1. Increased Density and…

1. Increased Density and Strain on Infrastructure
Overburdening of Public Services: Adding additional residential units may place a strain on existing infrastructure, including water supply, sewage, waste management, and transportation.
Traffic Congestion: More residential units can lead to more cars on the road, exacerbating traffic problems, especially in already congested areas.
Parking Issues: An increase in the number of households could reduce available parking space in residential neighborhoods.

2. Loss of Green Spaces and Community Character
Disruption of Established Neighborhoods: Additional units might change the character of low-density neighborhoods, leading to a loss of community identity and sense of place.
Reduced Green Spaces: Intensification of housing can result in the reduction of green spaces, backyards, and tree coverage, negatively affecting urban livability and environmental quality.

3. Impact on Property Values
Decreased Property Values: Homeowners in low-density neighborhoods might oppose additional residential units because it could lead to overcrowding and a perceived reduction in property values due to changes in the neighborhood's aesthetic and increased noise.
Uncertainty for Investors: Changes in zoning and regulation may create uncertainty for real estate investors, potentially leading to a less stable housing market.

4. Lack of Affordable Housing Solutions
Not Addressing Affordable Housing: While additional residential units might increase housing stock, they may not necessarily contribute to affordability, as new units could still be priced out of reach for low- and middle-income residents.
Encouraging Short-Term Rentals: The increase in additional residential units might be exploited for short-term rentals (e.g., Airbnb), which doesn’t necessarily add long-term affordable housing but instead disrupts housing markets.

5. Environmental Concerns
Urban Sprawl and Environmental Degradation: While aimed at intensifying urban areas, the regulation might contribute to urban sprawl if it leads to overcrowded urban cores and pushes people to seek homes in suburban or rural areas.
Increased Energy Consumption: Additional residential units could increase energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, unless accompanied by strict energy efficiency standards.

6. Insufficient Public Consultation and Planning
Lack of Adequate Public Engagement: Some opponents may argue that the proposed amendments have not undergone sufficient public consultation, which is necessary to ensure that local communities are heard.
Rushed Implementation: Rapid changes to regulations without considering the unique needs of different municipalities and communities could result in poorly executed development that does not meet local requirements or conditions.

7. Zoning Conflicts and Administrative Burden
Incompatibility with Existing Zoning: Allowing additional residential units could conflict with existing zoning laws in various areas, leading to legal and administrative challenges for municipalities.
Increased Regulatory Burden on Municipalities: Municipalities may face challenges managing the permitting, inspection, and enforcement of new residential units, leading to bureaucratic delays or inconsistencies in enforcement.

8. Potential for Substandard Housing
Quality Control Issues: Without proper regulation, additional residential units might lead to the construction of substandard housing, creating safety issues or overcrowded living conditions.
Negative Impact on Livability: Rapid increases in density could lead to issues with noise, privacy, and access to natural light, reducing overall quality of life for existing and new residents.
These are key arguments that critics might raise to oppose the amendment. Each point touches on concerns related to urban planning, infrastructure, and social and economic impacts.

9. Impact of Additional Garden Homes
Loss of Yard Space and Greenery: The construction of additional garden homes could reduce personal yard space for homeowners, diminishing green areas and opportunities for outdoor activities or gardening.
Drainage and Flooding Issues: Converting yards into garden homes can interfere with natural drainage systems, potentially increasing the risk of localized flooding, particularly in areas with older or inadequate stormwater infrastructure.
Privacy Concerns: Adding garden homes can lead to a reduction in privacy for both existing homeowners and garden home residents, as the new units might be located in close proximity to existing homes, increasing the chances of noise and visual intrusions.
Aesthetic Disruption: The introduction of garden homes may disrupt the visual appeal of neighborhoods with large yards, particularly in areas where detached homes with open space are a defining characteristic. This could negatively affect the overall aesthetic and appeal of the neighborhood.
Potential for Disorganized Development: Without proper planning, the addition of garden homes might lead to a patchwork of developments with varying design standards and quality, which could negatively affect the uniformity and planning of neighborhoods.