To the editor:

I note that future planning for Lawrence is again a hot topic. I know that all levels of our local government have been much focused on growth in the aggregate. For example, studies have been funded and water rates adjusted to address future growth needs. Planning for road maintenance also has been conducted consistent with generally accepted planning criteria. The need was identified but the funding did not appear. Wonder why?

It is in growth at the more detailed level that we seem to have some confusion. The Progressive Lawrence Campaign has suggested a smart growth concept. After a lot of research I have come to the belief that smart growth means high density and affordable, with a preponderance of multifamily dwellings and a lot of green space.

To me it sounds like the New York City neighborhood where I was born. Deja vu! I also remember that we could not wait to escape from the city. Developers have long tapped into that drive. They earn a lot of money doing so, but sprawl results. The smart growth challenge is to make smart growth profitable to a developer. Government subsidy may be required to make it happen at an affordable level.

I can only hope that if some members of our leadership elite are headed in that direction, that they share their dream and associated implementation mechanism with the rest of us – before we go there. The imposition of an ideologically driven solution that is not broadly shared will fracture our community. Consensus is the key.

George Lippencott,

Lawrence