Smart Growth is Part of the Vision

I grew up on a farm in Middletown. My Dad, who just turned 87 years old, still drives the tractor and will soon be getting ready to plant potatoes. But if recent statistics are an indication, within 30 years there will be no more farms left in Connecticut as our open space is gobbled up by suburban sprawl. We’ve got to reverse this trend.

On March 2nd, I testified in support of a comprehensive legislative package that would permanently integrate the principles of smart growth into our regional and statewide planning and economic development strategy. Consider some statistics: Connecticut is losing open space and farmland at more than 10,000 acres every year. That’s faster than any other state in the country. We now have just 4,200 farms left in our state on about 360,000 acres of land. Meanwhile, new suburban housing developments are growing and putting more cars on the roads, contributing to our traffic problems and straining local infrastructure.

When we lose open space and farmland, it is not just agricultural production capability that is lost. It’s much more than that: it is the very essence of natural beauty that makes Connecticut a unique, attractive place to live and contributes to our high quality of life. Perhaps it is no wonder that we are suffering from a serious “brain drain” and losing young professionals faster than any other state in the country. Young people want good jobs, yes. But they also want dynamic communities with thriving, walkable neighborhood centers and affordable housing, connected by reliable and inexpensive public transportation. This is the essence of smart growth.

It all starts with integrating regional economic development plans. Now consider this: the State of Connecticut, under the last 14 years of Governors Rell and Rowland, ranks 2nd to last among all U.S. States and territories in receiving available federal funds for regional Smart Growth planning and development(only the U.S. Virgin Islands received less). This is an abysmal record. During the last 14 years of Republican rule in Connecticut, we have squandered the opportunity to receive nearly $100 million in federal grants for regional economic development districts. Connecticut is one of only three states in the country that does not have these federally recognized districts.

These federal funds could have been used more effectively to put Connecticut significantly ahead when it comes to smart growth planning. If Smart Growth was a priority for our Governor, these funds could also be used to create jobs, save more farms, redevelop former industrial Brownfields into affordable housing, create public transportation hubs or centers for new commerce. One thing is certain: Connecticut is ready for a leader who will take a pro-active role in preserving our high quality of life by implementing smart growth into our economic planning and development strategy. It’s long past time to create regional economic development districts, get federal dollars to Connecticut, and make smart growth a reality statewide!

For more information on Smart Growth in Connecticut, visit http://www.1000friends-ct.org/

Watch the Extensive Interview on CPTV's On The Record with Steve Kotchko

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Recent Appearance:

I recently addressed a meeting of the Communication Workers of America Local 1298 on Thursday March 12, 2009: