Ben Ross
@benrosstransit.bsky.social
Transit advocate. Social Democrat. Author of Dead End: Suburban Sprawl and the Rebirth of American Urbanism.
Reposted by Ben Ross
The basic appeal of ultraleft & left nimby (overlapping) is status - "I'm cooler than you."
Actual leftists calling out their threatens their status. Greedy developers do not. That's why yimby makes them so much angrier than the developer does.
Actual leftists calling out their threatens their status. Greedy developers do not. That's why yimby makes them so much angrier than the developer does.
November 27, 2025 at 12:46 AM
The basic appeal of ultraleft & left nimby (overlapping) is status - "I'm cooler than you."
Actual leftists calling out their threatens their status. Greedy developers do not. That's why yimby makes them so much angrier than the developer does.
Actual leftists calling out their threatens their status. Greedy developers do not. That's why yimby makes them so much angrier than the developer does.
Knock-out panel designed into the Bethesda Red Line station by far-sighted* @wmata.com engineers half a century ago and opened last weekend.
Will connect to the @purplelinemd.bsky.social
Will connect to the @purplelinemd.bsky.social
November 25, 2025 at 6:56 PM
Knock-out panel designed into the Bethesda Red Line station by far-sighted* @wmata.com engineers half a century ago and opened last weekend.
Will connect to the @purplelinemd.bsky.social
Will connect to the @purplelinemd.bsky.social
Engineers think of traffic as one particular liquid. Sewage.
You don't care how long it takes to get to its destination, but you do everything possible to make sure it doesn't back up.
Sanitary engineering was a hot new science when traffic engineering started in the 1920s.
You don't care how long it takes to get to its destination, but you do everything possible to make sure it doesn't back up.
Sanitary engineering was a hot new science when traffic engineering started in the 1920s.
Engineers think it’s a liquid but traffic is a gas. Give it space and it’ll fill it up. Take it away and it disperses
Every time
November 24, 2025 at 2:57 PM
Engineers think of traffic as one particular liquid. Sewage.
You don't care how long it takes to get to its destination, but you do everything possible to make sure it doesn't back up.
Sanitary engineering was a hot new science when traffic engineering started in the 1920s.
You don't care how long it takes to get to its destination, but you do everything possible to make sure it doesn't back up.
Sanitary engineering was a hot new science when traffic engineering started in the 1920s.
TACO. Trump Always Chickens Out.
CNBC: My understanding is the White House said that China was gonna buy 12 million tons of soybeans from the US by January. That's approaching and they've only purchased 332,000. China has not confirmed that pledge.
BROOKE ROLLINS: Your point is salient. We've got a significant way to go
BROOKE ROLLINS: Your point is salient. We've got a significant way to go
November 24, 2025 at 1:43 PM
TACO. Trump Always Chickens Out.
"After nearly a decade as an attorney representing community associations, I entered city government as a zoning believer. I quickly lost my faith."
From the outgoing director of Baltimore's zoning appeals board.
www.baltimorebrew.com/2025/11/24/b...
From the outgoing director of Baltimore's zoning appeals board.
www.baltimorebrew.com/2025/11/24/b...
Baltimore’s former zoning board director explains why she lost faith in zoning | Baltimore Brew
The mayor’s “Housing Options and Opportunity” legislation – including Bill 25-0066 – will go a long way toward fixing an unfair system, she says. [OP-ED]
www.baltimorebrew.com
November 24, 2025 at 1:20 PM
"After nearly a decade as an attorney representing community associations, I entered city government as a zoning believer. I quickly lost my faith."
From the outgoing director of Baltimore's zoning appeals board.
www.baltimorebrew.com/2025/11/24/b...
From the outgoing director of Baltimore's zoning appeals board.
www.baltimorebrew.com/2025/11/24/b...
Reposted by Ben Ross
Thx @cnn.com for telling Joy and Sam’s story! A great example how transit connects the community & can really impact people in so many ways. Really appreciate seeing our amazing @wmata.com staff get the attention they deserve. Pls pass this one along ❤️
www.cnn.com/2025/11/23/u...
www.cnn.com/2025/11/23/u...
She was a bus driver who answered questions from a curious 5th grader. A decade later, they reconnected — as colleagues | CNN
Though Sam Mencimer didn’t know it at the time, all those moments with his favorite bus driver, Joy Kenley – the never-ending questions, the bus depot tour – would have a lasting impact on his life.
www.cnn.com
November 23, 2025 at 10:29 PM
Thx @cnn.com for telling Joy and Sam’s story! A great example how transit connects the community & can really impact people in so many ways. Really appreciate seeing our amazing @wmata.com staff get the attention they deserve. Pls pass this one along ❤️
www.cnn.com/2025/11/23/u...
www.cnn.com/2025/11/23/u...
