Is Growth Good Or Evil?


Is Growth Good Or Evil?
By Scott Rogers • May 2, 2008
Well, perhaps we don't have to narrow it down with such extreme labels, but there has been some interesting debate over the subject over at hburgnews.com, all of which began with the issue of funding disappearing for the expansion of Port Republic Road. Here are some of my thoughts, though I would love to hear other perspectives on the subject: WHY GROWTH OCCURS: Desirable area -> people want to live here -> they need a place to live -> many want to buy -> more homes are needed -> land is rezoned -> lots are developed -> houses are built. While growth stems from a positive situation (an area being desirable), it is also true that: growth has some negative consequences growth does not have a net positive impact on all involved But what is the alternative? To halt growth? To do so, a locality would need to either: stop rezoning land, and/or stop issuing building permits Taking either of these steps would (in my opinion) have some rather negative consequences: housing costs increase (since supply is limited), making it harder for existing residents to afford housing in their own community economy stays stagnant, or shrinks, as a result of higher housing prices and a locality's desire to limit growth --- employers won't move here (or stay here) if their employees (or potential employees) can't find housing they can afford --- thus, existing residents would then have fewer job opportunities without moving out of the area Thus, I would submit that: Harrisonburg and Rockingham County will not continue to be desirable places to live UNLESS growth occurs. Said growth needs to be well-planned to preserve the character and history of this area. Receive Updates by Email Recent Articles: There Are Plenty Of Types Of Houses That Exist That Just Are Not Available To Purchase Home Sales By Price Range In The City Of Harrisonburg Are You Compromising On Aspects Of Your Next Home That You Can Or Cannot Change Later? How Much Slower Are The Winter Months In Our Local Housing Market? Rockingham County and New Home Sales Drive Surge in Area Housing Market Find The Balance Between Optimistic And Realistic Home Pricing Room Size Is Difficult To Understand Solely From Real Estate Photos How Much Would You Value Not Having To Prepare Your Home For Showings? One Out Of Four Homes Is Taking Longer Than A Month To Sell Consider The Cost Of Your Planned Renovations When Planning Your Offer
Have any questions? Contact Scott Rogers at 540-578-0102 or scott@funkhousergroup.com
Based on information from the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Association of REALTORS® or its MLS, for the period Jan 1, 2000 through Nov 21, 2024 (unless otherwise noted).
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