The Housing Issue Begins to Bite

As we’re reminded constantly, the U.S. is an increasingly polarized society, politically and otherwise. It is getting ever more so “otherwise” in the housing market, where many enjoy rising property values and easy mortgage payments while others are pressed for shelter anywhere near their desired locations. This affordability issue has gained steam, and is causing political change followed by political backlash–so, more polarization. To wit: many comfortable communities, such as the New Jersey suburb cited in this Gothamist article from last week, do not want many if any lower-cost units added to their jurisdictions. This may reflect snobby prejudice or, instead, distaste for more traffic congestion, school crowding or environmental effects (e.g., sewage and garbage). In blue states such as New Jersey, legislatures increasingly are commanding–with the help of courts, as in this case–the localities to bend, either to affordable-housing quotas or to greater leeway for developers to build. It is easy to see how, from one side, this is adding to grievance that “liberal elites” are forcing putatively middle-class Americans close to home to succumb to rules that disrupt their preferred ways. From the other side, it’s a different coloration. Of course, housing doesn’t always cut so cleanly in politics–libertarians and many businesspeople favor greater construction opportunities, and not a few of the leafy-lawned suburbanites are left of center in their other lives. But in the 2024 climate, any dispute can send parties to the familiar outrage corners for settling matters…just how?

https://gothamist.com/news/court-tells-wealthy-nj-town-well-decide-where-youll-put-affordable-housing