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> any argument predicated on "preserving the character" is disingenuous at best and racist at worst

Calling NIMBYism's "preserving the character" argument disingenuous is probably going too far. That really is the problem many NIMBYs have with proposed developments. They like their neighbourhood exactly how it is, and if they could mandate perfect stasis they would.

It may not be a persuasive argument, but in many cases it is genuine.

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> They like their neighbourhood exactly how it is, and if they could mandate perfect stasis they would.

Y'know, if a community wants to have _perfect_ stasis like that, it should be allowed. Which of course also means that when you sell your property, any gains in land value should also be taxed away and the property's max rent should also be locked in at purchase time. This would of course, even more preserve the character of the neighborhood. Otherwise it is too convenient for NIMBYs that their policy preference also happens to align with their economic interests.

(/s obviously, though a land value tax would be excellent)

Well their property tax does stay in perfect stasis, at least in cali ;)

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