Planning in the Garden

Life is interesting. I've been here in Morgan for about six weeks now, and in that time I've come to start to appreciate some of the similarities and differences that exist between what's going on here and in other places I've been. The differences seem to only highlight the similarities, because human nature is similar all around the world.

The conflict in planning stems from the need to have good, quality development according to the rights of property owners. Contrasting that is the desire of property owners and residents who wish to retain exactly the same environment in which they formed their perception of the community.

As a case in point, I drove through the city where I lived when I was in high school. The place has changed dramatically, from a small-feeling, family-centered community to one where commercial development pervades everything. The thrust of the community seems to have changed from one focused on families and a small town kind of feel, to a bustling commercial destination where things feel frenzied and frenetic. I indulged in a moment of reflection as I drove the familiar streets, nostalgic for a community that was.

But I am not right in my nostalgia. It is not productive as a planner to be over-fond of the past. It is vital to balance the sense of character and history of a place, particularly those elements which make the community unique, and the vision of the future which must help guide the community as it grows. While I KNOW this to be the case, the reality is different, and I am as human as the next person.

Some of the changes are positive. I like that they've emphasized the multi-modal transit options, and have given active transportation a lot of attention. This speaks well to the goals and principles which guide the community. I also quite liked the natural surroundings, which draw me back to this place again and again.

Some of the changes were less desirable, though. I dislike the continued catering to the car/car culture. Streetscapes continue to be auto-oriented, particularly along major thoroughfares. And, while I found the pace to be frenetic, I did (always do) enjoy the energy that exists. It's invigorating.  But I think it would become tiresome if I had to live in that kind of environment all the time.

These changes, positive or negative, are interesting because they're probably barely perceptible to those who live there. Day in and year out, these changes take place on a fairly gradual and subtle pace. Unless one is really looking closely, it's doubtful one would catch these changes. But, as I've been away for several years, I have the ability to notice these things as stark, glaring contrasts that have altered my hometown.

Looking ahead to the future of Morgan, I hope that I can carefully guide the steps that will keep Morgan an incredible place to live, work, and play.