All across Texas, and in College Station in particular, we are asking ourselves, "Is growth a good thing or a bad thing?"
In June, 2008, the City of College Station reported that they issued 41 permits for new single family homes and 9 permits for new commercial construction. Year to date (June) numbers are 341 homes and 52 new commercial permits.
Last year, 952 new homes were built in the Bryan College Station area - that includes Robertson and Burelseon counties. Due to the ripple effects, these new homes will have paid for themselves and the associated infrastructure within two years. The economic impact on from the ripple effect on these homes is expected to continue another 8 years. To the tune of over 30 million dollars in local income and 11 million in local taxes per year. That is very good news.
However, there are still fears that College Station is growing too fast and the city needs to take measures to prevent sprawl.
What do you think about the following statements?
--- Growth doesn't bother most people, unless it is in their backyard.
- ----Growth doesn't bother people unless something they care about is endangered.
---Those involved with real estate love it when new homes are built and sold. Are they the only ones that should be appreciating new construction?
Sources of Data: City of College Station Planning & Development Services June 2008 Newsletter http://www.cstx.gov/home/index.asp?page=2782 and Dr. Elliot F. Esienberg, Ph.D, economist for the National Association of Home Builders. http://www.bcsbuilders.org/associations/1024/files/Bryan-CollegeStationTX08Slides.ppt
As the author, I would like to note that I am currently serving on a Realtor/Builder Task force that is working to educate ourselves, the real estate community, various representatives within the City of College Station and the public about the various growth management issues that are being faced by the City of College Station.
It is a learning process for all parties involved. I believe that if the various parties can learn to work together as a team rather than considering each other adversaries, our collective efforts can be focused on keeping College Station a thriving community in which we all can be proud to live in and work in.
Photographed,
written and posted by
Sondra Meyer CPA/Real Estate Broker
United Country Brazos Valley Realty
1275 Flying Ace Ranch
College Station TX 77845
979-575-2700
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Sondra, I think growth with new construction is good, but I also believe in planned growth. Often if it is unplanned with poor road infrastructure, homes too close to each other, wiping out trees, or not preserving nature it is a detriment to an area. A great development is something everyone can be proud of. A poorly planned project might take years to fix. Then builders can overbuild where too much inventory is on the market. Growth is good, and getting it right is not an easy answer.