Editorial: The New York Times

• The housing crisis in New York and other coastal cities could potentially be addressed by allowing for more density in residential areas, as demonstrated in Palisades Park, New Jersey.
• Palisades Park enables the construction of duplexes instead of single-family homes, which has increased the population and boosted the local economy since 1990.
• Opponents caution that any changes in building rules will lead to skyscrapers disrupting the community.
• Allowing for more density doesn't mean existing houses will be immediately torn down and replaced. It will take a few more decades before the supply of single-family homes in Palisades Park is exhausted.
• Variations of this idea are also growing in popularity across other parts of the United States.
• The New York region, however, has been slow to make any significant progress due to the intransigence of the suburbs.
• While it's understandable locals are fearful of change, it's also important to recognize that allowing more construction gives way to increased housing opportunities.

Conclusion: It would be beneficial to end single-family zoning in New York and New Jersey to allow for construction of greater housing and accommodate more people.

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