TWG To Host ‘Smart Growth Newton’
The Jasper County Taxpayer’s Watchdog Group will host “Smart Growth Newton County” at its February meeting to be held next Thursday, Feb. 12 at 7 p.m. in the Jasper County Library.
Smart Growth Newton County is a coalition of citizens who have joined to promote intelligent responses to the growth that is predicted for Newton County.
They believe that by working cooperatively they can plan for logical, responsible growth that will benefit communities while maintaining their special characteristics.
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Their statement of purpose is:
•To provide the public with information about local and regional growth issues, provide a forum for public discussion, and provide opportunities for community education.
•To advocate the protection of natural, cultural, and historic resources and for the maintenance of the quality of life that makes Newton County a desirable place to live. There are several principles of Smart Growth according to the Smart Growth Network.
They are:
•Mix land uses
•Create walkable communities
•Create housing opportunities and choices
•Provide a variety of transportation choices
•Strengthen and direct development toward existing communities
•Make development decisions predictable, fair, and cost effective
•Preserve open space, farmland, natural beauty, critical environmental areas
•Encourage community and stakeholder collaboration in development decisions
“Smart Growth Newton” holds approximately four forums each year in Newton County to promote open dialogue on various growth issues.
With more subdivisions being approved, expected population growth for Jasper County, and a new land use map being considered, the TWG hopes “Smart Growth Newton County” will provide ideas, and answer questions that people in Jasper County have about the anticipated growth.
Everyone is invited to attend, ask questions, and seek ways of responsible growth in Jasper County. We encourage builders, developers, and real estate agents as well as the general public to attend since everyone will be affected by growth.