Monday, October 01, 2007

New URA -- yeah, right.

I posted at another blog something that should also reside here.

A big Sunday feature on the new URA (Urban Redevelopment Authority) had some great insights.

Pat Ford was all about "law" and "justice" in the article because of the bad rap of zoning, planning, authorities and more. This is a town where 'corruption' rules -- or at least the perception of corruption.

FUD (Fear, Uncertainty, Doubt) works.

Smokey City works.

Getting the deal done is about being good with favorites. Insiders vs. Outsiders.

Developers vs. Neighborhood activists.

Being legal for them is about not getting caught.

As a Libertarian, I have a different take, of course. Zoning is so bent, we should toss it all out the window. The counter measure would be a robust system where those that do ills are on the hook for damages.

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