We have been to 2 consecutive hearings now where the planning and zoning committee would not approve our permit because the neighbors "don't want it". 

Sometimes, these folks are RE developers themselves, and can make fast decisions on a loan, generally without a loan committee as you would have with a commercial bank.

The salt and wind are brutal.I do not buy condos for rentals in any market as I do not want decisions about my property to be made by a committee.

Some institutionalized with a committee making decisions and others are lawyers and doctors sitting on a wad of money and looking to invest it.

I am a member of the Affordable Housing and Safer neighborhood committee, with the Independence Chamber of Commerce. 

I have seen two properties that I like:Property Clarke:Size: 1,089sqm (11,695sqf)Currently has a fourplex on it.Sloping ground limits building space.Located just outside downtown.Listed for $870,000.Nearby properties are priced between $850k to $1.2M.Property Battle:Size: 378sqm (4,059sqf)Currently has a 3-bedroom house.Flat land, which is easier to build on.Right in the heart of downtown.Listed for $520,000.Nearby properties range from $750k to $1.2M, with an 11-unit building opposite listed for $1.5M.I approached the planning committee to make enquiries on what i can build on there because the Property Battle is so small at 378sqm, but they said they won't allow me to add any unit, but after much persuasion, they sent this email:"Thanks for your email.

Be sure to contact the local police department and the economic development committee to gather any data as far as the jobs that may be coming into the area or leaving the area.

I hope the zoning committee approves your plans.

I don't think it made it out of committee. 

These government boards, committees etc are a symptom of the problem.