A stalled development

There was a community meeting tonight in my neighborhood. It was about a fairly large development that had stalled and is in danger of not happening. As an example of the balkanization of my neighborhood - and the city in general - only the members of the immediate neighborhood were notified. I learned about the meeting third hand and only because the person who told me about it knew that I do research on these processes but who is also running for office and needed someone to give her a summary of the meeting since she couldn't stay.

As is fairly typical, the State Agency was the messenger for the Developer who was conspicuously absent. The State Agency became the de facto proponent for the suggested changes to the development that no one in the neighborhood wanted - particularly those who had fought hard for the current design. The suggested changes would significantly modify the design of the new park. This community has been fighting to replace the open space that was savagely taken by the State Agency 40 years ago so that you, my dear reader, can fly to Boston relatively easily and cheaply. The frustration and outrage is, in my view, understandable.

It struck me that the development pendulum swings at a different pace for different neighborhoods. Other neighborhoods with a similar demographic and history seem to be bursting at the seams with new housing development. Granted, a speedy development process is a recipe for all kinds of problems, but why has it taken 20 years to get a viable proposal for a single piece of waterfront property? I'm sure if I had a student do the historical research, blame could be spread widely and I would put my money on:

• neighborhood associations (or otherwise well organized groups of residents) who don't want any change anywhere, especially if it brings in "the wrong kind of people,"
• developers who view collaboration with the local community as infringing on a God-given right to build what they want anywhere they want,
  
• local and state agencies that are more concerned with their own bottom lines,
  
• local and state elected officials who are more concerned with re-election than the community, and
• stereotypes about what kinds of developments are viable in what kinds of neighborhoods.

What do I want, you ask? Something smaller (in acreage), taller, more affordable, more environmentally friendly, with more mixed use , fewer parking spaces, and a well designed open space. In short, something appropriate for our urban neighborhood. It would also be nice if I could play badminton in the park but I think we're more likely to get an eco-loft development before the park advisory committee will allow anyone to actually play in the park.