In our civilized society, swords became pens and have now morphed into keyboards. Maybe we're all getting off the path and into the weeds.
A Roanoke Times column talks about the re-development or revitalization of Market Square, with readers lining up for what other stores they'd like to see arrive in the NRV.
Then the New River Journal Blog jumps in, pointing out a suggested opportunity to become CADS (Christiansburg Allied for Development Standards).
Depending on who you talk to, development standards swing from one extreme in Blacksburg to another in Christiansburg with the county falling somewhere in the middle. These are based upon each locality's individual Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinances, and then interpreted and applied by each goverment's Planning Commission and elected representatives. The variables, however, are actually broader and tie in with where, what and even who is supporting a particular project or land use.
What is less variable and more static is the amount of money available to citizens of the NRV for spending on goods and services. With nearly 170,000 people in the region (and a quarter of these being college students), the median household income remains at about $40,000.
After paying taxes, buying health insurance and keeping a roof over one's head, this leaves about $307 a week for the average NRV citizen to go wild with no matter how or where they might choose to spend it -- including utilities, transportation, food, education, recreation, donations, saving or investment, entertainment or whatever.
This becomes a bigger development story for our region, leaving some scratching their heads about why disposable houses, stores and prisons can be built even in a "down" economy rather than permanent roads, rail systems, hospitals, cultural centers or places of science and education.