The current controversy concerning the proposed Olympia Hills development evokes issues larger than its neighborhood or Salt Lake County.
As discussed in the media, one can empathize with the neighbors not wanting such nearby high density development, for how it may affect traffic, air quality, property values and overall quality of life. When Mayor Ben McAdams and the Salt Lake County Council first considered the project, he likely had to balance those issues with the realities of population forecasts for Utah — a doubling of population by 2050. McAdams likely realized that such high density developments are necessary to accommodate these forecasted increases.
I suspect, because of prevailing societal constraints, the media is reluctant to discuss this aspect of the issue. So, along with debating the effects of such proposals, why not delve into the cause of the issue to maybe avoid, or minimize those effects altogether? When will we find the political will to finally face the elephant in the room — uncontrolled and unsustainable population growth?
With finite resources and climate change this is a global issue; and as Americans with high-impact lifestyles, we have a responsibility to fully engage in finding ways to minimize and mitigate overpopulation and its consequences. There is no Planet B.
John Kennington, Cottonwood Heights
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