Consider a housing development built near an existing airport. After the houses are occupied, homeowners complain that the airport imposes a negative externality on them and it should be moved or otherwise limited

Is the airport a negative externality? A) No, the airport was there first.
B) No, if the original property values reflect the costs imposed by the airport.
C) No, airports are government entities and therefore don’t impose costs on individuals.
D) Yes, the airport’s noise should be curtailed for the well-being of the homeowners.

ANSWER:

B) No, if the original property values reflect the costs imposed by the airport.