Fort Worth Forum member (and Fort Worthology reader) Dustin posted the following paragraph over at the Fort Worth Forum, and it eloquently summarizes the benefits of the Trinity River Vision better than I think I’ve ever been able to do myself. Here’s the quote:
The thing about the TRV is that most people in the city recognize the value it will bring to the city. It won’t just benefit the few developers that build around the TRV, it will be an incentive to bring in new businesses. It will add to the attractiveness of our city to tourists, who spend money here. It will encourage companies to relocate here. It will create new shopping destinations in an area that was blighted and economically stagnant. It will generate more tax revenue for the city. It will encourage density in a metropolitan area plagued by sprawl. It will encourage walkable neighborhoods which can improve our air quality. The list goes on and on and the effects range from direct to distant correlations. Yes, a few developers will make a few bucks. Yes it is unfortunate that a few land owners were in the path of progress. But in this cost/benefit scenario, the benefits far outweigh the costs.
Unfortunately, I think we must now add the footnote: *If it happens as planned
Perhaps if the TRVA hired a good marketing team (i.e. not the folks that work for Chesapeake), they might get more buy-in from residents.