To me as a “Re-Developer” it means “common sense”. Why do we want to keep killing corn fields and kill our natural resources all in the name of “Development” and “Progress”? It is a time for reconciliation between so called “progress” and “preservation”. With a background in corporate America in the steel industry, I was taught early on to hate the preservationist. They were liberal people that wanted to thrust their daggers into the very capitalistic nature that made our country great. After my venture into redeveloping urban communities, I have been challenged full circle to believe that that “Development” or “Progress” no longer needs to be at odds with preservation and social justice. Please note that I have added “social justice” to the debate! When I was wrapped up in my corporate career, that part of the equation never entered into the debate.
Holy Cross Community is a great example of all stakeholders coming together to keep the redevelopment moving in the right direction. The front row represents the local school, city government, and our banking support committed to community revitalization all coming together in a neighborhood meeting. All this could not happen if our neighbors were not engaged and committed to the redevelopment process known as SMART GROWTH!