‘Sustainability,’ defined

Aforementioned JLF analyst Michael Sanera has published a planner’s glossary to help Raleigh residents really understand Raleigh’s 2030 comprehensive plan. But the terms apply equally well here in G’boro.

Here’s how Sanera defines ‘sustainability’:

For example, the term is often described as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.”

This definition ignores the principles of resource economics and assumes that we know today the needs of future generations. Imagine the generations of the 1950s —or even the 1980s — trying to anticipate the present generation’s desire for WiFi. Sustainability is most often used as a political weapon by those who want to control development based on their personal ideological preferences.

“Mixed-use” is defined as “nostalgia-based attempts to recreate an idealized past with no considerations for the changing, evolving desires of modern consumers.”

Turns out mixed-use development for the corner of S. Elm and Lee Streets —where the downtown luxury hotel was going to be located —- might be back in play. And since the federal government doesn’t exactly embrace reality, it would indeed be weird if Greensboro didn’t get some cash to get something built.

Update: Here’s video of Michael Sanera discussing his glossary.

ACC Hall of Champions ready in 2011?

I read with an open mind the N&R’s front-pager on Greensboro Coliseum director Matt Brown’s pet project —- the ACC Hall of Champions, which he hopes will open in time for the 2011 tournament.

Brown already has $2 million in state taxpayers’ money in hand for the first phase, and he says additional phases could cost as high as $18 million. Yet he says he won’t ask the City of Greensboro or the ACC for funding, saying the conference is “letting us use their brand name and use it to promote our community.” Considering the rows of empty seats at this year’s tournament, you have to wonder how much the ACC’s brand is worth these days. The way I see it, the brand would be further weakened should the NCAA expand the national tournament to 96 teams.

The floor plan looks like it’s filled with a lot of fluff to me. The architect on the project said the “goal is not to put people on a pedestal….“It is more an idea that is put on that pedestal … how ACC basketball impacted the rest of college basketball.”

I guess I see the point, but after watching the lackluster play in this tournament, maybe lifelong ACC fans want to see heroes of the past put on a pedestal.

Jamestown’s $4 million golf course renovation

Jamestown resident Pat Mattern urges his fellow citizens to turn out Tuesday, when the Town Council will discuss the proposed $4 million renovation of the town’s public golf course.

In this interview with the Jamestown News, Mayor Keith Volz freely admits that the course is a money-loser and that the renovation will force an increase in property taxes. Adding insult to injury is the fact that the town will borrow the money to renovate the course.

JLF’s Michael Sanera has researched public golf courses around the state. His results are here, here and here.