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Supervisors have more tools to fight growth than they realize

Date published: 5/10/2001

By SHAUN KENNEY

Too often we are finding that Virginia localities have been reluctant--and, some would say, unwilling--to take the effective measures necessary to curb growth. Hamstrung by the Dillon Rule, hard-pressed by developers, and unwilling to rezone in the face of property-rights defenders, local leadership has an amazingly complex web of issues to tackle with no clear solutions.

But across the nation, local planners are beginning to realize the value and vision of smartgrowth initiatives. Citizens are not only taking elected officials
to task on sprawl; they are also demanding that developers pay for the growth they bring.

Make no mistake. Growth and sprawl will dominate the local political dynamic for the next decade to come. Whether or not our elected officials will pay heed and move forward is largely dependent on what local activists focus on in the next five years--before it is too late.

After seeing the effects of sprawl in the area, many concerned residents are at pains to hear of any constructive solutions. But the solutions to growth are out there. Here are a few measures for residents and local leaders alike to consider:

Growth will not pay for itself, despite what those who profit from sprawl say.

New residents who move into the county must be provided with utilities, roads, and schools. The bill for these necessities inevitably gets passed on to the taxpayer, not to the developer who causes the need for it.

Government leaders in this area could look up the road to Prince William County for guidance. Recently, that county's Board of Supervisors levied a fivefold increase in proffers, more commonly known as impact fees.

By offsetting the costs of infrastructure, developers are obliged to help pay for such items as water and sewer lines, schools, and roads that otherwise would be taken out on the taxpayer in the form of higher taxes. Proffers level the playing field, and they are long overdue.

Demand property tax income statements on new developments.

If, as developers say, growth pays, then let the developers show taxpayers the benefits. By using this method of accountability, developers and planning commissioners alike will be able to see exactly where the pitfalls or advantages lie.

Taxpayers can then decide whether or not they are willing to support such projects and influence their leadership accordingly.

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Date published: 5/10/2001