This was a statement made at the January 2010 meeting by Supervisor Denise Rushing and really bears repeating.
I often receive inquiries as to why, in such difficult economic times, the Redevelopment Agency and the County are investing in projects that provide aesthetic improvement in the areas we serve. A common statement is "Why are we investing in parks and plazas when we can't get the roads fixed." This question is an important one, as it points to the heart of redevelopment strategy--specifically how redevelopment can work.
Redevelopment is essentially a "bet." It is a set of strategic investments designed to create community and business energy and investment in an area. A common redevelopment strategy is to invest in a combination of infrastructure (road/sidewalks for example) and public spaces that are identified by a community as important to the economic life of an area. On the Northshore, the lakefront and town centers are critical examples of this. By investing in these kinds of projects, especially if they have been identified cooperatively with the community citizenry and businesses, it is possible to dramatically increase both internal and outside investment of time and energy in our community. This is a difficult process, requiring agencies be skilled in community connection and also requires lots of small steps. And while it is difficult, it works, is enduring and creates authentic community that we can be proud of.