I would like to add several more points to why I voted in favor of the proposed Kingery Landing apartment/single-family project at the Feb. 4 city council meeting.
First, I have no ties of any kind to this project; neither does the company I work for (Blanchard and Calhoun Real Estate Co).
River North residents brought up many common arguments against high-density development, such as the perception of a higher crime rate, lowering adjacent property values, increased traffic, environmental impacts, etc.
I do agree these are issues that have been caused by some high-density developments, but these are also issues caused by some single-family developments. The problem in North Augusta is we have never encountered a proposal for high-quality, high-density developments until now.
To have a successful riverfront community, we need a mix of uses providing for a mix of demographics, which was the way all older downtowns formed.
Nationally, since the 1950s, we have gotten away from that concept and have developed more sterile subdivisions, typically priced or designed for one particular age or income bracket. The neotraditional movement, which has come back in popularity as of late, has started to change that mind-set, and the effect creates a much more vibrant community.
I know these types of mixed-use developments aren't for everyone but I'm certain that people living in the typical subdivision would eat and shop at the businesses that are created in a mixed-use atmosphere. How wonderful would it be to have some restaurants on the river, places where we could go sit on an overlook or dock and eat?
Well, the only way this will happen is with higher density close by. This has happened with positive effect in riverfront communities of all sizes, and I'm certain it can happen here.
My opinions are not limited to just this project, but are more general in nature to what I believe can be great development opportunities. I grew up and live and work in this community, and certainly would never support anything that I truly felt would be a detriment in the long run.
North Augusta has been fortunate over time to have had a great vision and great leadership to be able to retain its small-town charm. Because of that, the city has become extremely attractive for people looking for an attractive community in which to raise their families.
On the flip side, that attractiveness has created somewhat of a mind-set of "I've got mind, I don't want any more people moving into my backyard," which is a mind-set that I adamantly disagree with. However, I continue to support high-density residential and mixed use projects in North Augusta with the right design and in the right locations.
Jason Whinghter serves on North Augusta City Council.
