The raw numbers show that Rutherford County continues to attract people. As one of the fastest growing counties in the State and region, Rutherford County has seen its population increase in an amazing fashion. The reality is that high growth can and probably will peak at a certain point; what happens next?
Part of the planning challenge is anticipating when, where, and how growth will occur so that county services can be matched to those needing them. As new people arrive, they bring with them different expectations on what kind of services they can expect. Recreation, sanitation, transportation, education…all manner of public and semi-public services are affected by how many users they support.
What kinds of services do you, as a County taxpayer, believe must be initiated, enhanced, or even discontinued to satisfy your needs and the needs of the future population? Once growth levels off, as it surely will, how can the County establish a fair system of paying for existing and new services? Are impact fees the answer? Increasing the commercial tax base? Higher User fees? Property taxes?
How can costs be controlled to keep Rutherford County citizens tax burden fair and reasonable?
The County has changed in the last 20 years: agriculture use has declined, while residential developments replace former pastures, farms and open spaces. Non-residential uses are scattered throughout the county to serve a sprawling population. These changes happen because people exercise their legal ability to alter the existing land use of their property. Growth and development are often seen as desirable, as they indicate the County is attractive to those willing to invest in the new development.
But there are those who do not share the enthusiasm for new development and the changes to the existing landscape. They remember how things have been in the past, and do not see all growth as a positive advancement.
Others accept change, but want new development to recognize and respect existing land and development patterns.
Development is viewed as a “right”, but what are the “rights” of those who have already invested in the County, whether their land, their homes or existing businesses?
The County must respect and balance the “rights” of all: how can we find that balance?
The Comprehensive Plan is a major undertaking and will become the policy foundation for all future planning in the unincorporated areas of Rutherford County. A Comprehensive Plan is a means of establishing a long-term community vision by looking 15 to 20 years into the future, determining needs, setting goals and objectives, and formulating policies that direct future development to be consistent with that vision.
Good planning provides private landowners and developers with a guide that defines where and what type of development that the community desires. This information allows individuals to plan for the purchase and use of property consistent with community goals. By defining a pattern of development, a community can responsibly manage growth, provide infrastructure and services in a timely manner, and protect natural and cultural resources that have environmental and economic benefits.
The plan will ensure an overall quality of life standard is both maintained and improved in the future. This is accomplished by identifying the issues the community faces and finding ways to address those issues in the coming years. Planning allows us to take a look at where the community has been, how it got to this point, where it wants to go, and how it can get there. Essentially planning allows a community to prepare for change rather than react to it.
Part of a successful planning process is engaging as many people as possible who live, work, and play in the County. Many different ways exist to participate in the planning process, including face-to-face meetings and interviews, focus groups, and community forums. Not everyone can participate in these ways, however, but the planning team still needs the opinions and views of as many people as possible. This “blog” or on-going on-line discussion site will be used to allow residents to consider those things that are important to them as the County develops, and respond at their own pace, in their own free time.
Discussion topics will be posted from time to time, with the hope of encouraging meaningful and candid feedback from as many people as possible. The Rutherford County planning team will review each and every response, and attempt to craft questions that truly address the concerns of the County. We hope you enjoy this format and that you will give us your honest, constructive opinions and suggestions to help make Rutherford County the place you want it to be!