TACO. Trump always chickens out.
Republican Senator Mike Rounds said Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in a call to senators, confirmed the so-called 28-point “peace plan” was actually a Russian wishlist and is “not the administration’s position”. Nor is there any threat to cut off weapons or intelligence to Ukraine.
November 23, 2025 at 12:00 AM
TACO. Trump always chickens out.
Trump & the last guy he talked to!
"It seems clear that Mamdani sought to appeal to Trump’s experience as a real estate developer by highlighting his own pro-density inclinations."
www.nytimes.com/live/2025/11...
"It seems clear that Mamdani sought to appeal to Trump’s experience as a real estate developer by highlighting his own pro-density inclinations."
www.nytimes.com/live/2025/11...
Update from Dana Rubinstein
www.nytimes.com
November 21, 2025 at 9:17 PM
Trump & the last guy he talked to!
"It seems clear that Mamdani sought to appeal to Trump’s experience as a real estate developer by highlighting his own pro-density inclinations."
www.nytimes.com/live/2025/11...
"It seems clear that Mamdani sought to appeal to Trump’s experience as a real estate developer by highlighting his own pro-density inclinations."
www.nytimes.com/live/2025/11...
Mamdani's statement is an attack on civil liberties.
"Sacred space" or not (a synagogue social hall isn't), extremist groups have a right to meet.
By this logic, Code Pink (backs Chinese oppression of Uighurs) & PYM (backed Oct 7 massacre) shouldn't be allowed to meet.
bsky.app/profile/crab...
"Sacred space" or not (a synagogue social hall isn't), extremist groups have a right to meet.
By this logic, Code Pink (backs Chinese oppression of Uighurs) & PYM (backed Oct 7 massacre) shouldn't be allowed to meet.
bsky.app/profile/crab...
November 21, 2025 at 2:56 PM
Mamdani's statement is an attack on civil liberties.
"Sacred space" or not (a synagogue social hall isn't), extremist groups have a right to meet.
By this logic, Code Pink (backs Chinese oppression of Uighurs) & PYM (backed Oct 7 massacre) shouldn't be allowed to meet.
bsky.app/profile/crab...
"Sacred space" or not (a synagogue social hall isn't), extremist groups have a right to meet.
By this logic, Code Pink (backs Chinese oppression of Uighurs) & PYM (backed Oct 7 massacre) shouldn't be allowed to meet.
bsky.app/profile/crab...
Reposted by Ben Ross
28 of 28! All 28 Light Rail Vehicles have arrived in Maryland; a major milestone for the Purple Line. This vital connection will knit communities, ease commutes, promote public transit and link riders to 21 stations and key destinations across the corridor. #PurpleLineprogress
November 20, 2025 at 3:45 PM
28 of 28! All 28 Light Rail Vehicles have arrived in Maryland; a major milestone for the Purple Line. This vital connection will knit communities, ease commutes, promote public transit and link riders to 21 stations and key destinations across the corridor. #PurpleLineprogress
Vision Zero accomplishments for the year, in a county of 1 million.
7 new signals (some only blinking lights)
5.9 miles of new sidewalk
4 bikeways under construction
89 traffic lights retimed
189 "resident engagement events"
7 new signals (some only blinking lights)
5.9 miles of new sidewalk
4 bikeways under construction
89 traffic lights retimed
189 "resident engagement events"
November 20, 2025 at 1:59 PM
Vision Zero accomplishments for the year, in a county of 1 million.
7 new signals (some only blinking lights)
5.9 miles of new sidewalk
4 bikeways under construction
89 traffic lights retimed
189 "resident engagement events"
7 new signals (some only blinking lights)
5.9 miles of new sidewalk
4 bikeways under construction
89 traffic lights retimed
189 "resident engagement events"
Spotted in the wild! A new nimby euphemism for keeping people out.
As Baltimore City Council nears vote to legalize multi-family housing in all residential areas, opponents lament loss of "single-family values."
www.thebanner.com/community/ho...
As Baltimore City Council nears vote to legalize multi-family housing in all residential areas, opponents lament loss of "single-family values."
www.thebanner.com/community/ho...
