To the editor:

Your editorial “Growth woes?” (Journal-World, July 22) links housing production with the desirability of Lawrence as a place to live, but you have the causal arrow backwards.

If Lawrence sprawls – building more units than population growth requires – older neighborhoods deteriorate, their schools close and they no longer attract families. This sprawl spoils the quality of life in Lawrence, making it a less desirable place to live.

You blame these perceived problems on “no growthers,” yet no reasonable person favors no growth. Rather, the debate is between smart growth and developer-driven growth. Smart growth means the city manages the pace and character of its growth. Developer-driven growth means that developers determine the pace and character of the growth.

Experience tells us that developers do not perform well in determining either the pace or the character of growth. Evidence is found in recent years as the developers overbuilt housing subdivisions at the perimeter of the city, hurting our older, central neighborhoods, depriving them of needed investment. Evidence also is found where the developers overbuilt retail space, blighting existing retail centers and stalling the plans to revitalize downtown.

You imply that all growth is good. It is not that simple. Too little growth can hurt a city, but too much growth is even more damaging. Lawrence needs to be smart and manage its growth. It will enhance its desirability through maintenance of strong neighborhoods and vibrant shopping districts. This requires that the city intelligently manage the pace and character of growth.

Kirk McClure,

Lawrence