New Progress (we progress)

New Progress

Perhaps learning from the past can guide us in the future. Or put anpther way, when the leaders fail to value what the led value, the women get pissy and take over.

I have a copy of John Nolen's "Public Reservations and Thoroughfares." Complete with maps, keys, demographics, and all inclusive. There was not a thing the man missed in laying out the city. I think you'll find that even today, some of his plans are/were implemented, and several current plans bear a rather striking resemblance to what he laid out.


Look around. Roanoke has lost alot of its history, even the demolition (deservedly so) of the Star City Diner was a loss even if only for the architectural style of it. Theres something to be said for having a Big Boy hanging around town.

What we have to decide now, and I do mean now - is how do we replace what we have lost, and how do we plan to go ahead in the future. The Roanoke City Coucil had draw up the "Vision 2001-2020" plan. Ambitious and smart. But remember, we are now living in the future. Next year will be the same. We are living in the time when everyone thought we would have flying cars, rocket packs, and computers that created meals (Foodaracacycle!).

Read the plan, debate it. Figure out what has been implemented, and what hasnt. Then if you like the idea - go bother the city council to stick to it. Im liking this plan, because it keeps what we have and protects what is to come.

In NY, we had a problem we called NIMBY (not in my backyard). This mindset kept viable transportation and housing from being developed. The lawsuit happy, eternally wealthy citizens of one town have essentially killed a large commercial area. An area that used to recieve 500 freight cars a week was "legislated" out of existence. And why? Because the trains had to travel 2 miles through their town. Well what they didnt care about was the fact that now, not only are all those jobs lost - but all the goods that were formerly shipped by rail are now trucked everywhere - adding to the congestion. Oh wait - they dont allow trucks in their community either.

Im calling shennanigans on that one. And I have personally seen the police pull over 18 wheelers and escort them out of the town limits.

In some ways I see that trend beginning in Roanoke County, and in Smith Mountain Lake's area. But with the Vision 2001-2020 plan, it takes away the NIMBY power, and keeps the whole ballgame legit.

Anyway. as always...

MTF (more to follow)