Baltimore might be entering its YIMBY era
A suite of zoning changes is garnering steam in Baltimore City Council, despite impassioned pushback.
www.thebanner.com
November 20, 2025 at 1:17 PM
Spotted in the wild! A new nimby euphemism for keeping people out.
As Baltimore City Council nears vote to legalize multi-family housing in all residential areas, opponents lament loss of "single-family values."
www.thebanner.com/community/ho...
As Baltimore City Council nears vote to legalize multi-family housing in all residential areas, opponents lament loss of "single-family values."
www.thebanner.com/community/ho...
California's anti-nimby "builder's remedy" and the "pirate" builder who took on Beverly Hills first.
Ultimate impact "not just units that are built by using it, but the ones built in fear of it."
Great report by @conordougherty.bsky.social [gift link]
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/20/b...
Ultimate impact "not just units that are built by using it, but the ones built in fear of it."
Great report by @conordougherty.bsky.social [gift link]
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/20/b...
The Housing Strategy That Has California NIMBYs in a Corner
www.nytimes.com
November 20, 2025 at 12:15 PM
California's anti-nimby "builder's remedy" and the "pirate" builder who took on Beverly Hills first.
Ultimate impact "not just units that are built by using it, but the ones built in fear of it."
Great report by @conordougherty.bsky.social [gift link]
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/20/b...
Ultimate impact "not just units that are built by using it, but the ones built in fear of it."
Great report by @conordougherty.bsky.social [gift link]
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/20/b...
LOL
Susan Collins tells me she is totally for the Epstein bill
November 18, 2025 at 9:36 PM
LOL
Big day for me.
Walking to Metro, I saw rails being installed at the Bethesda Purple Line station.
Test trains are already running at the other end of the line.
I first testified for this project in 1989.
Walking to Metro, I saw rails being installed at the Bethesda Purple Line station.
Test trains are already running at the other end of the line.
I first testified for this project in 1989.
November 18, 2025 at 1:50 PM
Big day for me.
Walking to Metro, I saw rails being installed at the Bethesda Purple Line station.
Test trains are already running at the other end of the line.
I first testified for this project in 1989.
Walking to Metro, I saw rails being installed at the Bethesda Purple Line station.
Test trains are already running at the other end of the line.
I first testified for this project in 1989.
WaPo editorial board launches a disgusting car-brained attack on Seattle's new mayor Katie Wilson.
"Who is Wilson? She does not own a car"
It's so bad you need to read it, so a gift link: wapo.st/4r2peP3
"Who is Wilson? She does not own a car"
It's so bad you need to read it, so a gift link: wapo.st/4r2peP3
November 17, 2025 at 4:20 PM
WaPo editorial board launches a disgusting car-brained attack on Seattle's new mayor Katie Wilson.
"Who is Wilson? She does not own a car"
It's so bad you need to read it, so a gift link: wapo.st/4r2peP3
"Who is Wilson? She does not own a car"
It's so bad you need to read it, so a gift link: wapo.st/4r2peP3
Reposted by Ben Ross
"That would be an ugly change to our little corner of paradise"
- People living on streets with mansions, minutes away from major employers. These people's reaction is sadly the so similar everywhere in Canada.
- People living on streets with mansions, minutes away from major employers. These people's reaction is sadly the so similar everywhere in Canada.
November 17, 2025 at 1:59 PM
"That would be an ugly change to our little corner of paradise"
- People living on streets with mansions, minutes away from major employers. These people's reaction is sadly the so similar everywhere in Canada.
- People living on streets with mansions, minutes away from major employers. These people's reaction is sadly the so similar everywhere in Canada.
Important recent yimby legislation that I hadn't heard about.
Nova Scotia passed a law in 2023 that empowers Halifax city government to alter any covenant that limits density or height more strictly than zoning ordinance. Done on application by property owner.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Nova Scotia passed a law in 2023 that empowers Halifax city government to alter any covenant that limits density or height more strictly than zoning ordinance. Done on application by property owner.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Halifax has removed the final hurdle to development in some areas — and neighbours are fighting back | CBC News
A wealthy Halifax neighbourhood with tree-lined streets and grand homes on the Northwest Arm has become one of the latest battlegrounds in the city’s push to build more housing.
www.cbc.ca
November 17, 2025 at 12:50 PM
Important recent yimby legislation that I hadn't heard about.
Nova Scotia passed a law in 2023 that empowers Halifax city government to alter any covenant that limits density or height more strictly than zoning ordinance. Done on application by property owner.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Nova Scotia passed a law in 2023 that empowers Halifax city government to alter any covenant that limits density or height more strictly than zoning ordinance. Done on application by property owner.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Reposted by Ben Ross
#AlwaysUseCrosswalks so that, when a hit & run driver hits you, the police won't find you at fault.
