Marty Stallone Lauds Gilroy’s Example for Responsible Land Development Practices

As the executive vice president of land development for Metropolitan Development Group, Inc., Marty Stallone has long served as an advocate for responsible land development practices. An expert in his field, Mr. Stallone is often asked to share his insight with industry peers through regular speaking engagements. After visiting Gilroy, California, and learning of the community’s efforts to create an “Urban Growth Boundary,” Mr. Stallone began including the city of Gilroy as a prime example demonstrating responsible practices with regard to land development

There are countless reasons why professionals in the land development industry might advocate for the kind of responsible practices favored by members of the Gilroy community. A haphazard approach to land development does not serve the interests of anyone, and any effort to encourage efficient planning practices in land development projects ensures that the available land is utilized in an optimal fashion. This optimal use of land therefore generates benefits for all of the many varied parties likely to be affected by such a project.

This is especially important for areas that rely on agriculture to support the local economy, regardless of whether that economic support is in whole or in part. A lack of forethought in land development could alter the viability of farmland and certainly could encroach on the open areas that are most ideal for agricultural purposes. With an urban growth boundary in place, Gilroy and other cities similar to Gilroy can make sure that growth and development occurs in a compact and efficient fashion while ensuring that any growth requiring land development is aimed at generating some kind of economic benefit for the entire community at large.

Mr. Stallone also noted the importance of responsible land development practices with regard to critical environmental issues, including those associated with global climate change. Any kind of development -- but especially with rapid development occurring in urban areas -- creates substantial increases in the vulnerability of residents to the adverse effects associated with climate change. The increase in vulnerability is often disproportionately realized in cities which are concentrated and relatively close to a coastal area.

Since Gilroy features many of the characteristics most commonly associated with an area at risk of a disproportionate impact stemming from global climate change, it seems wise for local community leaders to strive to put safeguards in place to ensure growth occurs in the most efficient way possible. With increasingly efficient land development and effective oversight pertaining to the type of growth that occurs within cities like Gilroy, climate change resiliency and continued economic prosperity is far more likely due to these responsible, common-sense practices.