This letter is in response to the editorial “Activists must change anti-mall tactics,” (Jan. 18) berating opponents of a second mall proposed by Wolford Development. Contrary to the implications of the Daily editorial, opponents have not only a right but also a duty to question our city’s actions in regard to this issue. The city is under no obligation to rezone land to satisfy one developer. However, the city is under obligation to plan for and spend infrastructure dollars responsibly and to maintain a balance between growth and the existing interests of its citizens.

Instead of an enclosed mall, Mr. Wolford has recently offered a scaled-down proposal for a “life style center” with “mini-anchors.” He publicly admits that Ames cannot support two malls.

These facts and recent sales tax market analyses from Iowa State prove that significant increase in market for mall-type retail in Story County does not likely exist.

This has become a classic exercise in promoting sprawl: increasing tax base on the fringe at the expense of existing properties. The losers are taxpayers and neighborhoods, and the winners are developers and land speculators.

Favoring a new development without an analysis of long-term impacts and alternatives is not good planning. Sprawl happens because the integrity of an existing community is not valued. Are we assuring that edge developments pay both short- and long-term infrastructure costs so the playing field is level and not skewed in favor of new development? Are we inviting destruction of existing business districts and their commercial and social relationships with neighborhoods when there is little to be gained? Are we minimizing environmental impact of development plans?

We have a land-use plan in place that mandates all of this and more. So far, the City Council has chosen to ignore much of it in favor of unrealistic or out-of-date market studies and delusional fantasies of increased taxes.

GK Development, the new owners of North Grand Mall, have just invested more than $40 million in our community. A look at the GK Development’s track record in other cities shows its word is likely good. Initial impressions indicate that it plans to update North Grand and expand at a level the Ames regional market can support.

Wolford’s vague plans play to people’s fantasies about a Jordan Creek-sized mall that Ames’ market cannot support. In reality, he has invested little and has asked for the moon. The Council should turn down this rezoning proposal and spend time updating our land-use plan and supporting proven developers who have real plans for real neighborhoods.

The hard questions need to be answered and not ignored. We want smart development decisions that will impact the health of Ames for decades to come. As stated by City Council member Riad Mahayni back in January 2004, there would be “many other opportunities” to discuss these issues. The opportunity is now to take a hard look at all the issues surrounding rezoning of the recently annexed 13th Street land.

Several Ames City Council members insist on addressing the second mall controversy by saying we can’t limit competition. This simplistic argument has wasted resources and degraded neighborhoods and cities nationwide. This is not a fight about malls. It is a serious discussion about how we will grow. Will our city grow smart, or will we accept degradation at the hands of short sighted development pressure?

Joe Lynch

Chairman

Ames Smart Growth