Gerald Winegrad: Is NIMBYism good for the environment and America?

The Not-In-My-Backyard (NIMBY) syndrome, used to block infrastructure projects, is an extremely powerful force in our democracy. Some examples of projects that have been opposed by NIMBYs include affordable housing units, trailer parks, high-speed rail lines, daycare facilities, schools and bike lanes. When I was a senator, a fellow environmental leader was trying to block the proposed Lighthouse homeless shelter on West Street.