At YourDictionary.com:
"
public necessity Law Definition (n):
A
complete justification for a normally unacceptable act, if it were the lesser
of two evils and done in the publics interest."
"
public interest Law Definition (n):
The
peoples general welfare and well being; something in which the populace as a
whole has a stake."
The next time you are at a Planning Commission or Town Council Meeting where a Conditional Use Permit or Rezoning is being considered try to determine how the request will affect public necessity/interest. How is the change proposed going to affect the community as a whole, not just one or a few property owners? Is this change something that is necessary for the community? Will the proposed change have a positive impact on one issue but a negative one on another? If so, how do you balance those?
One argument used for public necessity is 'affordable housing'. This is defined by the Virginia Code as:
"Affordable housing" means, as a guideline, housing that is affordable to
households with incomes at or below the area median income, provided that the
occupant pays no more than thirty percent of his gross income for gross
housing costs, including utilities. For the purpose of administering
affordable dwelling unit ordinances authorized by this chapter, local
governments may establish individual definitions of affordable housing and
affordable dwelling units including determination of the appropriate percent
of area median income and percent of gross income." (
§
15.2-2201.)
While this can mean new development, the State clearly indicates a focus on
rehabilitation of existing areas and this is an area where little local progress has been seen (compared to new development). There are multiple opportunities available for financial support to Town and individuals to help with the rehabilitation of areas. As with many other issues, this is another example of where Christiansburg, Blacksburg, and Montgomery County could work together to make even more money available. Maybe it is time for a citizen's committee to be formed to take a look at some of these options. Citizens cannot rely on government to do everything for them and individual voices are seldom heard. Citizens need to come together and start looking for opportunities and come up with creative ways to make things happen that are good for Christiansburg.
It is my opinion that working cooperatively with other local governments is the best way for Christiansburg to more fully meet the needs of citizens. I hope that someone will at least look at some of the potential opportunities for sources of funding, tax incentives, and other support measures that may be available to the Town independently and/or the Town in concert with other local governments.