A new survey published by The Saint Consulting Group theorizes NIMBY attitudes are taking a back seat to the recession. NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) is a term used to “describe opposition by residents to a proposal for a new development close to them. Opposing residents themselves are sometimes called “Nimbies.”
The term was coined in the 1980s by British politician Nicholas Ridley, who was Conservative Secretary of State for the Environment,” according to the all-knowing Wikipedia.
Commercial projects and developments frequently fall prey to NIMBY oppositions, such as pristine farmland being developed into a subdivision. Chemical plants, wind farm turbines, smelly and noisy manufacturing operations, even shopping centers and power plants — all kinds of commercial ventures can spark opposition from neighbors and incite the locals.
Recession = New Practicality
At least, as long as the economy is just humming along. Apparently NIMBY-like behaviors decline when the public is either too preoccupied with their own problems to worry about what’s going on next door, or when they actually might recognize the newest Wal-Mart or big box retailer might bring them jobs. Tough times brings a new level of practicality out in the public.
The survey interviewed 1,000 adults nationwide and 68% stated they are “more likely to support new projects in their hometown in light of the current economic situation,” which is up 10% from the same time period one year ago.
In conflicting terms, however, most Americans still feel that their particular area is overdeveloped or fine as is. Only 24% said their town needs new development.
The most unwanted projects: a landfill (74% opposed), a casino (72%), and a quarry (59%). The projects with the most support: single family homes (87%) and groceries (74%). The Mid-Atlantic is the most actively NIMBY region, followed by the Northeast. The Midwest is the region most welcoming to local development.
The Saint Consulting Group specializes in winning zoning and land-use battles, according to their web page. To read the 2010 Saint Index, click on the hotlink provided for an executive summary.
Flickr photo courtesy epugachev
