🧱 Factions of Self-Preservation 2: Locked Out
hickoryhound
The “Locked Out” installment of the Factions of Self‑Preservation series reveals how Hickory’s housing system doubles as a defensive fortress—prioritizing protection over access. With 57% of local renters cost-burdened (spending over 30% of income on housing) and "starter homes" priced well above affordability, the article deconstructs how zoning, tax policy, and residency gatekeeping reinforce civic inequality rather than dismantling it.
Key Topics Covered
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Housing Cost Burden: 57% of Hickory renters spend over 30% of their income on housing—exceeding federal affordability thresholds. NC Commerce+1
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Starter Home Paradox: DR Horton’s The Hamptons offer “starter” units starting at ~$326K—far out of reach for working-class earners. Realtor+1
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Zoning as Barrier: Single-family zoning dominance excludes multi-family builds, ADUs, and affordable models.
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Speculative Ownership: Market dynamics favor investment portfolios over community stability, damaging long-term equity.
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Code Enforcement Double-Standards: Tenants penalized more than absentee or speculative landlords.
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Civic Reflection: Includes prompts like—
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Why do "starter" homes still cost so much?
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Who carries the cost when workers can’t live where they serve?
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Suggested Hashtags
#CivicEquity #HousingForAll #ZoningReform #AffordableHousing #HickoryNC #CatawbaCounty #SelfPreservation #LocalPolicy #HousingJustice #TheHickoryHound