In his recent column, Balancing citizens' and developers' issues tricky (Northern Life, March 30), Fern Cormier presents the issue in terms of choices between extremes:  continuing growth versus encouraging healthy green  communities; urban sprawl versus infill on all central green spaces; citizens' concerns versus private property rights of developers. 
Fortunately, the real world is not so black and white, and
there are many opportunities for realistic solutions to these
issues.
The key to these solutions is good urban planning. By planning
for growth, we direct it in a way that is consistent with our
vision of a healthy, vibrant community.
When it comes to growth, there is more choice than Cormier
would have us believe. There are many possibilities for infill
within our core without touching the few remaining green
spaces.
There are choices in the type and placement of new developments
that will make the difference between Smart Growth and urban
sprawl (and -yes- urban sprawl  does exist in Sudbury, and
contributes to higher taxes for all of us).
As our city grows, it is important to realize we do have
choices, and to take responsibility for the shape that growth
takes.
Growth is not the antithesis to our vision of a healthy green
community, but an opportunity to bring it to reality.
When it comes to protecting green spaces, Cormier raises the
spectre of disregard for private property rights, and a
slippery slope of compensating  private land owners with
dwindling city resources.
Again, the reality is  not so simplistic, and again the
solution involves good planning. Many communities have taken
the step of cataloguing their green spaces, characterizing them
according to their ecological and social values and their need
for protection, and creating a long term plan for protection
and  stewardship. This approach provides a framework in
which to protect environmentally sensitive areas, provide green
space for passive recreation  where needed, and to fairly
compensate private landowners where needed. I hope Cormier will
be reassured to know that this process is already being
discussed for our city.
Development issues are usually framed in terms of conflict:
development versus the environment; and developers versus
citizens. However, this does not have to be the case.
A good planning process with a long-term vision and meaningful
engagement of citizens allows us to work together to
build  the city we wish to live in: a city that is
environmentally and economically sustainable, that offers a
high quality of life, and that will retain and  attract
young people and businesses to our community.
Naomi Grant
Sudbury