Obviously, I think that is a preposterous idea! Quite the oppisote, we probably need more affordable residential housing so that some of these students, teachers, and administrators can afford to live in Decatur!

Though the word “congestion” is typically only used pejoratively, it actually refers to two distinct phenomenon.

The first, more common understanding, is the traffic which stands between you and where you want to be. Think suburban arterials or 285 at rush hour. It’s where infrastructure is overwhelmed and the result for the end user is frustration and time loss with no apparent benefit. Such congestion is an impediment to economic development and is typically addressed with road widenings.

The second scenario, however, is that which results from actually being a place where people want to be. This congestion results in increased energy and opportunity for those within it and is a catalyst to economic development. It is typically addressed with increased pedestrian infrastructure and the creation of more endearing public spaces.

We need to acknowledge this distinction when discussing these issues. In my estimation, Decatur falls firmly in the second camp. I have to assume our downtown retailers do not view such “congestion” as a negative.

I’ve posted too much lately and will try to zip it for a while.