When we last left the CJ, our humble city had just under 200,000 residents and an argument brewed between those who pushed growth and those who sought controlled and planned development at a slow pace. Those pushing for more rapid expansion won out. In the past several decades, election after election saw a small majority win for those seeking to expand the city. This policy has been in place for two generations now. The city has more than tripled in size to nearly 700,000 residents.
An overview picture shows rapid expansion in nearly every direction. Notice in the center, the still unresolved "old downtown" of the city. A large planned development was stalled by a lawsuit on behalf of environmental residents. A series of unrelated events has continued to leave the area undeveloped. It has become an eyesore and an embarrassment to all. The new mayor vows to fix this.
A development of medium density housing for executives and a few elites. Pro-growthers found this a defeat for it was a planned development of high-end, high density housing and the slow growthers managed to get it blocked.
Demand for middle class neighborhoods was so high that not even slow growth advocates could stop this development from coming in. After 2 decades, many slow growthers find themselves living here now.
The city, even at 700,000 does not have any public or mass transit options. Advocates say a city this large should have something for its citizens. They argue this especially because of the rapid growth and say it will be needed later for certain. They propose a transportation "hub" in the "Old Downtown" for starters. Their detractors do nothing but submit one photo to the planning commission. It shows traffic patterns in the city. The council curbs the proposal after looking at the picture.
The new front in the fight between these two factions is already forming though. Business leaders are clamoring for an airport to serve their growing numbers. They also are pushing for increased housing for elites and executives. Doing this, they argue, will push the standard of living up for everyone. It will also fund their desire to build a large and sprawling CBD. Slow growth advocates push the loss of public space and the natural environment as a reason to say no. At a recent city council planning session, both side brought photo to share in favor of their proposal.
Slow growth photo of the natural forest that was in place for centuries before their arrival. They point to the rapid encroachment into this natural habitat and the loss of it as a prized possession that can never be regained.
Growth advocates submitted their proposal for a new Central Business District and housing plan to the Commission for approval. The proposal has several parts.
Area one is the first proposed CBD. A second CBD would be planned if the first is successful. This is marked 2. Number 2 also marks a secondary option for a single CBD should the council only desire one. The orange line would only be needed if just CBD 1 is built. The Green line would be an expressway connecting the center of the 2 CBD zones. The maroon line would encircle the 2 CBD zones and a new housing zone built in the cliffs across the river. This housing would, of course, be executive and elite housing.
The council is expected to make a decision soon.
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