PL599 : The Class : Communities & Growth : Growth Management : Growth Management

Growth Management is a paradox. Some areas need more growth. Some communities will do whatever it takes to stop additional growth. In most communitites, there are citizens who will conflict over views on growth. It really is not reasonable to expect that the landscape will be static and never change. Remember the "I'm here, shut the door" syndrome? This is becoming common in smaller urban areas and rural communities.

Landscapes evolve both physically and culturally. What is important to keep in mind is what the community wants, what its vision is, and how this can play out in reality. Land use is a negotiated outcome. Knowing what you need and want and how to attain it is the key (as long as it is legal).

There are ways of preparing for and controlling growth. Growth is not inherently bad. Growth that overwhelms infrastructure, fiscal budgets, the environment, and its current residents is bad. Plan for growth and direct it. Be realistic especially when your pro and anti growth factions protest loudly. A moratorium may be needed for a limited amount of time, or community meeting on the future direction of the area. Education is extremely important. Citizens need to know the various scenarios and the OUTCOMES. I know many people who believe in absolute growth control but do not realize that without some industry and commercial (not to include the retail-service sector and its relatively lower pay) young people will tend to move away, pay remains low, houses tend to become unaffordable, and the tax base suffers. This will impact those who want no growth. Yet it can be extremely difficult to zone for industry at times (LULU and NIMBY problems) or additional commercial. Coconino County has passed an 80,000 square foot cap on commercial. If (big box) a commercial space is over that, it must be approved as a conditional use permit (CUP). The county has also passed stricter lighting standards (there is a night sky ordinance for both Flagstaff and the county, and as of this date (8-19) Flagstaff is considering a 75,000 sq. foot commercial cap/CUP duo). These help the city-county growth to be consistent unlike many cities that put in growth boundaries without partnering with the county. Businesses will tend to go for the cheaper less regulated land unless there are reasons for building in the city.

Because of the interrelatedness of planning , politics, and the health of the city, the planner has a very difficult job. Strive for knowing your community and its residents. Be creative, try flexible techniques, educate the policymakers when there is a need to hold the line in favor of good planning. You will have to do this occasionally (or more) depending on the political situation in your town.

The readings include the problems of growth, policies from around the country and some techniques used in the periphery as well as urban areas (TDRs) for adjustments or restrictions on types of growth. Again, growth in peripheral areas is not just a rural problem, it impacts the entire city from the downtown to the suburbs through its drain on resources and change of character. Restrictions in the city are likely to affect the periphery. Infill is not just a downtown problem. Receently research pointed out that the land being developed was due 50% to population increase and 50% to the fact that we are using larger lots. Hmmm. Eventually we will run out of land.. A few innovative places have tried pretty drastic measures and the results are starting to come in. This is a serious enough problem that more and more of us are starting to face up to it and be in favor of more restrictive yet creative planning and development.(By the way, my house was an "infill" spec home in an area plaatted in the late 1970s)

Communities either grow or decline. Nothing is truly static forever. Smart planning can help maintain character, fulfill needs, and promote sustainability.

Things to think about...

Which techniques do you think hold the most promise? Which are more realistic considering politics and special interest groups?

Can incentives and grant programs work to change attitudes and traditional growth directions/styles?

Can design and design review help keep growth internalized within city limits? What role can the county play?

Is it right to control community growth? Is it the American way to stop people short of their ideal and their pursuit of happiness?

Where do you draw the line between good growth and bad growth?

Agricultural land is limited. Even so, is it important to preserve it?

Additional readings

:Rethinking Fiscal Impacts by Heikkila and Davis, Journal of Planning Education and Research 16:201-211

Visions for a New American Dream by Anton Nelessen

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To complete this Topic successfully, please complete the following activities in the order shown below:

TEXTBOOK READING : Reading

ASSIGNMENT: Opinion Paper 4 DUE: Week 10

MAJOR ASSIGNMENT: MOD 2 DUE: Week 12

Go on to Creating and Maintaining Character
or
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