Shrinking and Getting Taller

    At first, I was glad to read in an article on the internet that Central was named #8 in the “10 Best Places To Live In Louisiana.”  Nice!  I agree.  So I looked closer to see what gave Central such high marks.
    The analysis was done using science, ranking on the basis of things like unemployment rates, low crime, population density (the higher the better)… wait…what????  “POPULATION DENSITY (THE HIGHER THE BETTER)”.  Really?  If crowding as many people as you can in a city makes it a “Best Place To Live” I’m glad Central only came in eighth!
    I very much want to see Central thrive and provide local jobs, local businesses, a stable sales tax base for the city and goods and services to meet the needs of its residents.  I just want to see that growth be intelligent and well-planned growth.
    I have two general theories on the growth I have seen since I first rode my bike down Blackwater Road in the late 1960’s.  My world is shrinking, and the rest of the world is getting taller.
    My world is shrinking.  Fifteen years ago I made the decision that because of south Baton Rouge traffic I really needed to stay north of Florida Blvd.  Ten years ago I began to try to find excuses not to go south of Greenwell Springs Road. Five years ago I suddenly realized that I was making efforts not to leave the City of Central.
    Now, I’m finding myself somewhat hesitant to go south of Hooper Road at certain times of the day.  I am very much hoping that the natural growth of Central, along with some roadway improvements, will not shrink my world any smaller than our city limits.
    The rest of the world is getting taller.  My only half-joking comment on overpopulated areas is this: you know there are too many people in one place when you have to start stacking them on top of each other.
    Think about it.  Office buildings, parking garages, high-rise apartments, double-decker malls…all of the things Central lacks.  I will tip my hand and tell you that I do like being able to drive somewhere else and enjoy some of the perks of such dense population, but I want to drive there, not live there.
    I believe that people will be naturally attracted to Central.  Our quiet setting, good schools, and great neighbors will be enough encouragement to growth.  Let’s stick with the concepts of our Master Plan, follow the ordinances that reflect that vision for our city, and grow at a natural pace.  That would be Good News for a Great City.