[packetlost]

> For many homeowners, less restricted zoning and construction would actually increase the value of the land by more than it would decrease the value of the dwelling (imagine converting a few single family homes into a multi-story apartment building, that's a _much_ more valuable use of the land).

But a huge chunk of them don't think that way and they want to maintain the "character of the neighborhood." I've seen this first hand multiple times. My own grandparents once tried to argue with me against any sort of expansion because it would mean some people would be effected and have to change their lifestyle or pay for changes as a result of, for example, expanding city sewer services.