Where do the Candidates stand on the issue of growth?

Both incumbents voted YES to increase density limits.

Both incumbents voted YES to approve the Digges' building, which will be the same size as the Health Evaluation Center now under construction on N. Henry Street.

Incumbent Haulman voted YES to approve the Williamsburg Health Evaluation Center, incumbent Freiling abstained due to conflict of interest.

Candidate Knudson, a member of the planning commission, supported the Digges' building, explaining that 'The city needs to look like a city". (*1)

Ms. Knudson voted YES to change the residential zoning on Lafayette to business, explaining that this would help attract student business. (*2)

Ms. Knudson supported the general increase to higher density.

Candidates Granger and Beato, based upon my research, have not made statements supporting or opposing the Digges' building or the Health Evaluation Center or the change in zoning to business on Lafayette Street. 

On the issue of density, Mr. Beato does not support the 2006 comp plan increase to 22 units per acre. He supports incremental managed increases in density. Mr. Granger sees the question of density as a false one, but that reasonable decisions should  be made and that growth should be done slowly. 

My positions are:

I opposed the special use permit that was granted for the Digges' Building.

I believe that the Health Evaluation is out of size and character and should not have been approved. 

I believe that the original density limits (8 units per acre) were put in place based on sound judgment and foresight. They should not have been increased. However, since they have been, we must grant the higher density ONLY for projects that add significant benefits to our City. The Digges' building, which was approved based on these new density limits,  was not such a project.

I opposed changing the residential zoning on Lafayette Street to business.

We must rewrite the comprehensive plan and remove those recommendations which were rejected by the citizens. This must be done officially so the document is not referenced in the future as a platform for addtional growth.

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The pressures for growth will continue. With the density limits raised, and the approval of the Digges' building and the Health Evaluation Center as precedents, more projects will be coming before council seeking approval for higher density and ever larger size.

If we are to maintain our character, if we are to resist the 'pressures for growth and change' as eloquently stated in the 1998 comprehensive plan, then we must have a clear vision of what is acceptable and what is not, and our elected officials must be clear in affirming that vision. If they are not, then we are on the road to over development, with the same sad outcome as thousands of communities before us who have been swallowed by these very same pressures.

Please consider your vote carefully.

(*1) Gazette interview with Bill O'Donovan.
(*2) Student debate in the Great Hall.