Thoughts on NIMBY

Filed Under NIMBY

The “Blogging Mayor of Round Lake” in Illinois writes about NIMBY — not in my backyard — opposition to plans to build a new major road project in Lake County, Illinois.

The real opposition, the moneyed, vocal opposition, is coming from a different group: the NIMBYs. (NIMBY stands for “not in my back yard.”)

In some ways, it’s understandable. Given a choice, most everyone would prefer not to have a major thoroughfare running right by their neighborhood. If it were possible, we’d all like to live in the peace and quiet of a quaint nineteenth century village, while having all the modern conveniences at the same time. But, of course, that isn’t possible. There are always tradeoffs.

If each sides on the Illiana Expressway issue have to give a little, what should that be?

Can we grow Lake County, Indiana without the Illiana Expressway? (And, that assumes that growth is good — there are some who think otherwise).

How do we solve inevitable east-west traffic congestion on I-80 / I-94 — the Borman Expressway — and US 30 if we don’t build the Illiana Expressway?

Is there a way to build the Illiana Expressway that will be a win-win for all? Or, will it always be a “binary” issue — you’re either for it or opposed to it?

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