Something better for Decatur/Dekalb

This morning I found out that a judge gave the green light to Selig’s development plans for the Wal Mart at Suburban Plaza. Good Growth Dekalb will surely continue their fight against the development, and it will be interesting to see if, and when, the project moves forward. 

Now, Wal Mart is only one of several proposed developments in the area. The question is - whose vision prevails? I oppose the Wal Mart development, mostly because it lacks vision. I don't believe this is the best we can do.

All over the world, architects, city planners and environmental designers are creating fantastic visions for adapting and re-using blighted areas like Suburban Plaza. Their ideas restore green space, create walkable areas, allow for alternate transportation, and improve the health of the land, and the people who live there. 

Yes, we must oppose bad development. But we must also envision good development -  and insist on it. I believe that if enough people in our community can envision a better way, we’re that much closer to making it happen.

I’m not a designer or an architect. I’m just a local citizen with a passion for possibilities.

Welcome to my new blog. I’ll be posting ideas and inspiration - visions of a better, greener community. I hope you’ll join me as together, we begin to envision a better world, starting right here in our own neighborhood.