First, Neil, you have some good points, but explanation points are meant to be used sparsely!!!!!!
That said, the Metro region has no lack of information and GIS data. We are one of the more progressive communities in the nation in our use of GIS. I agree, there will be problems as the baby boomers age and retire, there will be a housing glut in the now burgeoning suburbs. Existing settlement and building patterns are not sustainable. As the population ages, the lack of transportation alternatives, the sheer size and effort in upkeep for large suburban houses, and the lack of nearby social and basic needs suppliers (grocery stores, doctors offices, etc.) will force seniors to move. The trend for the younger generation is that we will be the first post WWII generation to have a lower standard of living than our parents. We will not be able to take up the slack in the housing market, and by that point in time, the cheaply built and extremely energy-consumptive suburban houses will not be attractive or affordable for us. So, back to the point of GIS. It's a fabulous tool, and allows for really great analysis of both natural and demographic trends. The primary problem is the lack of planning vision, coordination, and cooperation across the region, and lacking that, even the most revolutionary tools aren't going to change trends. Our governmental structure encourages autonomy of municipalities, counties and states. A good example of the problems fostered by this governmental structure is in Portland, OR. Oregon had growth management back in the 70's, Washington did not. As a result, as the market got tighter for real estate in Portland, housing and business spilled across the border into Vancouver, WA. The state line created an artificial border, and due to land use controls differing on either side, the results are striking. We have some similar problems in the metro here. Development has been pushing further and further out from our core, forcing ever increasing commuting distances. Something like 17% of people in Wright county cross the county line to get to work. Comparatively, only 4% or 5% of Hennepin county workers cross the county line in their commute. Get my point? The jobs aren't out in Wright county, Scott, in other counties, and even into Wisconsin. The housing is going up in these outer ring areas because we don't have the legislation or vision on a regional level to coordinate our growth. So yes, we need to use our tools better, and we need to encourage our legislators to be more cognizant of issues beyond their jurisdictional boundaries. By the way, I'm a landscape architect. I work with the Center for Rural Design, U of M, St. Paul. Melissa Wyatt Uptown Minneapolis -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Tuesday, August 13, 2002 1:10 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [TCMetro] Metro/Urban/Regional planning has always been weak I am a student in urban planning at the Universtity of Iowa. My parents and brother live in Eden Prairie MN! I care deeply about these issues! The school district problems have prompted my father to run for the MN state house is district 42B! He stands no chance against someone who has nothing but money yet to grasp the big picture, the sole platform of his opponent is lower taxes! Pass the tax burden onto the local officials! My father disagrees with the Met Council overall growth estimates! Eden Prairie might lose housing because retirement factors and gain urban sprawl in the rural/urban fringe communities! It makes sense when you figure in the baby boomer retirement! The Metro lacks the ability because of the interplay of politics, money and geography! The strong point of the Metro Planning is in information! But overcoming the money interests and power players is hard if not impossible! Look at the makeup of the state government, the party platform and geography! A simple GIS map can say a thousand words! Neil Daniels 606 5th St Apt 1 Coralville IA 52241 [EMAIL PROTECTED] _______________________________________________ Twin Cities Metropolitan Issues Forum http://www.e-democracy.org/tcmetro Rules: Sign posts with real name. You may not post more than twice a day. _______________________________________________ Twin Cities Metropolitan Issues Forum http://www.e-democracy.org/tcmetro Rules: Sign posts with real name. You may not post more than twice a day.
