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Bow & Arrow Planning

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Contributed by: DR. SEAN REIF D.C. on 8/20/2008

Every local government developmental decision should be based on comprehensive analysis; on a thorough assessment of the impacts of the proposed use. Is sufficient information supplied to wisely inform the decision makers? Are government officials who make land use choices mindful of the communities needs? Is sufficient attention given to aesthetics and to health concerns?

Many formerly silent groups now may demand a say in the allocation of land. Both those who desire a change in zoning of their property and those who wish the community to remain under a present designation wish to be heard. Renters are a part of the community affected by the benefits and costs. They should not be ignored. The property owner will most likely NOT be PLEASED with a process that allows a broad range of interests to contribute to a determination of the use of his land. When regulation of land is addressed, interests clash. Protection of the individuals' right to use of his private property against utilitarian goals for provision of the general welfare.

The choices that directly determine property uses should be made at the planning stage. Comprehensive Plans are the blueprint for regulation of the use of the land. Planning should precede and determine development outcomes.

To which we ask these questions. To what extent are we capable of forecasting the future of social, physical, and environmental impacts? Can Planning Commissioners satisfactorily identify important community objectives? What will motivate citizens to become more involved in the regulatory process? Does increased participation in the planning process by citizens produce "better decisions"?

Comprehensiveness, fairness, procedural justness, openness, representative ness, efficiency, and rationality are characteristics of defensible decisions locally. Northglenn is becoming frustrated by its city government's failure to carry out its proposals. We are challenged by the realization that even the best laid plans often are laid away. Yet, some plans are poorly conceived. Conditions change, mistakes in plans are recognized, forecasts are inaccurate, and analysis are insufficiently sensitive to prevailing conditions. Identifying these disposable plans, from well-made plans, without affecting men's liberty and property are noble goals.

Plans that reflect responsible and knowledgeable participation, that are assembled by those committed to the fairness of decisions, that are technically informed, and that balance the interests of all groups to be involved deserve to be translated into official development regulatory controls.

Affirmative answers to any of these questions directs a reviewing Planning Commission to scrutinize closely reasons for deviating from a relevant plan. A Planning Commission must, at least, appear knowledgeable about its objectives and means for achieving them if its members reasonably expect compliance with its policy statements. Upgrading the professionalism of the Northglenn Planning Commission will be required to implement any consistency of doctrine.

Planning designates future uses of property by visualizing the future at the same time that it offers realistic reasons for continuing or change the policies of the Comprehensive Plan. Design with nature, planning with optimum area, mid-range plans, and well-developed policy plans are amongst the innovations that may someday improve the local plan.

Actual planning practices in Northglenn can be described as "pedestrian." Even planners themselves conclude that implementation of the Comprehensive Plan is an activity that the Planning Commission has performed poorly. A plan without an ordinance to follow is like a bow without an arrow.

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Submitted By: DR. SEAN REIF D.C.

posted on 8/20/2008 @ 12:19:25 PM

Rated Story

“Leaders are heroes - great men who rise to the fore in times of crisis. They reinforce a focus on short-term events and charismatic heroes rather than on systemic forces and collective learning. Leadership in learning organizations centers on subtler and ultimately more important work. In a learning organization, leaders’ roles differ dramatically from that of the charismatic decision maker. Leaders are designers, teachers, and stewards.”

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CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

DR. SEAN REIF D.C.

THORNTON , CO

DR. SEAN REIF D.C. has posted 1087 stories and 1256 comments since joining on 9/14/2005. DR. SEAN REIF D.C. 's average story rating is 2.97.

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