By Gary Bennett
The letter to the editor appears in the September 12, 2025, issue of the Frederick News-Post
The Sept. 5 column “Forget YIMBY. The housing shortage could disappear on its own.” is an example of a column from an outsider that really says nothing.
The word “could” in the title should be the tipoff. I “could” become a millionaire tomorrow. Sure, but not very likely.
The same can be said about the author’s opinion on a subject he apparently knows little about. He says the housing shortage will straighten itself out in five years due to demographic shifts and a surge in construction.
Five years sounds pretty good, but that is no solace to the 20- and 30-somethings who can’t find an affordable home for their growing families now.
Demographic shifts and a surge in construction also sound plausible, but I know from my time on the Affordable Housing Council of Frederick County that affordable housing simply cannot be built without incentives to do so.
The math just does not work because of the cost of land and other factors, including the price of materials, and, yes, zoning regulations.
I’m part of the demographic that would like to downsize, but downsize into what? Plus, we’re living longer than ever.
He goes on to say the housing issue is a local one and cannot be solved by national policies or national groups like YIMBY.
He is mostly right. Housing policy is a local issue, but national policies play a big part, especially federal tax credits and funding from HUD.
Frederick politicians say all the right things, especially at election time, but the problem is when push comes to shove in public meetings, the NIMBYS — the “Not In My Backyard” types — often win the day because they are organized and motivated, and they vote.
That is why national groups like YIMBY (“Yes In My Backyard”) have state and local chapters that work at the local level.
I’ve been in discussions with the national YIMBY group to start a Frederick chapter to hold politicians accountable and to push back at the NIMBYs. If you are interested in joining our cause for more affordable housing now, contact me at gabennett01@comcast.net.
Gary Bennett
Frederick
Editor’s note: Gary Bennett is a member of the Affordable Housing Council of Fredrick County, but is speaking on his own behalf.