Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
(a)
(b)
FIGURE 19.2
(a) Developing the desert. Will it be done responsibly? (b) Native desert slated for future development.
zoning, thus giving cities the power to determine what uses are permitted within the
incorporated area, provided it falls within a comprehensive plan for the entire area. In
the development of a land use plan, citizens can influence the areas and permitted land
uses within their city, which can impact the location and pace of development projects.
However, development interests pay close attention to any changes in city land use plans
and often have lobbyists and well-paid lawyers to argue on their behalf to minimize any
land use restrictions on any parcel of land they have slated for development. To counter
development resistance to regulation, the community will need a unified stance on
areas of critical importance; otherwise, the system favors those engaged in the process
(Fig u re 19.2).
19.3.2 Public Participation
Public participation is essential to the success of a plan or project. The Southwest region
has a high percentage of residents from other parts of the country. These new residents
have diverse views on the role of government in their lives, making it challenging to arrive
at a decision that will please everyone equally. The planner should identify all of the stake-
holders of the affected project area and begin a dialogue early in the process to begin to
identify the concerns of the local community.
During the 1960s and 1970s, there was a growing number of people who began
to question the benevolence of government decision makers in their ability to make
independent decisions that adequately address concerns of the community and protect the
environment. Government agencies that manage lands or implement projects have public
participation requirements where an average citizen can have a voice in the planning
process. All federal projects not identified to have categorical exclusion have periods of
public comment from the scoping to the development of a draft plan for implementation.
This provides the opportunity for dialogue on the course and direction for the proposed
project. Some states such as California have similar requirements for state-sponsored
projects that impact the environment. On the local level, the town council is a forum for
local residents to form a dialogue with the forces of development. Citizens can have a
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