As I was driving down 5th Street on my way to the office recently, I slowed down mentally, long enough to look at the scenery. What an attractive entrance to downtown! From Royal Mobile Estates to the corner of California Street, there is a blend of commercial, residential and historic structures with trees, lawns and even a few open spaces. It really is a pleasant drive. This idea may run counter to those who have expressed their negative feelings about the car wash or three-storied Pioneer Village. I mention these only because I’ve heard complaints about them more than any of the other structures. However, even these add to the diversity of the street scene.

Upon reaching City Hall, another thought struck me: “Enjoy the drive while you can, for like everything else in our lives, it too will one day be only a memory.” Already zoned for commercial new development, one day this will be nothing more than another street lined with office buildings and retail stores. In short, it will be what I call “Everytown, U.S.A”…and what a shame that will be. How to prevent it? Ah, but there’s the rub… for no community can prevent growth, nor should it want to. But… it should control it. Yet few seem to. Our generation should try to pass along some sense of the beauty in which we live. Indeed, I have always held the view that this sense of endowment to the future is obligatory. More importantly, we have the tool for it. If we simply change the zoning and restore the right of a property owner to build a residential structure on 5th Street, we will prevent it from turning into another Byzantine marketplace.

But what are your views? Am I beating a horse already headed for the glue factory, or is there some interest on your part in trying to preserve what we have here? Let us know at City Hall. We’d love to hear from you.

Now, with summer approaching, this column will be my last until Labor Day. Not that we’ll be absent… we’ll still be on the job every day. Since January we have made much-needed progress, including the adoption of a new budget. But issues remain which need clarification and/or resolution. You can keep abreast of them by following the City Council proceedings. Better yet, start attending them. We’re a small town…it’s not difficult to get into the middle of things. None of us in government are so smart or efficient that we can’t listen to suggestions or new ideas. When I began this journey with you in January, I promised transparency. Your involvement helps achieve that. Indeed, it almost guarantees it, for an informed and involved citizenry is essential to controlling government… and most certainly at the local level.

Have a good summer. If you want to get in touch, I’ll be at City Hall.