NIMBY is an initialism for “Not in my backyard.” It categorizes a frequent objection to new construction or new residents in a neighborhood. It affects affordable housing that might be smaller or on a smaller lot than the norm for the neighborhood. Or construction that will create traffic or parking congestion. Or that will house populations considered problematic—mentally ill, criminal, formerly homeless, etc.
Almost everyone supports affordable or government-subsidized housing but “not in my backyard.”
“The NIMBYs are all coming to the zoning hearing.”
“The design doesn’t fit this historic district” is often a NIMBY objection.
