Sun Tzu, ‘The Art of War’: To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.
The battle over the Blockhouse development in Spartanburg County should send a clear message to Polk County – developers who do not reside in the area may not care if the locals like their plans. Their goal is to maximize their profits. What they leave behind is our problem.
Ideally, to secure Polk County against this threat, county commissioners would develop and implement a comprehensive growth plan. Short of that, we have the recent proposal by commissioner Pack to require two-acre minimums in Polk’s un-zoned areas, to be discussed by the council at its Jan. 8 meeting. Its stated intent is to slow down growth and maintain the county’s rural character. While the changes may be beneficial, at least in the short term, there are drawbacks that might limit its long-term effectiveness. For example, the potential exists that by limiting the number of home sites in a particular development, more land may need to be sacrificed to accommodate demand which may, in turn, lead to sprawl. Within a master growth plan, there is a role for Mr. Pack’s proposal just as there is one for high-density developments, which would cluster residential areas around one corridor while preserving surrounding property.
Ultimately, the decision for a more lasting strategy rests with the citizens here and elsewhere in the Thermal Belt. Those who are going to be most affected by its implementation will have to decide if, and how much, they are willing to sacrifice. To make such a plan a reality will require readdressing such controversial issues as zoning.
But choosing not to develop a long term plan is, in effect, producing a plan. And aggressive developers such as the Phoenix Ventures of this world understand opportunities and the Art of War. – SJG
No comments:
Post a Comment