Development along Germantown Parkway

The Commercial Appeal ran an interesting story today, which raised questions about the future of Germantown Parkway. The question was asked, "Is Germantown Parkway the next Winchester?" The basis of this article is the impending closure of the K-Mart on Germantown Parkway.

You could argue on either side of this issue, as both sides have valid points. K-Mart is closing stores around the country, so how could you point to this isolated incident as a indication of what the future holds for this area? Many argue that other businesses in the area are thriving, while K-Mart has just come out of a re-organization due to bankruptcy.

The other side of the argument raises some valid questions as well. Cordova is one of the fastest growing areas in Shelby County, however the planners at K-Mart must know something we don't know. Large corporations such as this make decisions based on many inputs, one of which is the TRENDS of an area. What many believe the Executives at K-Mart are seeing is an area which has been over-developed, and is beginning to see signs of decline in sales forecasts.

I believe that the issue here is that our local governments have not demanded a strategic vision from developers and planners. This is true both from a Commercial Development and a Residential Development perspective. This, however, is not strictly an indictment on the development community, as one might think. Most developers come to the City and County planning boards with terrific ideas, when you look at them by themselves (or as we say in the Corporate world..."in a vacuum"). What I feel is missing in the process is the Planning Boards, City Council, and County Commission demanding that each proposal include how this development benefits the community and how it flows with existing plans and developments.

In business, the Executives of the company set a Strategic Vision and direction for the company. The owners of the tactical execution of this vision (officers and directors) ensure that everything the "workers" do contributes to this Strategic Vision. Our local government should work the exact same way, where the Executive (Mayor) sets the vision, and the owners of the tactical execution (planning board, council, commission) ensure that this vision is carried through. In the absence of a strategic vision, it is up to the true leaders in the City Council or County Commission to develop this vision.

I can assure you that I have a vision for our community, and if elected, I will work with the Mayor and my fellow Commissioners to ensure that we are all on the same page. We must ensure that our community is developed with a vision for the future, with sustainable growth and residential areas that will stand the test of time.