THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, July 23, 1995 TAG: 9507210274
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Another View
SOURCE: BY WILLIAM E. WARD
LENGTH: Medium: 83 lines
The office of Chesapeake City Council member, like every public office, carries the responsibility entrusted to be outstanding stewards on behalf of the citizens.
In contrast, the July 14 editorial in The Clipper suggests Chesapeake be governed by referendum.
While referendums are often advisable when public policy issues are clearly understood and articulated; the issue before council on July 11 was one that the best land-planning experts in the country cannot agree on.
Council's 5-4 vote against a referendum was because of this little-known, little-understood and nationally controversial mechanism to restrict land use. It is especially important to note nothing like this has ever been done in Virginia. Simply put, we don't want the cart before the horse.
The mechanism referred to as adequate public facilities (APFs) or concurrency would provide no revenue.
It would not replace portable classrooms, build one lane of roadway or a single park. It would require the city to find the money for an aggressive capital improvement budget.
In other words, if a project is to be included in the capital improvement plan, it must be funded and not left in limbo indefinitely as some have been under the current traditional rules.
That means a revenue source must be found. Catch-22 occurs when revenue from economic growth stops flowing. Just ask Florida and Maryland, states that have had to learn the hard way.
Chesapeake and other Virginia localities have included APFs in recent legislative packages to the General Assembly. Traditionally, a complicated issue such as this is appropriately studied professionally and objectively by the legislature.
Before we all jump on the bandwagon for something we know little about, let us be given the benefit of a full and comprehensive review of its pitfalls and shortcomings.
Let us learn from those who have gone before us and made mistakes that need not be repeated. We owe that to our citizens and taxpayers.
This council is extremely sensitive to and has a first-hand view of growth issues. This can be illustrated by several responsible actions taken during the past few months.
In 1994, a proffer policy was adopted, clearly stating the city's expectations on any new residential rezonings.
Additionally, the council took steps to limit sewer connections in some areas until planned improvements are completed.
In March, we amended our Comprehensive Land Use Policy to include level-of-service mandates and timing restraints on new rezonings.
We are in the process of looking at each growth area of the city as a part of our required five-year Comprehensive Plan update.
The results of tighter control are evident by the 50 percent decrease in residential permits to date.
It certainly is not the result of a slowing economy with interest rates at such lows and with tremendous increases in building activity for our neighbors to the west.
Chesapeake has a lot going for it and a lot of good things happening.
We have been fortunate enough to be able to fund the last two bond referendums and then reduce the tax rate recently.
There are schools under construction and road improvements under way.
New revenue continues to come in from economic growth and the jobs that come with it.
We have a diverse and a relatively affordable housing stock.
We have tightened our belts and dug in our heels on budgets to maintain fiscal responsibility without sacrificing our economic-development efforts.
We should not travel down an unknown path with a drastic growth-management tool and risk what we all are so fortunate to have in our city today.
A strong healthy economy is no accident. It takes hard work, cooperation and patience. I for one do not want to risk it.
We must continue to make responsible decisions and do what is appropriate for our city, our state and our future. MEMO: Mr. Ward is mayor of the city of Chesapeake.
ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Mayor William E. Ward
by CNB