Response: It’s Always About the Context

Abstract

It is possible to agree with an article’s recommendations but disagree with the argumentation, evidence, and rationales that led to them. That is to say, Murray and Gordon’s idea in “Land as Airspace” that the public should benefit—in some way—from a rezoning process otherwise enriching a class of incumbent property owners is a good one. In this, the authors and I agree that the risks of corruption from rezoning schemes that could enrich a select few are to be avoided. Where we part is in the unique jurisprudence and U.S. social context that would render their recommendations irrelevant in this particular context. And, as in many things, context is everything.

Keywords:

• Legislation
• land use/zoning
• airspace
• property rights
• housing development

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).