Population growth in Sunbelt metro areas is driving demand for new apartment development, but resistance is growing against these projects.
Many projects are being stymied during City Council approvals as residents resist more growth. The chief complaints are overcrowding in schools, increased traffic, and building heights.
Despite the South’s reputation for being business friendly, NIMBYism is present, especially in suburban communities. New construction has been robust over the last few years, making up for lost time from 2011 to 2016 when development of new projects hit the brakes due to the financial crisis.
Despite the resistance, though, getting projects built in Sunbelt markets like Texas and Florida is easier than in New York and California.
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