It is not enough simply to complain about the way that things are getting done. We must also provide sensible solutions. Luckily there are many things that can be done to reverse the sprawl of tedious formula business that are consuming our countryside, devouring our locally owned businesses and sucking the soul and personality from our communities.

One measure that would addresses most of these pernicious effects is to reduce the size of retail space that is allowed. Large retail centers drive smaller locally owned businesses out of business. This is not just an appeal to main street nostalgia, it is a matter of intentionally controlling both the quality of life and the quality of commerce that we encourage in our communities.

From a purely economic perspective we would do well, not only to protect our smaller locally owned businesses, but also to encourage new ones. Locally owned independent businesses keep approximately three times the amount of revenue in our local economy. This is something that the Chamber of Commerce should be promoting. Not only do locally owned independent businesses keep their profits at home, they also hire local professionals and they buy their materials and supplies from local folks as well. The net result is a huge positive impact on our local economy.

Local businesses also encourage tourism, which keeps our money in our local economy, and brings in outside dollars fueling growth. While people may drive ten or fifteen miles to a big box retailer, they are likely to travel great distances to visit locations that have distinctive local culture and commerce. People come to the Brazos Valley seeking the hospitality and spirit of Aggieland. Unfortunately what they seek is an Aggieland of old. It has been swallowed by congestion, Home Depot, Wal-Mart and franchise restaurants. It does not have to be like this.

People are not going to come to the Brazos Valley to Shop at Home Depot, and Wal-Mart. These business may draw people from across the county, but they will not draw people from across the state.

When we allow large super center retail, we are creating a community of congestion. These massive parking lots anchored by a big box drive out neighborhood businesses, making it necessary for people to drive greater distances to get goods and services, thus increasing congestion, and the cost of increased infrastructure driving up taxes.

By limiting the size of retail we encourage locally owned independent businesses that are great for our economy and we reduce congestion and taxes. Now that seems like a win-win situation.

Even though this is a move that would greatly benefit the economy and the quality of life of our community, we can count on this being apposed by most developers who place their short term profits above long range planning and community benefit. There are some developers who are more community minded. We should be actively recruiting these developers to come help us build the city that we want to live in.