Raleigh NC -- "Growing problems"

From: David James Polewka (joseywales_at_outlaw.nospam)
Date: 01/20/05

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    Date: Thu, 20 Jan 2005 04:21:58 GMT

    Raleigh NC News & Observer, Jan. 19. Letter to the Editor:

    Growing problems

    Solutions to transit problems are difficult to find. Having moved here
    from a large city I know that light rail, HOV lanes and other measures
    to reduce traffic congestion and commute times were marginally
    effective, and eventually taxpayers had to cough up more money to
    continue funding them. Looking back, I realize that the best solution
    for these problems may have been a proactive approach: limiting
    development.

    In the race for increased tax revenue, infrastructure requirements are
    sometimes ignored. Schools, additional road lanes, larger parking lots,
    increased utility service and other factors are important considerations
    in allowing development to occur. While clearing several acres of pines
    and slapping down a few dozen homes may yield excellent short-term
    financial benefits to the city and county, it eventually comes back in
    the form of crowded roadways, increased power demand, impacted area
    codes and additional social service requirements -- and oftentimes the
    tax revenue that was originally thought to pave the way for a better
    tomorrow somehow disappears in the legislative woodwork.

    While officials are currently studying how other cities work toward
    solutions to traffic congestion, I would respectfully suggest they adopt
    a much more tempered approach -- not a complete halt -- to the
    apparently uncontrolled development now under way in Wake County.

    Keith Britton

    Raleigh

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     "Endeavor to persevere"
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