Sprawl Part 2 - JC Gov Policies That Promote Sprawl

In the last segment we talked about Sprawl in general - what it is, and its presence in Cole County and Jefferson City. Today we will point out several ways, among many, that Jefferson City has succumbed to the lure of suburbia and actually promoted sprawl.

Some observers point out that Jefferson City seems to drive development outside its borders. Recent policies have moderated this trend, but several old habits and attitudes have historically caused growth to occur outside the older parts of town. And to a great extent, the damage is done.

First, after taking over the bankrupt Gray's Creek Sewer System decades ago, Jefferson City proceeded to provide a major urban amenity, sanitary sewers, to whoever wanted to hook up.This resulted in St. Martin's residents being provided favorable sewer rates while their alderman gleefully annexed down Business 50, almost surrounding Jefferson City's largest park at Binder. This self-defeating generostiy has been halted, most notably with Toas on the East, and wise challenges to further St. Martin's annexations on the West. But the damage of 50 years of encouraging growth outside the city limits by providing cheap sewer rates has taken its toll. 

Second, Jefferson City has in the past treated developers like in-laws showing up unexpectedly for a long visit. Sometimes the city council has succumbed to a few people showing up at a council meeting and denied reasonable multi-family or mixed use redevelopment proposals in older parts of town. Entrepreneurs are often met with reasons why they "can't" instead of how they "can." Those investors, and the growth they represent, go elsewhere -- usually in the suburbs where there are fewer regulations, and more complacent politicians and bureaucrats.

Redevelopment of existing neighborhoods is hard. It takes new ordinances and common sense application of general rules. It takes elected officials who understand that if we do not preserve our urban core we will very soon look like a little St. Louis City. 

On the positive side, our downtown is looking ok, and the South Side is showing signs of life. But what's really lacking is any substantial regentrification. New owner-occupied residential is still rare in the urban core. MSP Redevelopmemt may some day spur some good trends, but . . . . that subject is for another blog post. 

Next: Another Culprit - Cole County