Indeed, that’s the nimbys

Do they actually do that here, or are you just saying that?

It's baked in to the process as part of design review, after getting pass the first wall of zoning.

https://www.seattle.gov/neighborhoods/public-participation/e...

No clue about Seattle, but they definitely do in Northern VA where I live. Every new development that requires a change of permitted use goes through a lengthy review process with plenty of opportunity for locals to object.

Edit - sibling comment indicates Seattle has something similar.

They do that everywhere!