Dave Stauffer offers his views on news items about progressive development projects –

Traditional town-center issue moves ahead

IN THE NEWS:
Stafford's planning commission voted in favor of a proposed ordinance that will allow traditional town centers to take shape in the community. ... "We need this and development options that allow for mixed-use, multiple housing, walkable communities -- that are an alternative to cookie-cutter developments," said Tim Hall, who spoke on behalf of Tricord Homes. "Density doesn't have to be a bad word and density belongs in areas where the county has appropriate infrastructure." ... Others also praised the ordinance, noting this is a "smart growth" tool and will help create a sense of place in Stafford. "I'm in favor of this because I'm upset with the way the county has headed in the past," Stafford resident Teresa O'Meara said.
-- excerpted from Stafford County (VA) Sun, 6/28/2007 the full article is at
staffordcountysun.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=SCS/MGArticle/SCS_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1173

DAVE’S VIEWS:
The way you talk about progressive development is critical to gaining popular support for your projects. In the instance above, the words of both the Stafford resident and the article narrative probably had a more favorable impact on readers than those of the builder. Why? Because the builder unnecessarily mentioned "cookie-cutter developments" and the D-word (density) -- even calling it a "bad word." This raises red flags in people's minds. Contrast it with the more positive, favorable images evoked by "sense of place" and the heartfelt objection to "the way the county has headed in the past."

Neighborly interaction tops list for desirable home

IN THE NEWS:
A new marketing study from GfK Roper Consulting … found that Americans are most at home when they feel a sense of inclusion. … Americans do value neighborhoods and local connections more they did than 20 years ago. … The report deemed "New Urban" communities such as Prospect, Colo., the most desirable areas in which to buy homes because they monitor sprawl, foster walkable amenities, and strike a development balance between homes, schools and businesses. The re-emergence of front-porch socializing, main streets and corner stores are key to America's most popular neighborhoods.
-- excerpted from Denver Post, 3/16/2007 the full article is at
denverpost.com/lifestyles/ci_5418726

DAVE’S VIEWS:
Progressive development is the market's response to the re-emergence of Americans' desire for "connection." In fact, that desire never waned. It was instead suppressed, as government and many financial institutions invoked regulations and pursued policies that subsidized sprawling, greenfied development. Today -- for a host of social, financial, and personal reasons -- a growing share of Americans are demanding homes and neighborhoods that re-establish ties to family, community, and country.

© 2006 Dave Stauffer Consulting