[ad_1]
“There’s nothing to do on this city!” This was a phrase that I’d hear on a regular basis in my teenagers. Rising up in Newton County, the panorama was peaceable however lacked the colourful pulse of leisure choices and native hangouts. Quick ahead to right now, and the winds of change have swept by means of our group, bringing each cheers and issues.
Many argue that our group’s development is a double-edged sword, citing elevated property taxes, visitors, and crime as unwelcome negative effects. However as somebody who has witnessed this evolution firsthand, I discover myself struggling between the positives and negatives that accompany progress.
The as soon as restricted array of leisure choices has grown into a various tapestry of buying and leisure actions. Gone are the times of looking for a spot to assemble with associates; right now, Newton County boasts a wide range of locations to eat, calm down, and create lasting recollections. This development not solely provides vibrancy to our group but additionally opens doorways for financial alternatives and job creation.
Serra Corridor, Govt Director of the Industrial Growth Authority, not too long ago reported that the Newton County median family revenue has elevated from $48,000 in 2013 to $72,000 in 2023. That’s 50 p.c extra revenue per family in simply 10 years which is an unimaginable monetary enchancment for Newtonians!
However some will argue that ANY development is unfavourable and undesirable. Whereas I perceive the sentiment, I really feel like that is unrealistic. If we glance round, notably to our NW, we’ll see that metro-Atlanta retains pushing this manner. So, fairly than shut our eyes and fake that development received’t occur right here, I feel a extra cheap method is create a stable visionary plan to assist information the expansion to the suitable areas, and at a tempo we will maintain.
“The place there is no such thing as a imaginative and prescient—the folks perish.” (Proverbs 29:18)
And through this transformation, it’s important to understand the coexistence of single-family properties on expansive tracts of land AND multi-family complexes. This stability preserves the attraction of our group whereas accommodating the wants of a rising inhabitants. Let’s cherish the roots of our previous whereas fostering the branches of our future.
As we stand at this crossroads, native leaders maintain the important thing to steering our group in the direction of a harmonious future. It’s time to craft a brand new complete strategic plan for Newton County, one which elinates city sprawl, ensures organized growth, continues our give attention to walkability with trails, and fosters inexperienced areas. A well-thought-out plan will not be a shackle; it’s a compass guiding us in the direction of sustainable development.
This plan wants to include the imaginative and prescient of the folks and the voice of the companies and landowners. I really feel sure there’s a stunning image, a most well-liked future, for what we wish our group to appear and feel like. There should be a center floor the place we will achieve consensus, for the sake of our children and our grandkids.
The urgency for this strategic plan can’t be overstated. Now, with trade giants like Archer Aviation, Rivian, Takeda, Amazon, and Meta selecting Newton County as their house, the time is ripe for concerted motion. These firms don’t simply carry jobs; they usher in a brand new period of prosperity for our group.
But when we’re not cautious, trade and condominium complexes may take over our beloved city. Trade, housing, and financial growth companies hardly ever ask ethical questions. This isn’t to say that companies are dangerous or immoral; they’re companies. They exist to make revenue. There’s nothing fallacious with that. We’d like that in our group. Nevertheless, they don’t ask, “Is that this enterprise (growth) the correct factor for our group right now?” Nor ought to they. However somebody ought to. And whoever that “somebody” is, now’s the time.
Sure, we’d like enterprise of all sizes in our group.
Sure, we’d like housing for all revenue sectors.
And sure, with development comes some complexity…but it surely doesn’t must be disordered.
So, let’s dispel the notion that development is synonymous with chaos. As a substitute, envision a Newton County the place organized planning transforms potential city sprawl into thoughtfully designed neighborhoods. Image parks, trails, and inexperienced areas weaving by means of the material of our group, making a haven for residents to attach with nature and one another.
To our long-time locals, I guarantee you that embracing change doesn’t imply abandoning our roots. It’s about preserving the essence of Newton County whereas welcoming progress on the proper tempo and on the proper time. The recipe for achievement lies in placing a fragile stability that accommodates the inflow of alternatives with out sacrificing the soul of our group.
As a beacon of hope within the fog of metro-Atlanta, let’s view this transformation as a chance for Newton County to SHINE. Our previous would be the basis, however our future is a canvas ready to be painted. Collectively, let’s urge our native leaders to grab this second and create a collective imaginative and prescient for our group and a strategic plan that may information Newton County towards a future the place development and custom coexist harmoniously.
Trey Bailey is a lifelong Newtonian, father of three teenage ladies, an area pastor, and the District 1 Consultant on the Newton County Board of Schooling. To learn extra of his ideas on faith, group, public training, ramblings about life, and inspirational messages, try his weblog at www.TreyBailey.us.
[ad_2]
Source link
