Bob Trescott, Executive Director of Washington on the Waterfront

The ABC's of Planning

The history and importance of planning in the United States can be summed up by examining how technology has changed how we build our communities.  New technologies - the train and the automobile - have increased the need for planning the landscape.  In short, the Industrial Age ended mixed-use development with the result that zoning laws set standards that made us design areas for residential use that were set apart from areas zoned for other uses, such as retail and industry. 

Today, we resist changing the current system because we have invested so much in it.  During WWII, we stopped investing in our downtowns due to the costs associated with the war.  The returning GI's left the inner cities and moved into the auto-dependent suburbs; many small towns across America still live with this legacy.

Today, in eastern North Carolina, most planning and design decisions are dictated by old CAMA plans that are restrictive versus progressive.  However, we are now encountering the effects of the experience economy, the knowledge economy and the global economy, which place different expectations on how towns look and function.  In the experience economy one has to learn to sell the experience of visiting a downtown.  The knowledge economy is one in which one sells the experience and amenities that knowledge workers want to live near.  To compete in the global economy, small mom-and-pop stores have to incorporate a worthwhile experience into their business plans in order to compete with big box retailers.

Eastern North Carolina communities shouldn't try to be like other major cities or towns.  Instead, we need to build upon what we already have as a community.  We need to encourage diversified housing, community character, environmental protection and stakeholder participation in our town ordinances.  We also need to promote innovation (uniqueness and quality) and foster diversity.

We mustn't ignore the young people in our community.  We need to find ways to encourage young people to stay in the community because they will someday be our entrepreneurs, business owners and leaders.

Unfortunately, in the real world, people are often cynical about planning.  Successful planning must therefore be complemented with education, trust and patience.

Bob Trescott
102 East Second St. Room 311
Washington, NC  27889
(252) 946-3969
email: dwow@washingtononthewaterfront.com

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