During my two campaigns for elected office, I visited more than 6,500 homes and talked to thousands of residents. One of the more common questions I was asked was, “Why do developers believe our city is difficult to work with?” For an excellent answer to that question, watch the Jan. 5 City Council meeting on the city’s Web site at http://mo-bluesprings.civicplus.com/index.asp?NID=230.
I have received numerous calls over the past week and a half from citizens expressing concern and dismay after watching that meeting. The most common criticism I heard can be summed up in one word, “embarrassing.” To fully understand the significance of the events that transpired during meeting, I encourage you to watch it. Then, contact your councilman and let them know if you agree or disagree with their votes and their tactics. Give them your guidance as to how you feel projects should be evaluated by our city council.
We must partner with the development community if we are to accomplish the improvements and amenities we want for our city. Development proposals take time and money. Those wanting to build in our city make a tremendous investment of their own money to prepare a project proposal. While there is no guarantee of approval, we should have an approval process that contains a certain degree of predictability, while eliminating poor or undesirable projects as early as possible. We are blessed in Blue Springs to have experienced, trained, professional staff members who do this job extremely well.
When a project reaches the council, the primary focus should be on its value to our city and how well it fits the long-range plan. The project has been carefully evaluated by city staff and presented to the Planning Commission. Questions for the applicants should focus on understanding the project and gathering information. Debate among councilmen should focus on how the project benefits our citizens and whether the cost is worth the benefit. When considering incentives, that cost must be weighed against the gains for our community.
I firmly believe everyone who conducts business in our city should be treated with respect, always. That same respect is due to the professional consultants the city requests and often requires that developers hire to assist in evaluating projects. Bottom line, our councilmen need to do the job they were elected to do, and move our community forward with a respectful approval process that will result in additional new shopping opportunities, new restaurants, and through the new Missouri Innovation Park, thousands of new jobs.
Please take the time to contact your councilmen, thank them for their service and encourage them to support quality growth in our community.