Planning and Suing

Some of the well-planned cities we can think of were built by one developer, corporation or king. On the other hand, community-based "planning" is a messy exercise - a struggle to define and refine goals and visions for the future.  The theory is that the community can shape community through planning.  Nice theory.

In reality it is a ongoing struggle to generate long term community  interest and involvement among jaded and overworked participants while addressing opposition from well-paid market idealogues who represent private interests in short term profit.   

And then they sue.

Image:  Ebenezer Howard via Fleck

Comments

[John Fleck]

For "planning" substitute "democracy".

I like the fact that Howard included room in his plan for an insane asylum.

[Rocky]

I like that that Howard had a Home for Inebriates – however, it is interesting that Encarta allows the verb to have two meanings, but not the noun (I guess I am more Waif-like than exhilarated when I inebriate…..)
Of greater concern is that this was a unanimous decision – bad news for democracy...er, planning in New Mexico….