shut down conversations that we should be having about the things we value, including quiet, safety, security, and peace of mind."
Shutting down discussion like that, says Oreskes, raises troubling questions about democracy: "Who gets to decide? Who has the burden of proof? And how should citizens be compensated if a collective decision to drill, frack or burn has apparently injured them, but it can’t be proved because no one did the baseline studies that should have been done but weren’t?"
FULL STORY: Stop hating on NIMBYs. They’re saving communities.
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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
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Half of Post-Fire Altadena Home Sales Were to Corporations
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Opinion: What San Francisco’s Proposed ‘Family Zoning’ Could Really Mean
Mayor Lurie is using ‘family zoning’ to encourage denser development and upzoning — but could the concept actually foster community and more human-scale public spaces?
Jacksonville Launches First Autonomous Transit Shuttle in US
A fleet of 14 fully autonomous vehicles will serve a 3.5-mile downtown Jacksonville route with 12 stops.
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.
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Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
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Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
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