01-22-2008, 03:17 AM
My comments that government can control growth are based upon zoning and development standards that exist. Nothing says government must always grant every variance sought for any reason or change zoning and development standards to accommodate every request. 30 years ago, the mass residential developments probably weren’t permitted by existing zoning. 20 years ago all the mega resort developments probably wasn't permitted by existing zoning. 10 years ago the constant subdividing of small agricultural lands to even smaller SFR development wasn’t an automatic right. Those lands became available for development (good and bad) because government made it happen by changing the zoning. Each time we see something we don't like as far as development, remember, it was the elected officials that in one way or another, made it happen.
If we are going to complain, don't blame the developer, don't blame the tourist, don't blame the business, don't blame the newcomer - they are doing what government says they can. The blame falls directly on those whose decision to say yes to a change could have also been a no. If you read through many of the current and past post, you'll see those same people who are demanding government stop this or that development because it's bad for the island, but at the same time is saying government shouldn't stop ME from doing it.
So to use a statement rbbyrd brought forward:
"It amazes me how so many people want government out of their lives yet are willing give government exceptional authority so long as it applies to the other person."
If we are going to complain, don't blame the developer, don't blame the tourist, don't blame the business, don't blame the newcomer - they are doing what government says they can. The blame falls directly on those whose decision to say yes to a change could have also been a no. If you read through many of the current and past post, you'll see those same people who are demanding government stop this or that development because it's bad for the island, but at the same time is saying government shouldn't stop ME from doing it.
So to use a statement rbbyrd brought forward:
"It amazes me how so many people want government out of their lives yet are willing give government exceptional authority so long as it applies to the other person."