In South Carolina, there are plenty of N.I.M.B.Y.s. People who understand the need for affordable housing or some other government project and support the project, as long as it’s “Not In My Back Yard.” Opposition is usually centered on property values or traffic congestion.1
I’ve lately seen something a little different. A new type of N.I.M.B.Y. —
“NOTHING In My Back Yard.”
South Carolina is the fastest growing state in the nation and development is coming to the entire state, especially suburban and rural areas. These new developments are being met with intense pushback by MAGA Republicans who want to freeze ALL development. Even responsible development. Two select examples from my county:
The Town of Irmo has approved a large mixed-use development. They’ve taken their time and worked with the developer to address concerns about schools, traffic and services. It’s a mix of premium housing and retail, with a section dedicated to senior living. Pushback has been intense, including several lawsuits. But after a year or so, the town council has approved the development.2
The Town of Chapin is imploding over the development of neighborhood just outside of city limits. There is a contract signed by a previous council to supply water service to this area, but the new mayor is refusing to provide water service to these new developments. The council is trying to limit the mayor’s power, and the county is suing the town for breach of contract. (This is a quick summary. The actual situation is truly insane and more complicated.) These are premium homes by an award winning developer, but from the comments on social media from residents, you’d think they were building a data center.
These are far from the only examples. For these people, NO development would be appropriate. Vacant lots should stay vacant. They are terrified of any change. Even potentially positive change.
I’d classify most conservatives in South Carolina as fiscal conservatives. They want to encourage economic development and build the tax base, so they can continue to lower taxes. But these MAGA conservatives are different. They want all growth to stop. They claim to be ultra capitalists, but then want to control development. In South Carolina at least, the fiscal conservatives seem to be losing patience with the MAGA conservatives and pushing development forward.3
Bob Wertz is a type designer, Ph.D. student and researcher living in Columbia, South Carolina. He’s been blogging since 2008, never writes about politics, and will probably regret this post.
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