Most major development projects proposed for urban environments are likely to be challenged by NIMBYs. Whether the project is a power plant, a sewer treatment facility, or public housing, opponents are likely to raise the rallying cry of “Not in My Back Yard.”…
Communication between public officials and citizens often occurs in the form of question-and-answer sessions during community meetings. Ideally, this interaction allows neighbors to learn more about proposed actions that affect them and for an official to learn more about residents’ concerns. Too often,…
Panic can spread at lightning speed. Rumors go out, sometimes aided and abetted by facts, sometimes not. People become emotionally attached to their views under pressure, and do illogical things. While this perfectly describes some NIMBY battles, the spread of irrational rumors is…
Project applicants in land use controversies often instinctively view neighbors as NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) adherents. But that’s not a given, because neighbors sometimes become strong supporters of real estate projects. There are two keys to motivating neighbors to stand up…
The room is packed with shouting, sign-waving opponents. The public record is crammed with postcards, petitions, and protests against your development project. Public officials seem reluctant to establish eye contact with you, and your staff continues to insist that you “do something” about…