July 16, 2009

editorial

Land plan talk is critical

The Yellow Springs Comprehensive Land Use Plan is perhaps the most important planning document for the village. The plan offers guidelines on Village growth, housing, economic vitality, green space, size, diversity, tourism and historic preservation, among other issues. So it’s no small thing when Village Council considers whether to approve the plan, which is updated by Planning Commission every five to seven years. Council began discussing the latest revised plan recently, and will continue next Monday.

The complex and challenging issue of growth sparked disagreement in last week’s meeting. Judith Hempfling believes a newly articulated statement in the revised plan narrows Council’s ability to say no to annexations. Kathryn Van der Heiden disagreed, stating that it’s disrespectful for Council to question Planning Commission’s work, and that staying within current Village borders will undermine affordability.

Part of Van der Heiden’s argument seems misguided. It’s absolutely appropriate for Council to change the Planning Commission document. Council members, not the planners, are the elected officials, and it’s their job to make policy regarding land use.

But Van der Heiden’s point that a no-annexation policy could affect affordability is also important. Most villagers seem to favor staying within the village’s current borders and protecting green space; many also support promoting affordability and income diversity. How should the Village address what often seems a significant contradiction?

This question, like others associated with land use, seems linked to many people’s hopes and fears for the village. Our concerns seem to arise from a deep, sometimes inarticulate place, and conversations regarding the issue of growth spark strong opinions and passionate feelings. But these conversations, in an atmosphere of mutual respect, are exactly the conversations we need to have.

Unfortunately, that’s not the conversation that’s taken place so far at Council. This committed and hard-working Council has been stymied from reasoned discourse on the Comprehensive Plan by one member’s outbursts and aggressive, intimidating behavior. While Van der Heiden is clearly an intelligent and caring Council member, her behavior has frequently been inappropriate and disruptive.

Villagers who care about land use choices can steer the conversation to a better place by showing up next Monday and adding their voice to this critical village discourse.

— Diane Chiddister