OPINION -- We all know there are well connected, powerful groups and individuals that would love nothing more than to turn back the clock to a time when Tallahassee was smaller, and their influence over the area was greater. For good or bad, there are people who don't want to see the community continue to add more residents, and spread urbanization any further that it has already gone. My view of our city is largely shaped by an internal gut feeling for the potential our area holds by virtue of its current makeup, status as Capital of what may soon become the 3rd largest US State, and its prominence in this vast, relatively undiscovered (or Over Protected) North Florida, South Georgia region.

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MY VIEW -- If you can think about what the Southwood area was before the development of the HUGE 4,000 residential, mixed-use master planned development commenced, it was nothing more than a sprawling cow pasture with some state offices nearby. Today Southwood is home to some of the city's more impressive buildings, homes, and potentially will develop into the next major commercial hub.

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MY VIEW - Without a doubt trees are a good thing. They provide clean air, habitat for birds and other animals, they offer shade, and compliment landscapes. Kids even sometimes use them for recreation. But what happens when trees go bad? When they obstruct the view of your favorite landscape or one's roots grow under the roads. When a huge branch falls through the roof of your car, or a storm knocks one over into your living room?

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MY VIEW -- It is no secret that Tallahassee is, and has been for a very long time a rather charming community. From her canopy roads, magnolia trees, Spanish moss, and antebellum homes Tallahassee has all of the charms that make for lovely postcards. Tallahassee's schools are top notch, parks are the best in the nation, and neighborhoods in residential areas of the city are safe and clean.

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MY VIEW -- As in fashion, and with car designs, what’s old is new again. The same can be said for urban design in our cities especially in the age of rapidly-rising energy costs, inadequate infrastructure, and efforts to “go-green”. In many corners of Tallahassee, we continue to see efforts to employ the methods of yesterday to develop new communities throughout our city. Evening Rose is one example that comes to mind as we look at what is being done in the name of smart growth.

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