This is the third in a continuing series.
As with the first two, the public is cordially invited — and strongly encouraged — to attend.
You’ll do a lot of listening in order to understand preliminary plans, but you’ll have the opportunity to voice your opinions, ask questions and to otherwise be directly involved in the process as outlined several months ago when government jurisdictions in Cleveland, Charleston and Bradley County authorized the in-depth study.
If you’ve not followed the headlines you might be asking, “What is the Bradley, Cleveland & Charleston 2035 Strategic Plan?”
Simply put, it is a proactive approach by area government, utilities, education, law enforcement, housing and transportation systems to be prepared — in advance — for growth that is certain to come to this part of the Southeast Tennessee region. Why are planners so certain growth is coming? Two reasons right up front: Volkswagen and Wacker Chemie.
Other reasons include a continually rising population, expansion by existing industry and a desire by business — big, mid-size and small — to migrate to the Sun Belt where weather and other uncontrollable elements are not as much an issue in day-to-day operation.
Another reason is the new Cleveland Municipal Airport. Once operation begins in 2013, the new facility will feature a 5,500-foot runway which will almost certainly improve the area’s chances for landing even more major industrial prospects. We don’t ask you to take our word for it. Look to the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce or to Cleveland City and Bradley County government leaders who have been on the inside edge of early negotiations with potential business customers only to learn our air transportation limitations — a.k.a. Hardwick Field — are a huge stumbling block.
In today’s fast-paced world of commerce, the need for transportation and communications are practically identical. Immediate access through each must be available. If it’s not, major businesses will look elsewhere. Some might argue, “That’s OK, too. It’ll save some traffic congestion on our already stressed streets and roads.” True. But here’s the flip side. Look at all the lost jobs ... the possible increased tax base ... the potential for even more jobs if suppliers and satellite businesses come also.
Volkswagen is a prime example. Are we seeing just the construction of one giant plant to our west? Obviously not. We are seeing, and hearing of, more suppliers coming to the VW site or to other locations in close proximity such as Cleveland and Bradley County.
We mention all the above to point to the need for preparation now — not later. Our transportation network must be ready to accommodate even more traffic. If not, the result truly could be chaotic. Our school systems must be equipped with the right number of facilities in appropriate locations. Law enforcement must know how big to become, and then there are the utility companies. Without even saying more, it is obvious Cleveland Utilities and Volunteer Energy Cooperative must be on the cutting edge of all planning. Without their infrastructure, hopes of organized growth will be doomed.
Tonight’s Strategic Task Force Plan Forum gets under way at 6 p.m. in the Foundation Room in the Student Center on the CSCC campus.
We urge you to attend.
We encourage your questions.
We suggest your voice of reason.
