NIMBY!

Editor's Note: Franklin Moore is running for Goose Creek City Council. 

Most of us live in Goose Creek for the small town feel, sense of community, low taxes, and conveniences, but that lifestyle is threatened more every day. The recent failed effort to develop the IGA Grocery store near Braemore and Woodland Lakes subdivisions caused me to question how we will address future development conflicts. During Mayor Heitzler’s town hall meeting with those residents, the theme “NIMBY” an acronym meaning, NOT IN MY BACKYARD prevailed. We all want conveniences, a deep commercial tax base, jobs, restaurants and more, close, but not too close to our homes.

I believe that NIMBY is our biggest challenge because it is on a collision course with our constitutional rights. In America we may openly and loudly oppose development. We have that right to free speech. Also, in America, property owners have rights and may develop their land to its highest use. City leaders must find common ground where the rights of all prevail.

Here are a few ways the City can navigate the challenges and allow all rights to prevail:

• Shore up the current zoning laws to provide better buffering between land uses.
• Purchase green space to dilute commercial crowding.
• Highlight relevant sections of our comprehensive plan to preview potential development, and head-off conflicts by informing concerned citizens before the builders arrive.
• Continuously conduct land use audits of developing areas to ensure a peaceful coexistence.

These suggestions seem meager at best, but it’s a beginning. I am confident that municipal leaders can find more ways to lessen the impending conflicts between business owners and home owners.

Franklin Moore

www.electmoore.com

franklin@electmoore.com