So what is "Responsible Growth"?

WHAT IS "RESPONSIBLE" OR "SMART" GROWTH?

In communities across the nation, there is a growing concern that current development patterns -- dominated by what some call "sprawl" -- are no longer in the long-term interest of our cities, existing suburbs, small towns, rural communities, or wilderness areas. Though supportive of growth, communities are questioning the economic costs of abandoning infrastructure in the city, only to rebuild it further out.

Spurring the smart growth movement are demographic shifts, a strong environmental ethic, increased fiscal concerns, and more nuanced views of growth. The result is both a new demand and a new opportunity for smart growth.

The features that distinguish smart, responsible growth in a community vary from place to place. In general, smart growth invests time, attention, and resources in restoring community and vitality to center cities and older suburbs. New smart growth is more town-centered, is transit and pedestrian oriented, and has a greater mix of housing, commercial and retail uses. It also preserves open space and many other environmental amenities.

IMPORTANT FACTS TO REMEMBER in this case in Alden:

1) THIS PROPOSED PROJECT IS MORE THAN SIX TIMES THE SIZE OF THE OLD AMES PLAZA. IT IS COMPLETELY OUT OF SCALE WITH OUR TOWN. IT'S LIKE BUILDING YANKEE STADIUM FOR A LITTLE LEAGUE TEAM.

2) THIS ISN'T "JUST A WALMART" THIS ISN'T "JUST ONE STORE." THIS IS A MAJOR SHOPPING CENTER, WITH WALMART SUPER CENTER AS THE ANCHOR STORE. PLUS THERE ARE NINE OTHER STORES AND RESTAURANTS ON THE SITE PLAN. AND WHAT WILL FOLLOW? LOEWS? DICKS? HOME DEPOT? TARGET? THIS IS ONLY THE BEGINNING.

3) THIS PROPOSED PROJECT IS ON THE VILLAGE AQUIFER, ON PRIME FARMLAND, OUTSIDE OF THE VILLAGE. THE OLD AMES PLAZA WAS ON VACANT UNUSED LAND, INSIDE THE VILLAGE RETAIL CORRIDOR, WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE FOR THE VILLAGE RESIDENTS, AND RELATIVE TO THE SIZE OF THE COMMUNITY.

4) ALTHOUGH WALMART WILL ONLY OWN THEIR PARTICULAR BUILDING, THEY WILL HAVE THE FINAL DECISION AS TO WHAT OTHER BUSINESSES CAN OR CANNOT SELL ON THE PROPERTY. THEY WILL NOT ALLOW ANY COMPETITION.

5) WALMART, AND RUSSO DEVELOPERS WILL BE ENTITLED TO A 50% TAX REDUCTION FOR THE FIRST YEAR, WITH 5% INCREMENTAL REDUCTION EACH YEAR FOR 10 YEARS (45%, 40%, 35%, ETC)

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

YOU WRITE LETTERS TO EDITORS (Alden Advertiser, Metro News/Source, Buffalo News) YOUR FACTUAL LETTERS ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE. Send individual letters through the US mail (not email) to each town board and planning board member (their names are listed on the town website www.alden.erie.gov).

YOU CAN TELL YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSMAN/WOMAN THAT HE/SHE SHOULD GET INVOLVED.

YOU CAN ATTEND TOWN MEETINGS. THEY ARE ALWAYS LISTED IN THE PAPER.

YOU CAN TALK TO YOUR NEIGHBORS, EDUCATE THEM. GET A SIGN IN YOUR YARD, GET SIGNATURES, WATCH THE DVD'S (AVAILABLE FOR LOAN; JUST ASK)

BE VOCAL AND BUY LOCAL