Tyler Cowen of Marginal Revolution asks a great question: How good would the abolition of zoning in New York City be? He argues that zoning restrictions prevent Manhattan from being a "forest of skyscrapers" such as Sao Paulo.Many of Manhattan's skyscrapers are much taller than typical Sao Paulo … [Read more...]
Recent Links 4/24/08: PA Turnpike, NYC Rezoning, Tudor City NIMBYs, Houston Zoning
Out of Control blog: Terms of Potential PA Turnpike Lease AnnouncedCurbed NYC 4/22/08: Developer-Driven Rezoning Prepares to Enter RingAMNY 4/24/08: Residents fight Tudor City development Curbed NYC 4/24/08: Neighborhood Love: Tudor City Residents Suing to Block SolowHouston … [Read more...]
Should the Government Build the Cars or the Roads?
I tend to agree that there is some hypocrisy in the conservative/libertarian world when it comes to transportation, which is part of the reason I started this blog. A more free-market transporation system would certainly lead to a more urban land use pattern; something between pre-auto, … [Read more...]
Mortgage-Interest Deduction: The Unseen Costs
In general, I am opposed to just about any tax increase. However, the mortgage interest deduction is one of my least favorite tax breaks. First of all, it's a regressive tax deduction that transfers wealth from renters and businesses to homeowners. Second, it causes home prices to rise relative … [Read more...]
Carroll Gardens: Sign the Pro-Development Petition
Whoever is putting together this petition, please let Market Urbanism readers know how to sign the petition.Gowanus Lounge: Carroll Gardens Rumor Mill: "Pro-Development" Petition? … [Read more...]
Are Late-Night Speakeasies on their way to NYC?
Somebody tell the mob, there's a new prohibition in town:From the New York Sun: 4 A.M. Last Calls Could Be Headed The Way of Smoky BarsAlthough they have no authority to mandate hours, Community Boards have tightened their grip on late night establishments. Of course, they claim to be … [Read more...]
McCain: Suspend the Gas Tax and Inflate the Deficit
I favor Bob Poole's solution: "The longer-term solution is to scrap the 20th-century tax-and-grant system in favor of universal tolling, managed by each state’s Department of Transportation and private toll companies."Furthermore, get the federal government out of the business of subsidizing … [Read more...]
The High Cost of Trendy Living
An interesting post discussing the economics of why people decide to pay high rents to live in dense urban places.The High Cost of Trendy Living … [Read more...]