Giant bulldozers and excavators mowed them down. Limb by limb, cut down, chewed up, and spat out into piles of rubble.

Like patients wearing hospital gowns with exposed buttocks, secluded communities bear it all to the elements. The trees that once covered rear decks and branches that shaded front porches are no more.

Paradise Found

Ten years ago, you bought your home in a small town far away from the city. From your window, you saw the morning sun peeking through the trees.

• You awoke with the sounds of chirping birds.
• Trees of every shape and size surrounded you.
• You enjoyed the seasons and the changing colors of the leaves.
• You felt safe and protected from the outside world.
• You had found your slice of heaven here on earth.

Or so you thought!

Paradise Lost

News of a new development adjourning your community was announced three years later.

The developer’s rezoning plan showed a mixed development of commercial, independent senior living units, single-family detached homes, a six-story garage, and a hotel.

Once complete, you will be staring at an outdoor shopping mall and parking lots instead of watching birds alighting upon trees and listening to the winds between the leaves.

An entire city is landing in front of your door.

Are these the best of times or the worst of times?

Will you stay or will you go?

Reasons to Stay

Growth and Development

1. Housing: There is a demand for new homes. According to Harvard University’s 2022 State of the Nation’s Housing report, there is a need for over 3.8 million homes in the United States. The development of commercial, residential townhouses, condominiums, and single-family dwellings may help fill the gap in the housing shortage.
2. New Jobs: The development brings new jobs and opportunities to residents. The National Association of Home Builders reports that new homes and apartments generate jobs across multiple industries, including transportation, legal, real estate, engineering, heating, and plumbing.
3. New Amenities: Won’t it be great to walk to the grocery store or high-end restaurants without leaving your home and driving in traffic?
4. Recreation: The developer’s plans reveal the building of a park that will open to surrounding communities. Imagine walking trails so close to home? Think about the new neighbors you will meet.
5. Property value: The property value of your home may increase. Great news if you are planning to refinance or sell your home.
6. New blood & vitality: New residents may bring diversity and increased energy to the town. Recent and current businesses would benefit from the population increase.

After all, growth is inevitable. Correct!

Who is to say that you move to another quiet town, and another development reappears at your doorstep?

Where can you run to?

Reasons to Go

1. Overcrowding: The number of developments being constructed is high (density). So many are being crammed into small spaces within short distances. Consider how your quality of life will be impacted due to the overcrowding.
2. Traffic congestion: Even without the new development, traffic is a nightmare. With a new community, next door comes heavy traffic that the current roads cannot accommodate. Moreover, your community will become through-way traffic for people who want to avoid the main roads. Try getting out of your community; it is a suicide mission.
3. Loss of green space and wildlife: The wildlife depends on the trees for food, shelter, and a place to perch and eat. The trees create a canopy for protecting the natural habitat in the biosystem. As acres of forest are destroyed, soil erosion, air quality, flooding, and increased greenhouse emissions may become the norm.
4. Development Design: You moved to this town in the first place for its charm, character, and aesthetics, correct? Does the design fit into the architectural character of the town? The uniqueness that attracted you in the first place will be gone. Your town will become like any other ‘cookie-cutter’ town across America.
5. Supporting Infrastructure: With the growth in housing comes an increased need for schools and support from services such as the town’s fire and police departments and auxiliary services. The schools are already overcrowded. Are you prepared for the long lines that may result? Does the town have the resources to provide services for the population increase?
6. Property taxes: Your taxes may be increased to support the expanded services necessary to keep the population.

You escaped the city and moved to the town for a quiet country life.

The forest behind your home provided privacy and served as a buffer between you and the noise and air pollution.

Now sirens and horns are piercingly loud, and you stare at the moving traffic from your door.

Will you stay or will you go?

Imagine a town where

• The town’s character — architecture, history, and natural surroundings are preserved.
• Houses and townhouses are not crammed on every square acre so close that you can hear your neighbor sneeze and snore.
• Children can play in front yards, not the open streets.
• The biodiversity of the ecosystem is a priority.
• Acres of land are not deforested.
• Mature trees are left undisturbed.

Is it possible to strike a balance between growth and development while preserving the town’s natural environment, assets, and small-town character and charm?

The answer is yes!

Will you stay or will you go?