Blog Williamsburg

Why I Plan to Stop 22

I wonder if I should stop 22.

At the next Planning Commission meeting, I wonder if I should do my part to stop any further progress toward increasing the allowable density in the Center City area to 22 units per acre. This would mean not even endorsing a “watered down” version at 14 as some have argued would be a plasible alternative.

I’ve spent a great deal of time in conversation and reflection about the issues of planning for the Williamsburg Center City. Attending the Stop 22 meeting on Tuesday night was one. Through it all, I found a common thread: We are blessed with a wealth of very wise people who care deeply about our town.

But I also found something else: There is no compelling vision of where we are going and, consequently, there is little agreement of what steps, if any, we should do now.

The question of density is one small piece of the planning puzzle, but it is the one that has gathered the most energy. This makes sense when you think about it. Density immediately conjures images of congestion, noise, and concentrated poverty – all of which we Americans have a visceral reaction against. I think we all were surprised by the ground-swell reaction against density changes, although we should not have been. The organizers of the movement themselves tell me that they are amazed by how quickly the movement gained momentum.

I am an advocate for increased density. Many people like me in the design and planning community know that density, if it is done right, can bring benefits to a community.

Stop 22 has been very clear to say “no” to increasing density. But as I’ve gotten to know the people of Stop 22 I’ve realized that what they are saying is not “no” but rather “wait.” Let’s pause, look at where we are now, gain a vision of where we could go, and give people the chance to get on-board.

As I sat in the meeting the other night, and as I have talked to people throughout our community, it has become clear to me that what we need is a vision. We need a goal toward which we can channel all of this passion and knowledge available to us. We need a compelling picture of how we can make our region an amazing place to live, work, and visit. A picture that has been developed by a broad concensus and gains its credibility from the work that went into it.

So, back to my lead in for this article. I wonder if I should work to stop 22 because I know now that moving forward now will only bring more confusion when what we need is clarity.

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