The 'Nature' of Responsibility

South Carolina Evening. Watercolor by VeryTerry.
I live in an area of South Carolina generally referred to as "the lowcountry". If you know anything about the state's geography it's easy to understand why this portion of South Carolina is so named. We're right along the coast, at sea level. Here in the Charleston area hard rain means flash flooding. We're not underwater, like New Orleans, but you won't find any mountains here like you will in the Western portion of the state. The lowcountry is flat and swampy.
The lowcountry of South Carolina is full of history, natural beauty, and nowdays, lots of growth.I don't often deal in statistics so I won't be tossing any at you now. However, like many areas, the growth is quite noteworthy. There has been alot of conflict very recently about development in the area where I reside, that's the Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties area. New homes, and indeed, entire huge subdivisions can't be built quickly enough. The problem is everyone wants growth. Growth signals new jobs, a stronger tax base, and better economic realities for the area. On the other hand, no one seems to want these new developments in their area. Suburban sprawl creates a loss of scenic beauty, a loss of historic sites, and yet even more traffic. It's a problematic issue to be sure. If you live in a fast growing part of the country yourself you may find your communities facing similar issues. One problem that is particular to this lowcountry area is that we can't grow to the east. Unless we create artifical islands out into the Atlantic Ocean, growth to our east is not possible. Further compounding the development problem is that we have no real vision how how our area should grow. There is no real legislation defining what we in the area would consider desirable.
Essentially how the area will grow is up to a handful of powerful real estate speculators and developers. These good business folk are buying up land. The bottom line appears to be maximum development for maximum profit. Now, I don't want to get sued here. This is only my general understanding of the issues, based on what I have seen and heard. I will further add there are many excellent planned communities in the area that strike a very nice balance between development and the rich heritage of natural beauty and history. Hey, I like to think I live in such an area. Through the area we have parks, bike paths, walking trails, and the area roads generally handle the traffic well. The area is harmonious. The question is how much new growth is enough? After all, it's a free country. Some argue land owners sould be able to do whatever they want with their property. Of course, what happens when the plans for developing a particular piece of property impact the larger area? The conflict of development in this area so continues. Little by little, the developers seem to be winning.
Do we really need another BP station? Another Wendy's? Do we really need yet another strip mall?
I complain about all this, yet I am eternally grateful for all the convenience these businesses provide. My purpose here is simply to raise the question. How much development in an area is enough? Or perhaps even more importantly, Can we fairly create a vision of growth for the area that can actually stand legislative and judical rigor? Again, my intention is to provide an arena of though. The local news outlets, most often pitch these issues in a kind of "us" against "them" context. Who can be suprised? They are out to sell news and conflict is more intresting, I suppose, than compromise.
I came upon a site for an interesting organization just recently.The organization is called the "Center for Humans and Nature". The organization defines it's orientation as non-profit and non-partisan. There concern is responsible development and stewardship. If development is an issue that concerns you, check out the website. I really know nothing more about the group than that myself. After you have looked at their site, give me some feedback as to what you think. If you know of similar organizations, or have expertise on this issue then please comment. I like the idea of responsible, planned growth that serves the best needs of all in the community. Click on the article title to go to the "Center for Humans and Nature" website, or follow this link Center for Humans and Nature.