University of Virginia Library

Supervisor
Challenges
Growth Rate

By STEVE SMILEY

Questioning the rate of
population growth and its
effect on the people of
Albemarle County, Gerald E.
Fisher addressed the Citizens
For Albemarle meeting last
night.

Citing that the positive
views on growth are already
generally known, Mr. Fisher, a
member of the County Board
of Supervisors, concerned
himself primarily with the
negative results stemming from
uncontrolled growth.

He asked the audience to
consider the less desirable
aspects which have and will
follow growth, such as housing
shortages, increasing school
costs, and the rising taxes.

Mr. Fisher noted that
although growth does provide a
great stimulus for many
businesses, "Growth increases
crime, pollution, and a general
mood of aggressiveness in
people in their pursuit to find
parking spaces and to hurry
through store checking lines."

Also speaking before the
group, University Law Prof.
Thomas F. Bergin commented
generally on zoning ordinances
and the public's right to
protect their homesteads.

He added that homeowners
should be guarded against
"view pollution" caused by the
building of housing
developments over large scenic
areas.

Citizens For Albemarle was
formed in March, 1971 to alert
area residents of the need for
considerations in conservation.