Balancing Development: Prioritizing Residents and Sustainability In Town Planning
Attracting developers can be a tempting proposition for town officials. The promise of a booming economy, increased tax revenue, and a modern facelift for the town is hard to resist, especially for struggling communities. Streamlining the process by waiving regulations might seem like a quick way to get projects off the ground, and offering concessions can give officials leverage to negotiate for amenities, infrastructure upgrades, or even quotas for affordable housing from developers.
However, this approach often comes at a cost to residents. Bypassing zoning bylaws can lead to shoddy design and construction, putting residents at risk. Environmental regulations are there for a reason – waiving them can lead to lasting damage to the local ecosystem, impacting air and water quality. Increased density without proper infrastructure upgrades can overwhelm schools, roads, and utilities, leading to longer commutes, crowded classrooms, and strained resources. Unrestricted development can also erase the very things that make a town unique – its historical buildings, charming neighborhoods, and established character. All of a sudden, the town residents might find themselves living in a generic sprawl instead of the community they cherished.
This creates a conflict for town officials. Their primary duty is to serve the residents' best interests. But the perceived immediate economic benefits of development can be very attractive, and the long-term consequences for residents' well-being and the town's character can be less obvious. Additionally, deals struck with developers often happen behind closed doors, leaving residents feeling excluded and powerless.
There is a better way. Town officials can prioritize "smart growth" – a form of development that integrates seamlessly with existing infrastructure and complements the town's character. This might involve encouraging mixed-use developments that provide housing, shops, and offices within walking or cycling distance, reducing reliance on cars.
Transparency is key. Residents should be involved in the decision-making process from the start. Town officials need to clearly explain any concessions made to developers and the resulting benefits the community will receive. This fosters trust and ensures residents feel like they have a stake in the town's future.
Finally, upholding essential safety, environmental, and quality standards is non-negotiable. Zoning bylaws exist to protect residents from faulty design, construction, and environmental regulations safeguard the air and water they rely on. By taking a firm stance on these core principles, town officials can ensure that development benefits the entire community, not just the developer's bottom line.
Finding common ground is crucial. By working collaboratively with residents and developers, town officials can create a win-win situation. They can attract development that boosts the town's economic health while simultaneously protecting the character and well-being of the residents who call it home.
Developers who resist collaboration with town officials and residents should be automatically denied waivers, variances, and any other concessions. We require developers committed to enhancing the town, prioritizing public safety and our needs, not merely extracting from it without giving back.
The issue arises from the past practice of town officials readily granting waivers and variances without any justification or considering the public good. Changing this dynamic may involve uncomfortable power struggles, yet it is necessary for town officials to undertake for the preservation of the town and its long-term sustainable growth.
Residents must advocate for strict adherence to local rules and regulations, ensuring town officials do not succumb to developers' influence or make decisions based on assumptions rather than a solid grasp of local and state laws. While no one desires conflicts or appeals, there are times when it's unavoidable. Standing firm signifies to others that you won't simply yield to developers' demands. We do not want developers who are unwilling to comply with rules and regulations to be involved in developing our town. We also reject town officials who fail to fulfill their responsibilities to the town and its residents, and this is an aspect that we possess the power to alter.
The 2024 elections in Millbury are scheduled to take place at the Millbury Memorial Junior/Senior High School, situated at 12 Martin Street in Millbury, Massachusetts. The voting will occur on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, commencing at 7:00 AM and concluding at 8:00 PM. If you don't vote, don't complain about the outcome. Elections do have consequences.