As our population ages and the repercussions of the busted housing bubble continue to reverberate throughout the Hudson Valley, the need and demand for affordable housing is greater than ever. But the term “affordable housing” continues to have what advertisers would call an “image” problem. On the surface, no one seems to argue with the need to provide seniors, veterans, healthcare workers, firefighters, police officers and teachers a decent and affordable place to live. Yet the very housing developments that could provide relief are often met with tremendous opposition. The reason? Affordable housing is charged with fear and mistrust by its opponents with Not in My Back Yard Syndrome, or NIMBYs. NIMBYs tend to represent the minority, but they often become an effective minority. They organize fast and make their objections known and, as a result, influence local boards.