[simonbyrne]

Is this really correct though? If increasing the supply of housing allows people to live closer to heir jobs or other amenities, wouldn't that decrease traffic?

[sokoloff]

On my particular side street (right on the edge of Cambridge, MA)? No; on a hyper-local level, it will increase traffic and parking pressure.

Via induced-demand, it might even make things worse within the city center.

People vote based on their hyper-local experience and fears. NIMINBY ("not in my immediate neighbor's backyard") is not entirely irrational here.