Smart Growth in Bryan College Station

Introduction
Smart Growth is a Government funded program in which communities devise a plan to better their resident's wellbeing. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Smart Growth is aimed at achieving completion of the following issues. (2006, Smart Growth).

1. Healthy communities -- that provide families with a clean environment. Smart growth balances development and environmental protection -- accommodating growth while preserving open space and critical habitat, reusing land, and protecting water supplies and air quality.

2. Economic development and jobs -- that create business opportunities and improve local tax base; that provide neighborhood services and amenities; and that create economically competitive communities.

3. Strong neighborhoods -- which provide a range of housing options allowing people the opportunity to choose housing that best suits them. It maintains and enhances the value of existing neighborhoods and creates a sense of community.

4. Transportation choices -- that give people the option to walk, ride a bike, take transit, or drive.

Five Tools
Community residents and City Council members may utilize tools in order to promote Smart Growth. Taking initiative is one of the first and best steps to promoting Smart Growth. Residents with interest and concern towards the environment can become involved with City Council meetings in order to discuss their communities best interests. City Council Members can discuss development and the wellbeing of their community by planning ahead. Certain areas of land should have restricted zoning codes, where businesses or houses cannot be built in order to preserve nature. Allowing members to be included in zoning decisions is also beneficial. Council members may agree fully a new shopping mall should be built, but residents may disagree. Finding a common ground helps the community continue to develop without upsetting residents. Cities can also effectively communicate with contractors and builders in order to discuss whether their development is necessary in a specific community. Does a town that spans of approximately 20 miles need three Wal-Marts? The main key and important focus is to communicate and plan for the future.

Bryan-College Station, Texas
Bryan and College Station City Council members frequently gather in order to discuss the community's quality of life. Both community and council members support Smart Growth within our area to maintain and improve environmental, economical, commercial, residential, and overall community wellbeing.

Weingarten Realty requested rezoning near an area which endures a heavy traffic load. The company desired to place a large shopping center next door to quiet and peaceful residential housing units. The shopping center would have several buildings available for stores which also includes a Super Wal-Mart. The land desired to be used for the rezoning request is in walking distance from my house. My family and neighbors were concerned we would see bright shining lights through our windows if large buildings were constructed nearby. Community members argued our town already has two Wal-Marts, the intersection would be hazardous due to increase of traffic, and it would be a waste of tax payer's money. (2006, Avison).

References
Avison, A. (2006). College Station residents riled by Wal-Mart plans. The Eagle. Retrieved November 18, 2006 from http://www.theeagle.com/stories/071606/local_20060716035.php

Smart Growth. (2006). About Smart Growth. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Retrieved November 17, 2006 from http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/about_sg.htm