ENVIRONMENT

The last time I wrote about this topic I indicated I would try to better link the need to balance the environment with the needs of economic development. This balance is what will make or break the state.

To under-develop is to miss various opportunities. To over-develop means that we are sacrificing our natural wonders on the altar of the almighty dollar. Neither is a wise nor winning approach.

Balance is the key in this particular area. The lack of restraint is equally as dangerous as complete control. Thus, we are in a particular subject area that requires the most give and take and a keen eye focused on the long term and short term needs of the people and of the state.

We are all desirous of maintaining the beauty that is Rhode Island, but to what extent must we suffer economic depravity to achieve that result? Similarly, if we just develop for the sake of creating work and pay little heed to the needs of our environment, we are doing a complete disservice to ourselves and those who will inherit our bounty.

We must consider smart growth concepts if we are to continue to grow and maintain our beauty.

The problem with this area is that is can be seen in very polarized terms. There are groups that will give no ground to development, and there are developers who will pay no heed to the environment. Both share in creating a problem rather than focusing on a mutually acceptable solution.

More than any other area, there is a need to have all minds sit at the table.

The problem is that Rhode Island and its law makers have long failed to pay much attention to the problems that surround this. It is too often used as political fodder to enhance candidacies rather than be treated with the seriousness it deserves.

Too often the approach here is that the environment will take care of itself, much in the manner that water seeks its own level. The reality is that there are many positive steps that can be taken in the area, and, if there were a more comprehensive planning approach, Rhode Island could have a much better grip on this problem.

There is little need to reinvent the wheel. But there is a need to pay attention to the person who has developed a better wheel. We need to get our state to have a more focused approach in this area. We need to realistically project a five and ten year plan for where we need to grow and how much growth is really necessary to sustain the state’s viability without impacting on its beauty.

To divide ourselves on these types of issues is a disservice to the state and to our fellow citizens. We need to communicate and resolve differences if we are ever to make Rhode Island a place that will have both growth and charm.