An Observer’s View of Growth Management in Clark County
Clark County has been involved with growth management since the mid-1990’s. In the first Community Framework Plan(1993), surveys were conducted that allowed citizens to express their preferred approaches to growth. They were identified in a “Hometown” concept, expressing the following:
- Preservation of open space;
- A compact development pattern with employment, shopping, and a choice of housing located close to each other;
- Preservation of rural lands;
- The potential for development of alternative types of transportation, including light rail.
These goals remained the same, throughout subsequent versions of the plan. Councilors should conduct a series of surveys to determine just what citizens want and are these original goals still valid. I believe they still are what most citizens of the county support.
Instead, in the last thirty years, Clark County has been allowed to develop in a laissez-faire manner and continues to this day. Developers claim land that was once designated for industry, should be re-zoned commercial, and the OFM numbers designated by planning professionals are too low, and should be raised to please the development community (BIA#’s). Why would County councilors have the audacity to believe they know better than the experts in the OFM and Department of Commerce. Why would they choose numbers designed to benefit one component of community – development. What has happened to our trees, roads, parklands, fishing, greenspace, and overall quality of life. Is it as good as you remember? NO!
The County is focused on increasing growth while our roads, prisons, law enforcement, and schools are neglected. The Growth Management Act requires “Concurrency”. That means growth cannot proceed until the supporting infrastructure is in place. This has not been the case in the 2019 lifting of the Urban Holding Area at 179th Street. Multiple developments have begun and are proceeding without the accompanying roads, schools, and freeway interchange being started. This is not growth management.
County Councilors need to hear from you. You need to say what you want the County to be like in the next 20 years. Developers are counting on your apathy and that you are too involved with the issues of your daily life, to express your feelings. Councilors work for you – give them the feedback they need. Tell them what you want. You know the development community already has their ear.
Submitted by Jim Bryne, FOCC Board Member