Meeting future growth needs.

By Fred Strong

Planning for realistic expectations of future growth is the only way to avoid traffic, water and sewer problems. It is also the best way to acquire needed jobs and retail commercial opportunities. Workforce and low income housing require a true community effort.

Proper advanced planning which recognises realistic growth projections will avoid major traffic, sewer and water problems. Proper planning and "pay your own way" financial structures should also maintain our quality of services and amenities in Paso Robles.

Low and moderate income housing will require some help from HUD Section 8, non-profit corporations, the Housing Authority and, perhaps, the Redevelopment Agency. I will also look further into shared equity financing which is a self-funding program to help people after its initial expense.

We need balanced growth. New industries need employees who also need homes. New commercial enterprises need customers to buy their products. It all works together.

Also, don't forget the tremendous opportunities our airport and rail services provide. We have the best year round clear day airport in the United States. It is time we really promoted that fact.

Leaving our old attitudes behind where we came from will allow us to enjoy the wonderful Paso Robles' attitudes that attracted us here. We all need to work on maintaining the friendly, help each other, way of life that makes Paso Robles so desireable.