Many of those who turned out for the recent town hall meeting to learn about the extension of Front Street already knew that extending the road would open up land to new development.
And those same people already knew there are plans for just such a development.
After nearly five years of economic malaise, it would be overly simplistic to say that most Clayton residents are happy to see a renewal of the growth that has been absent for the past few years.
But for those who live nearby a new development, the change can be unsettling. That’s no different today than it was during the housing boom of the ‘90s and 2000s.
Traffic patterns will change. Traffic volume will rise. Noise will increase. And, yes, crime will increase. But new development will also boost the property value of neighborhoods in the surrounding area and it will add to the town’s and the county’s tax base which provides local government with additional resources to offer services to residents without raising taxes on the rest of us.
There’s a tradeoff, no doubt.
But town officials can do their part to minimize the concerns voiced by neighbors without quashing new development. Sufficient setbacks and buffers can reduce noise and objectionable view shed changes. Setting other limits on future development and driveway entrances along the newly extended portion of Front Street will minimize traffic increases.
Last month’s town hall meeting was a great first step in acknowledging the concerns of neighbors. Keeping them informed throughout the development process will also go a long way toward creating buy-in on the part of neighbors who have grown accustomed to the pastoral lifestyles they’ve enjoyed for the past two decades or more.
Get the biggest news in your email or cellphone as it's happening. Sign up for breaking news alerts.
