I read with interest The Reflector Publisher Laura Venneri’s editorial on how to "combat" growth in Battle Ground.
I would like to share my views. I also am feeling a sense of dread with the influx of so much new housing in our once rural town. Although it is nice to have more upscale restaurants here which were sorely lacking before, I also see rampant growth that doesn't seem to be planned in any way.
Our traffic will increase, roads will become more and more congested, waiting in lines will become common place and our schools will become more crowded. This is not why I moved here 30 years ago. I loved the quiet and the rural feel of this small town.
I realize that change is part of life and we will have to adjust or move away. However, I do believe that there are some things that should be done to smooth the transition from small rural town to suburbia.
Planning is paramount. The city of Battle Ground and its Planning Commission need to consider livability before anything else. As far as housing goes, builders should be forced to build houses of different types together in housing developments to stop the look of sameness. All houses should have the profile of the house be larger than the garage(s).
Parks and open spaces are vital. Although there are small neighborhood parks being carved out in developments, we need more large regional parks like Lewisville Park. A natural park, not ballfields or grassy areas, are better as they can give you a real escape from congestion, cars and tightly spaced neighborhood housing.
This could be financed by a stiff one-time tax when people purchase a new house. This tax could finance not only parks and open spaces, but also reduce the burden on public schools that so many new houses will escalate. Will this cause some people to reconsider buying here? Possibly, but I do feel that all the increases in services, roads and schools these additional residents will need have to be addressed in some way.
There have been many opinions published regarding land use and not allowing people to subdivide their large properties into many small lots but instead to allow no less than five acre parcels outside of the city limits. I wholeheartedly agree with this.
It is unfortunate that some people are disappointed by the potential devaluation of their property, but it is vital that we preserve open spaces. Open land is essential for wildlife and agriculture and is valuable for its scenic beauty as well.
I can only hope that our city officials will take a stronger stance to plan for the liveability of its citizens and that in the future we will have a charming and well planned community.
