I agree, growth without a plan is just waste. For far too long growth without a plan led to large mountainous ski-slopes along Atlantic Blvd, Sunbeam Road, and in trenches that go from US 1 East to Pottsburg Creek.
Growing without a plan has led JEA to want to raise rates for water because while demand for water is lower, the expense to get the water to you has risen due to their "growth" plans.
I was initially all for a new courthouse, but with the economy down, how many people are filling the courthouse for new filings or new marriage licenses, if anything, i see divorces on the rise, and more filings being done online or electronically. So why again does the Clerk need 2 floors of space in the new building? I am all in favor of doing it right, but I don't see the need in this down economy for something so big and audacious.
Makes you wonder about the growth plans in place now. JAA builds 2 beautiful terminals for the future, probably losing their shirt to pay for them, but when the economy comes back, what will the new future hold for JAA? Terminal B upgrade? New art for the lobby? A few new parking decks?
I am always amazed at how we can plan for progress, then we end up paying for it in the good and bad times. I guess a cynic would call that running government like a business.