The Sweet Spot

I had a conversation the other evening about development in Howard County. I confessed that I have found myself to be conflicted on this issue. In fact, I have shied away from writing about it in the recent past because I have felt that my stance of conflict was of no use to anyone. I thought that, after doing my homework, I should be able to choose one side or the other.

I haven’t. If you’ve ever wondered why I didn’t weigh in on APFO, this is why. Or make a definitive statement about the Columbia TIF.

On the one hand, I know what communities look like when businesses feels that they are no longer commercially viable. Developers are no longer motivated to engage. It can be a vicious cycle. A lack of willingness to invest can be the kiss of death. And I know that we need a push for affordable housing and decent “starter” housing. We need to make that a priority.

On the other hand, I do see quite clearly the overcrowding in schools that continued development has brought to our area. It seems logical to suggest that the pace of new housing should be slowed while new school construction is sped up. There are legitimate environmental concerns. And do developers pay an amount that is a meaningful contribution?

I once had a conversation with someone who suggested that those who are against further development are selfish. “They have found the good life in Howard County but now they want to pull up the ladder and keep others from finding the same thing.” He also suggested that there’s an underlying classism/racism in many of their arguments.

Hmm. If true, that’s pretty ugly.

The arguments against development, it seems to me, come from a basic concept that there is a finite amount of land/amenities in Howard County. As you keep adding more structures/people, it cannot help but dilute the quality of life. I’m not saying I agree with this, just that I think this is the argument. As a preschool teacher I can see some value to this. We have square footage-per-child limits for a reason.

And yet there’s no denying that this is an argument which is based on a scarcity mindset. If others come, will there be enough? Will what I have be diminished?

My conversation about development the other evening made me realize how much I want to find common ground between these two sides. What is the sweet spot between continued investment in Howard County and protecting and supporting infrastructure, services, amenities, schools, etc? It simply can’t be an either/or proposition.

I read this recently in regards to the school budget, but I think it applies here as well.

The opposite concept of the "tyranny of the OR" is called the “genius of the AND.” We can preserve our core beliefs AND invest in new initiatives. We can advocate for resources for community A AND also want the best for community B. We can advocate for students in overcrowded schools AND students who need to utilize the school lunch program. We can want PreK AND more resources for students with disabilities. It doesn't have to be either OR...
What do you think? (Candace Dodson Reed)

What do you think? How can we find the sweet spot? Can we?