By Ken Miyagishima
There has been considerable controversy recently over the pace and kind of growth currently occurring in our area. In the past year alone the City of Las Cruces has annexed almost 20 square miles of surrounding land, including over 4,000 acres in the Presidios project on the
The City of
The larger question is whether we have the vision to make this growth work for the benefit of the people who live here, or whether out-of-control development will destroy the very things that have made Las Cruces such a special and enjoyable place to live.
Can we protect our relaxed lifestyle from the stresses of traffic jams and long drives across town? Can we protect our unique natural and agricultural areas from destruction by air pollution and leapfrog development? Can we improve our schools, provide quality affordable housing and create the kinds of jobs that will allow our children to stay here, if they choose, after graduation?
The answer is clearly yes. We can do these things. But they will not happen if we continue our current developer-driven, no-questions-asked policy of growth at any cost. Achieving our goals requires that we learn from the successes and failures of other cities that have experienced the challenge of rapid growth, and that we develop a shared plan and vision for the kind of city we want.
That vision should include the following elements:
• An active commitment to “smart growth” principles, including, as integral parts of new developments, walkable neighborhoods, neighborhood parks and schools and the inclusion of open space, bike paths and walkways and natural areas.
• Cooperation among city, county and state entities to ensure orderly development along a timeline that allows citizen, neighborhood and stakeholder participation in the process.
• Modification of ordinances and zoning codes to reflect current best practices and requirements for new subdivisions, especially as developed by other communities that have successfully negotiated rapid growth.
• Recognition that economic development and quality of life go hand-in-hand. Industries with high-paying jobs are attracted to livable communities.
• We need to pay as much attention to the revitalization, health and livability of existing neighborhoods as we do the building of new ones.
• We need to protect our mountains, foothills and river corridor for our own enjoyment and as a precious resource to be passed on to future generations.
Miyagishima is a