On Fri 11/7/25 10:14 pm
a hit & run driver
going west on Aspen Hill Rd at Frankfort Dr/Grenoble Dr
hit & injured a pedestrian (19/M)
crossing properly in a marked crosswalk.
Police (MCP3300003H) did not find anyone at fault.
a hit & run driver
going west on Aspen Hill Rd at Frankfort Dr/Grenoble Dr
hit & injured a pedestrian (19/M)
crossing properly in a marked crosswalk.
Police (MCP3300003H) did not find anyone at fault.
November 15, 2025 at 2:26 PM
#AlwaysUseCrosswalks so that, when a hit & run driver hits you, the police won't find you at fault.
When your goal is to keep outsiders out, an insider who wants them in is a traitor. Much worse than the developer attacking from outside.
This phenomenon is a diagnostic sign that nimbyism is basically exclusionary, even when the asserted rationale is not.
This phenomenon is a diagnostic sign that nimbyism is basically exclusionary, even when the asserted rationale is not.
Some thoughts on the rarely-explicitly-articulated idea that favoring new housing/development in your community makes you a bad neighbor, a traitor, or sort of by definition not a real member of the community at all thedeletedscenes.substack.com/p/hi-its-the...
Hi, It's "They," We're The Problem
Living in a place does not require that you gatekeep it
thedeletedscenes.substack.com
November 14, 2025 at 7:16 PM
When your goal is to keep outsiders out, an insider who wants them in is a traitor. Much worse than the developer attacking from outside.
This phenomenon is a diagnostic sign that nimbyism is basically exclusionary, even when the asserted rationale is not.
This phenomenon is a diagnostic sign that nimbyism is basically exclusionary, even when the asserted rationale is not.
Reposted by Ben Ross
@thenewjerseyer.bsky.social has unearthed a crazy nugget here, from an interview with incoming NJ governor Mikie Sherrill. She clearly says that she stopped talking about building new housing, even though she thinks it's a good idea, because most every voter she spoke to hated the idea!! (1/5)
November 14, 2025 at 3:20 PM
@thenewjerseyer.bsky.social has unearthed a crazy nugget here, from an interview with incoming NJ governor Mikie Sherrill. She clearly says that she stopped talking about building new housing, even though she thinks it's a good idea, because most every voter she spoke to hated the idea!! (1/5)
Reposted by Ben Ross
Bernie Sanders suggested to Republicans that if they don't want insurance companies profiting off of health care subsidies he has an idea.
November 13, 2025 at 12:54 PM
Bernie Sanders suggested to Republicans that if they don't want insurance companies profiting off of health care subsidies he has an idea.
Great explanation of why real per-capita income statistics don't tell you whether people are better off economically than 50 years ago (the claim by @whstancil.bsky.social).
With the effect of suburbanization on housing and transportation expenditures serving as prime examples.
With the effect of suburbanization on housing and transportation expenditures serving as prime examples.
[new draft post] Real purchasing power over time is not economic welfare over time https://drafts.interfluidity.com/2025/11/12/real-purchasing-power-over-time-is-not-economic-welfare-over-time/index.html
November 12, 2025 at 11:29 PM
Great explanation of why real per-capita income statistics don't tell you whether people are better off economically than 50 years ago (the claim by @whstancil.bsky.social).
With the effect of suburbanization on housing and transportation expenditures serving as prime examples.
With the effect of suburbanization on housing and transportation expenditures serving as prime examples.
Reposted by Ben Ross
You see Trump working the phones and realize White Housers are looking at this morning's emails and thinking, who cares abuot those nothingburgers we need to flip boebert so the bad stuff doesn't come out.
November 12, 2025 at 6:42 PM
You see Trump working the phones and realize White Housers are looking at this morning's emails and thinking, who cares abuot those nothingburgers we need to flip boebert so the bad stuff doesn't come out.
Epstein emails say ”dog that hasn’t barked is Trump.” “Of course he knew about the girls as he asked Ghislaine to stop.”
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/12/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/12/u...
Epstein Alleged in Emails That Trump Knew of His Conduct
www.nytimes.com
November 12, 2025 at 1:56 PM
Epstein emails say ”dog that hasn’t barked is Trump.” “Of course he knew about the girls as he asked Ghislaine to stop.”
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/12/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/12/u...