[Grovenet] not all growth is good

[Kevin Van Dyke]

David Morelli wrote:
  
In the physical world we have a condition that we call "cancer".  It  
is basically an unrestrained growth of  cells, and it is a mortal  
condition.  In Economics there is a general premise that "growth is  
good".  There does not appear to be any understanding that some forms  
of economic growth can lead to economic collapse, which is the  
economic parallel to cancer.

If it is not recognized, it cannot be discussed.

David
   
   
  How true David.  In a slight turn of topic let's talk about the poster child of city growth promoters....urban renewal and  enterprise zones.  They are really being pushed by cities as a way to promote business and grow jobs locally.  Never mind that a study by PSU refutes the job growth claims.  What we do know is that when an urban renewal zone is put in place, taxes freeze for a period (typically 20 years) but the demand for services like police and fire will continue to grow.  In the most unfair example TVF&R is looking at an urban renewal district formed in the North Bethany area.  Urban Renewal is a misnomer in this case, they are not renewing a blighted area, they are creating new urban areas out of fields.
  TVF&R will collect tax revenue as if the land were in farm deferral but have to service a projected population the size of Sherwood (including building a new fire station and staff it, purchase a couple of engines at $250,000+ a pop, and a rescue) The patrons of TVF&R will be saddled with a couple of million dollars of expenses wth only a couple of hundred thousand in tax revenue from the area.  Some residents will get a virtually free ride while the other residents of TVF&R will subsidize them.  It's not just a TVF&R problem.  The City Council of FG has seen fit to get one of these zones for themselves.  It's just one more issue that contributes to the City asking voters to pay more for "public safety"
   
  David is right, just because it's growth doesn't mean it's good.
  Recognizing the problem doesn't necessarily mean you can get the parties to discuss it.
   
  Kevin Van Dyke

       
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