Exclusionary Zoning

Suburban growth is not a new situation, particularly in western Union County.  The cause of this is attributed to the high quality of schools and low crime rates.  In fact, the schools consistently rank among the highest in the state and are nationally recognized.  This is 100% attributable to the teachers.

Adding fuel to the growth is that North Carolina was just rated by CNBC as the number one state to do business in America.

A simple web search on, “the best places to live in North Carolina”, and Charlotte comes up first.  It’s almost laughable to hear some people ask why there’s so much growth happening.  All of this makes me wonder why some of the current and previous County Commissioners chose to ignore these challenges during the past twenty years.

Failing to Plan is Planning to Fail.

With larger populations we can expect newcomers from diverse backgrounds and cultures, and we’re seeing this now in Waxhaw and greater Union County.

One of the ideologies employed by groups in our community who identify as, “Walls” is, Exclusionary Zoning.

Exclusionary zoning refers to local land-use regulations that indirectly prevent certain groups of people, often those with limited incomes, from living in a particular area, typically by limiting housing density or setting minimum lot sizes. While these regulations can affect a wide range of individuals, in many cases seniors can face specific challenges due to exclusionary zoning:

1. Limited Housing Options: Exclusionary zoning can reduce the availability of  housing options. Since many seniors are on fixed incomes, this can make it difficult for them to find suitable housing within their budget.

2. Lack of Diverse Housing Types: Such zoning often limits housing types to single-family homes. This excludes other housing forms like townhouses, duplexes, or apartment buildings that might be more suitable for seniors looking to downsize or seeking single-level living.

3. Reduced Access to Services: Exclusionary areas might be at a distance from essential services like healthcare facilities, pharmacies, grocery stores, and public transportation. This can pose challenges for some groups, especially those without personal transportation.

4. Social Isolation: Areas with exclusionary zoning often lack a mix of age groups. Seniors might find themselves isolated from younger families or peers, which can affect their mental and emotional well-being.

5. Limited Senior-specific Housing: Exclusionary zoning can hinder the development of senior-specific housing options like assisted living facilities, retirement communities, or nursing homes.

6. Decreased Mobility: Lack of mobility has been cited as one of the primary reasons for poverty in America.  In areas dominated by single-family homes and lacking public transportation, groups who no longer able to drive can find it challenging to move around, leading to decreased independence.

7. Barrier to Aging in Place: The desire of many seniors is to age in their community, close to friends and familiar surroundings. Exclusionary zoning can make it difficult for them to adapt their current or other families members homes or find suitable nearby housing, forcing them to relocate.

8. Reduced Opportunities for Multigenerational Living: Some seniors benefit from living with family members, either for economic reasons or caregiving. Exclusionary zoning can limit the development of homes with accessory dwelling units or “in-law suites,” making multigenerational living arrangements harder to establish.

It’s important to note that while many communities are reconsidering exclusionary zoning practices to promote inclusivity and adapt to changing housing needs, seniors and advocates should actively participate in local land-use discussions to ensure that their unique needs and challenges are considered.

After all, conservation of nature is rarely about protecting the outdoors alone, but gets conflated with other social projects — as in the 1960’s Boulder, Colorado case - a refusal to become an economically diverse city.  And history tells us that limits to growth often involve a loss of economic diversity.

EXCLUSIVE VERSUS INCLUSIVE

This is a dangerous path to walk as it further expands the wealth gap directly impacting the younger generation and our seniors.  Excessive zoning regulations have choked off the supply of new homes in much of the U.S., causing a severe shortage and skyrocketing prices and rents.

As a municipality, we need to focus on developing solutions for housing and not exclusionary ideologies that are promote against the youth and seniors.

#OurParentsMatter

#OurChildrenMatter

#BridgesNotWalls