Realligning the Libertarian Stance in the Urban Planning Culture Wars

Libertarians opposition toward government backed light-rail ignores the longer history of government's pro-car policies, says Timothy B. Lee, contributor for Forbes.

1 minute read

September 1, 2011, 8:00 AM PDT

By Kristopher Fortin

The policies after World War II that discriminated against high density and mixed use development created an illusion that people prefer the "suburban, auto-oriented lifestyle", Lee says.

"In addition to restricting building heights and mixed-use development, these zoning codes almost invariably force developers to provide parking for new construction projects, whether the market demands it or not."

Lee says that even though rail tends to be a wasteful government project, it is not alone

"They pursue wasteful highway projects, wasteful airport projects, wasteful stadium projects, and so forth. And there are examples of rail projects-like the expansion of the New York and DC subway systems-that seem like they're unlikely to become boondoggles."

FULL STORY: Libertarians and the Urban Planning Culture War

Tuesday, August 30, 2011 in Forbes

Government / Politics History / Preservation Land Use Transportation United States Rail Car Culture Libertarianism Culture War View More

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