We Need Regional Planning Before It's Too Late! by Tom Reemts. (Record Searchlight, January 17th.)
When the city of Redding
purchased the 82-acre Stratte property in Churn Creek Bottom to preserve some space between Anderson and Redding, it had good intentions.
Everyone I talked to wants to retain the unique nature of our semi-rural, agricultural-based valley. I hear repeated concerns
from our citizens that we are in jeopardy of becoming a sprawled out city similar to most Sacramento and Bay Area communities where
we do not want to live. Now it seems the city is poised to sacrifice, for short-term gain, this important greenbelt acreage between
Interstate 5 and the Sacramento River for commercial purposes.
Meanwhile, a Boise, Idaho retail commercial developer
is buying up about 100 acres of unincorporated agricultural land on the Northeast corner of I-5 and Knighton Road for development,
and the huge Oasis Road commercial project could well be a boondoggle. Oh, and did I mention the Anderson City Council is eagerly
anticipating the buildout of every available acre in the city that fronts I-5?
Why is all this piecemeal commercial development
occuring in such a variety of locations and jurisdictions when the area is currently grossly overbuilt with commercial property? You
are witnessing the Great Race. The race Iam referring to is the race each City and Shasta
County have with each other to build
commercial development ahead of the other guy, without regard for what legacy they will leave for those of us who want to continue
to live and work in an area that values its quality of life now and for future generations. We deserve better, and there is a better
way.
A recent one-day seminar was conducted in Redding by Shasta Forward the 3 main presenters related how regional-planning
concepts were enhancing their respective communities in different parts of the country. Oddly, you could count our local elected leaders
present on one hand. For about a year now, city of Redding, and Shasta County officials have been meeting to forge a tax-sharing
agreement that would include a cooperative- planning agreement as well. Why we have not heard a peep about the progress, or lack
thereof?
We can sit back and watch our community become another sprawl city similar to '' AnyTown USA,'' or take a couple of
important steps to shape our future:
1. Several important local elections are coming up in 2008. Take the time to learn about the candidates'
views on these and other related topics. Many good leaders are already serving, let's keep the good ones in office and replace
those without vision.
2. Support the local '' Citizens for Smart Growth '' organization, website: shastasmartgrowth.com. They understand
and support the robust growth that will continue here. The difference is they believe we don't have to lose our identity as we grow.
Tom
Reemts, Chairman - Churn Creek Bottom Homeowners and Friends.
