Dive Brief:
- Forest Hills, NY, authorities are investigating a series of fires at new-home construction sites in central Queens, NBC New York reported. Investigators are considering several motives, including hate crimes and retaliation in response to the large-home construction boom in the area.
- The arsonist has set seven fires at six home sites since Oct. 20. All of the site owners are Bukharian Jews, leading to speculation that the fires are hate crimes. However, there have also been complaints in the neighborhood that new construction is not in line with the character of the area.
- Recent legislation requires new homes in the area to be built with grass in the front lawn and slanted roofs. The new rules were passed in an effort to assuage resident concerns about the aesthetic of larger homes going up in the neighborhood.
Dive Insight:
For years, the Bukharian Jews in Queens have been subject to criticism for the large and extravagant nature of their homes, according to The New York Times. The homeowners have said the lavishness of their houses is an "an expression of liberation after years in the Soviet Union," and that the large size is necessary for housing their extended families, according to The Times.
"The controversy was dying down," Queens Borough President Melinda Katz told NBC. "But clearly this is someone who is going around the community, it's the same M.O., and the reasoning for it? There's never a reason to destroy someone's property."
Earlier this year, the Los Angeles City Council put a two-year moratorium on mansion-sized replacement homes and additions in 20 communities. City officials said the "McMansions" threaten the character of the neighborhoods.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, American homes in general are getting bigger. The agency said more than 45% of the 620,000 single-family homes built last year had four or more bedrooms, and more than 30% had at least three bathrooms.