To Everything There is a Season

Posted May 28, 2015 by: David Foss, CPG, LSPTo Everything There is a Season

Whether you may be thinking of the lyrics written by Pete Seeger in the 1950’s, the 1965 recording by ‘The Byrds’, or Old Testament chapter of Ecclesiastes, the sentiment is the same as time passes and the seasons change, opportunities arise to make a change - - and to make a difference.

My family is experiencing the excitement of the conclusion of another academic year. There is the pressure of end-of-year projects and final exams. But there is also an annual feeling of completion and opportunity for renewal. There is the prospect for adventure, excitement, and special projects to fill the summer months.

In the Brownfield redevelopment world, the doldrums of the winter of 2015 [insert your favorite hyperbole here] left the real estate market in a holding pattern. We literally couldn’t see or even get access to some of our work sites, they were so thoroughly snowed in. But after the thaw we see that developers and prospective purchasers are calling; financing institutions are lending; and construction projects are proceeding. “A time to cast away stones, and time to gather stones together.” [As a geologist, I have to appreciate this less quoted lyric.]

Applications to Planning Boards are on the rise. Municipalities recognize that development and the associated growth in tax base are good for the community. Numerous communities are finding ways to update decades-old zoning ordinances to promote mixed use, village centers, smart growth, and transit oriented development. These tools allow developers to work with the communities to design and construct projects that promote growth, maximize development value, and preserve the historic resources of our New England towns and cities.

I am hopeful and optimistic about the growth opportunities in front of us. As I conclude, I will cherry-pick from Mr. Seeger . . . it is a time to plant, a time to build up, and a time of peace.