Free Republic

In the name of “equity,” the Biden administration and state Democrats have declared war on the suburbs: The Biden administration and Democrats in New York, Connecticut and other states are fighting local zoning laws in order to build high-rise apartment buildings with “affordable” units in tree-lined, single-family neighborhoods. All in the name of equity, meaning everyone can live in a tranquil suburb, whether they’ve earned the money to pay for it or not. The Biden administration announced Jan. 19 that it will require all towns across the U.S. to submit “Equity Plans” showing how they will make it possible for...

Democrats may use their massive “infrastructure” plan to bribe local governments to essentially abolish suburbs, by making grants contingent upon towns and counties allowing apartments in any neighborhood, including those currently limited to single-family homes. That creates two scenarios, both of which benefit Democrats seeking power: If jurisdictions want to preserve a small-town feel, they must turn down the money, meaning the massive infusion of taxpayer dollars turns into a bonanza for Democratic-dominated cities, while leaving others out. Or if centrist suburbs give in to the temptation to take the money, they would essentially be signing a contract to become...

Del. Bob Marshall, R-Manassas, has introduced a bill that would give farmers and landowners’ property rights remedies against local zoning laws. The bill is inspired by the Martha Boneta debacle last year. But unlike last year’s “Boneta Bill,” HB1219 extends beyond farmers to anyone who owns property. The bill also tackles other issues such as the constitutional rights of farmers. HB1219 says that local governments that violate constitutional rights through zoning must pay their victims the amount of the fines they sought to impose and the actual damages, including attorney fees. The bill also allows the Virginia Attorney General to...

CENTERVILLE — Sandwiched between a pair of cellphone providers and just a few rows of parking away from a pancake house, a tenant at the Centerville Marketplace advertises "cigars, hookah, gifts and more" on a storefront sign. City leaders and law enforcement officials say the Smoke Shop at 356 N. Marketplace Drive is out of place, and they want to prevent other tobacco retailers from setting up shop in the city. "It's been a continuous problem for our police department," City Manager Steve Thacker said of Centerville's lone smoke shop. The city is considering an all-out ban on tobacco retailers,...

With the controversy surrounding the construction of an Islamic mosque near Ground Zero in New York, a myth is being perpetuated on the American people by those who have an anti-faith agenda. Many liberals are critical of those who oppose an Islamic place of worship being built so close to the site where nearly 3,000 people were murdered on September 11, 2001. Americans believe the proposed mosque demonstrates insensitivity by some who practice the Islamic faith. So a new term has been coined by the left, and it's called Islamaphobia. The truth of the matter is radical members of the...

With the controversy surrounding the construction of an Islamic mosque near Ground Zero in New York, a myth is being perpetuated on the American people by those who have an anti-faith agenda. Many liberals are critical of those who oppose an Islamic place of worship being built so close to the site where nearly 3,000 people were murdered on September 11, 2001. Americans believe the proposed mosque demonstrates insensitivity by some who practice the Islamic faith. So a new term has been coined by the left, and it's called Islamaphobia. The truth of the matter is radical members of the...

ATLANTA - When environmental or zoning regulations impinge on landowners' rights to use their property, the government should either pay landowners or abandon the regulations, according to Sen. Chip Pearson, R-Dawsonville, chair of the Senate Inverse Condemnation Committee. The committee, which held a hearing Tuesday and comprises five Republicans and two Democrats, plans to draft a bill to introduce in January that would to protect property owners from what Pearson called "over-regulation." For example, state rules forbid landowners along Yahoola Creek in Lumpkin County to build within 150 feet of the banks, to prevent pollution in the stream. Pearson said...

<p>O'HARA: Candidates for O'Hara Council agreed there are few issues facing them this campaign season.</p> <p>The township is one of the wealthiest, best-equipped communities in Allegheny County, according to the field of five candidates seeking to represent its residents. The volunteer base is solid and the tax base is expected to increase 20 percent with a riverfront housing development now under construction. Finances are such that township funds recently helped pay for two emergency service vehicles.</p>

<p>BEDFORD, Pa. -- George Washington slept here.</p> <p>Of course, there wasn't a flashing neon sign anywhere near his bedroom window to keep him awake.</p> <p>A half-block from Washington's stopover and 209 years later, though, a sign -- 3 1/2 feet tall, 55 feet across -- flashes a red neon "Jesus is Lord" every two seconds, round the clock, 43,200 times a day.</p>

A group of U.S. Senators have conspired to destroy local zoning throughout the United States of America. They are trying to do it in secret. They don't want to hear from someone saying they are betraying the Constitution they swore to uphold. Americans should take note of the names of these Senators: Former Republican turncoat Jim Jeffords; Republican Arlen Specter; Democrat Max Baucus; Democrat Harry Ried; Democrat Bob Graham; Democrat Joseph Lieberman; Democrat Barbara Boxer; Democrat Ron Wyden; Democrat Thomas Casper; Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton; and Democrat Jon Corzine. These U.S. Senators, members of the Senate Environment Committee, hold American...