Members: Log in | Not Registered? Register for free extra services.

The Business Journal of the Greater Triad Area - November 18, 2002

/triad/stories/2002/11/18/editorial3.html

Friday, November 15, 2002

Realtors have own duty to community growthThe Business Journal of the Greater Triad Area - by Jon Barsanti Contributing Writer

Realtors abide by a code of ethics. While most of us understand the importance of a code of ethics, the average reader may not realize that

the preamble to the Realtors' code requires more thought.

The preamble starts by referencing the fact that we must "wisely utilize and widely allocate" the land. Recently some new residential

developments have been proposed basing their density upon the size of the entire lot, even where a large share of it is undevelopable

because of wetland status. We must ensure that these densities are properly calculated and that the wetlands are preserved.

Next it states that we are to ensure the "highest and best use of the land." This is interesting because sometimes the highest use of the land

is not the best use of the land. There is a 20 percent vacancy rate in Class A office space. We need to encourage mixed-use development

on the Lee/Elm Street location that would have been ideal for the new ballpark, in order to have a northern and southern border of

development in downtown Greensboro.

We believe in creating "adequate housing." Adequate housing can mean rental, condominiums, town house, single- family home or

apartments. We need to encourage more live-work opportunities such as Southside in Greensboro and the Downtown Arts District in

Winston-Salem.

In addition, we need more opportunities for owner-occupied duplexes. The Downtown Housing Forum in Greensboro will be beneficial to

point out the need for downtown housing and what affordable housing truly is.

In addition, there are those who must choose between home ownership and auto-dependency. We need to promote alternative modes of

transportation, such as light rail and regular bus service, and request for the ability to have Location Efficient Mortgages in Greensboro

and the surrounding areas. The airport area road study will have a huge impact on making the efficient locations a reality.

The code of ethics preamble also stresses that we should "build functioning cities." This means we need to encourage connected cities,

connected streets and cities built with the user in mind. The issue of connectivity has recently come to light at the Greensboro City Council

meetings.

We need to focus on infill and regentrification rather our current trend toward sprawl. Current studies indicate that while our population

has doubled, our land consumption has tripled. "Traditional neighborhood design" and "transportation oriented developments" are going

to be the watchwords for the present generation and those that follow. These neighborhoods will be walking distances from schools, stores

and parks.

This is important because we are now considering a sidewalk ordinance for Greensboro. We need sidewalks that connect our

neighborhoods, our neighbors and our businesses. The upcoming sidewalk ordinance meeting will illuminate this issue.

One part of having a functioning city will be to encourage or demand that housing be built around the new ballpark. Action Greensboro

had proposed that the Bellemeade District be a residential transition area into downtown. Together, we can create our own Wrigleyville.

This will most likely be discussed at the Center City District planning meeting this Saturday, Nov. 16.

Realtors are obligated to develop "productive industries and farms." This means that we have to figure out a way for farmers to make

money as farmers rather than as holders of properties for future subdivisions. The state of New Jersey has numerous programs designed

to protect valuable land resources.

Their "Green Acres" program has protected 390,000 acres of land over the past four decades. The N.J. Farmland Preservation Program

has ensured that 62,000 acres of farmland will be protected for future use. The N.J. Pinelands Comprehensive Management Plan has

been instrumental in framing the goal of 1 million acres of preserved land.

In addition, Realtors are to "continuously strive to become and remain informed on issues affecting real estate." The issues with which we

need to become familiar are center city development, downtown housing, PART, the scenic corridor, sidewalks, and zoning issues that

arise on a regular basis, to name a few. I have been vocal regarding the necessity of the Scenic Corridor Overlay District for Painter

Boulevard.

We need to make sure that the county follows suit with the guidelines for the county part of the Urban Loop that are just as stringent, if

not more so, as those adopted by the City of Greensboro.

Where Realtors believe that comment is necessary, their opinion is offered in an objective, professional manner, uninfluenced by any

personal motivation or potential advantage or gain. Speak up. Write it down. Attend public meetings. Write letters to the editor. Be

Realtors have own duty to community growth - The Business Journal of th... http://triad.bizjournals.com/triad/stories/2002/11/18/editorial3.html?t=pri...

1 of 2 5/12/2010 8:42 AM

thoughtful of your words and actions.

As the Realtor's Code of Ethics reminds us, we have "obligations beyond those of ordinary commerce." As citizens these would be good

watchwords as well. Keep your eyes open for future meetings. Educate yourself on the issues. Express interest in your community.

Together, we can keep Greensboro green and growing.

Jon Barsanti is a real estate salesman with Coldwell Banker Triad Realtors in Greensboro.

All contents of this site © American City Business Journals Inc. All rights reserved.

Realtors have own duty to community growth - The Business Journal of th... http://triad.bizjournals.com/triad/stories/2002/11/18/editorial3.html?t=pri...

2 of 2 5/12/2010 8:42 AM