Lower rates - isn't there something about the way he misled banks to get the same result for his borrowing?

I agree economics is not a science, though clearly a subject built on complex mathematical models. Just not models rigorously tested against real world performance.

Maybe a hypothesis, at best. My perspective is a bit cynical, but many economic "truths" seem to be less than universal. Prime example is the well known "fact" that if you raise the minimum wage, employment rates will fall. Various natural experiments demonstrate the opposite.

With the caveat that this does not apply to economics...

I have ZERO interest in visiting the U.S. and I live here. 😡

Hey Max, I finally made it by the library & read the article; it doesn't say anything about Residential Nexus validity.

It makes it quite clear that BOS reduced fees to remove a possible disincentive to new construction.

A totally different reason than you implied in your argument.

Maybe think geographic area rather than national borders?

And "too expensive" is a social choice. A problem that the richest country in the history of the world, with excellent architects, building system engineers, and all the requisite technology is unwilling, not unable, to solve. (Obligatory rant)