Development doesn’t drive area’s economy
By KEN MIDKIFF
Published Friday, April 11, 2008
(http://archive.columbiatribune.com/2008/apr/20080411comm001.asp)

How is it that this community’s economy got linked to development?

Obviously, we have much more going for us than clearing land for strip malls and subdivisions filled with McMansions. We are a vibrant, dynamic community, with an enthusiastic following of our symphony orchestra, a growing number of oil-and-water artists, a literary community and a number of people - including me - who have written books.

Downtown and area businesses don’t depend one whit on developments on the outskirts of town. If not one shovelful of dirt were moved - but then, who uses a shovel? - it is doubtful that our locally owned businesses would even notice.

I haven’t even mentioned the bedrock that supports this area. the University of Missouri, with all sorts of scientists and academicians. Granted, it is a "love-hate" relationship, but MU always has been and currently is a large part of this community.

Somehow, the developers and those who support them legally, logistically and financially - attorneys, builders, bankers, investment and insurance companies - have us all convinced that without them this area would shrivel and die. For all their hyperbole, when it comes right down to it, they’re feathering their own nest.

Somehow, we have believed their prattling nonsense. There is no doubt that the development crowd does bring substantial resources to this area. There is also no doubt that the development crowd also creates substantial liabilities. A few months ago, the Columbia Bulldozer and Backhoe Coalition (CBBC) did a study demonstrating how much money was generated by development activities. What it did not do was a study showing how many dollars were sucked out of this city and this county by developers running amok, with their activities subsidized by the rest of us. They destroy and pollute - and we pay.

If an objective cost-benefit study were done, I suspect it would show that development costs more than it benefits. But then, I am an advocate for green and open spaces, which are viewed only as places to rip, strip, move dirt and make money for the members of the CBBC. I see the costs; developers see the benefits.

The reason this issue gets so much media attention is that the activities of developers are so visible, garish and, well, downright ugly. Take a look at the mess at the east end of Stadium Boulevard or the equal mess that is called "The Links" just north of Interstate 70 between Clark Lane and St. Charles Road. Not to mention the now renamed Philips Lake area or Old Hawthorne. Or about anywhere else on the edge of town.

It is no secret that our city council is changing. From getting a "yes" to flat rejection of ill-conceived proposals, change is on the way. It has nothing to do with new onerous and burdensome development requirements. Rather, the new attitude has to do with excesses that are clearly and obnoxiously visible and with a nod to enforcement of long-existing regulations.

But I digress. Although growth and development have been controversial, we should direct our attention to the many amenities this area holds. Although it is highly unlikely Columbia ever will be a tourist destination - although the visitors bureau keeps trying - it is a pleasant place to live and to raise a family while enjoying the ambience offered by a thriving downtown area. There are also many natural amenities that many of us enjoy. Hiking, biking and wildlife watching are activities in which many participate.

While we are enjoying all of this, we must be vigilant for those who would destroy the very things that make this area so pleasant. It is not strip malls - or malls of any type. It is not new subdivisions filled with starter castles. It is not bare dirt and scraped rocks where trees and terrestrial life once existed. It is not polluted streams and over-crowded jails. It is not a rising crime rate. It is not ever-increasing taxes for schools, sewers, law enforcement, electric lines and other infrastructure.

Nope. New development that creates those things is ripping out the heart and soul of this area. We need to focus on what we have rather than kowtowing to those who espouse "private property rights" but are really just espousing their supposed right to make money.