|
|
|
|
By Fred Padget A group of several very diverse and knowledgeable individuals recently organized to explore the future of Evansville, Vanderburgh County and the entire region regarding growth for the area, and the area‘s ability to meet needs and demands of future generations. At this point, the group is still in its formative stage and, as yet, has not closely defined formalized goals although the successful future of the area is paramount in every member's thoughts. And, for better or worse, they chose to call themselves Smart Growth, perhaps similar to motherhood and apple pie. It seems logical that we, as a community, would prefer Smart Growth to Dumb Growth but apparently not, according to one individual. Reading in the September issue of Action News, page 4, a publication of the Southwestern Indiana Builder’s Association, the Executive Director is quoted as saying “these typical efforts are trying to push a no-growth agenda, or overly-zealous 'environmental” position'." He makes that statement without ever attending a single meeting to learn anything about the group. Yes, he was asked to participate because we wanted as many diverse views as possible. And myopic is in the title of this article because of the definition, “deficiency of foresight or discernment”. Let me very clear, there are many excellent homebuilders and developers in this area and we‘ve been privileged to work with some. My comments are not aimed at them but rather at the narrow and incorrect viewpoint expressed by the Executive Director. We’d be totally naïve to not want good, sound, well-thought-out growth and economic development. It is vital to the well being of the area and future generations. The International Economic Development Council says, “To accommodate an increasing population and demand for housing, services and infrastructure, local governments are seeking to sustain growth and increase their tax base without upsetting the qualities that make their communities pleasant places to live and work.“ They continue, “These strategies aim to provide more convenience and choice for residents and employees and emphasize quality of life.“ In my opinion, it is these concerns that the Smart Growth Group is interested in pursuing. The Executive Director says, “a healthy community needs affordable housing”. We agree. He states “studies are returning verdicts in favor of growth”. We agree. He goes on “studies are finding the best places to live are the growing communities that have more to offer its constituents“. We agree and would emphasize that the “more to offer” includes amenities and quality of life issues. He expounds greatly about blaming “a developer who buys farmland”. I don’t recall the group “blaming” anyone for anything. The rest of the farmland comments are interesting statistics but not really germane to the subject. He does say, “The smartest growth for a community occurs in a free-market system where the citizens demand for affordable housing is met and governed only by the laws of supply and demand. The best the government can do is to provide adequate infrastructure – then remove itself from this equation, allowing the private sector to do its thing.” Kind of a 'trust me, I know what’s best for everyone' attitude. And, apparently he’s forgotten about the many regulations that affect his industry for the better including health and safety issues, building codes to provide better and stronger buildings and a myriad of other regulations that are existent for good reason. No, we don’t live in a totally free society nor do we have a totally free economy and we are better off, as a society, because of it. It would be good if the Executive Director would become participatory rather than isolated from the real world. Myopic, it fits. Good, sound, well-thought-out growth and economic development
does not happen by accident. I’m sure this group, Smart Growth, will continue to
work for the betterment of the entire area and make sound judgments concerning a
proper balance of all the aspects of future growth. We wish them great success
in their efforts. |
|
© 2008 Westside Improvement Association, Inc. |
