Engineers needed for planning

The update of the comprehensive plan for development of Lexington-Fayette County is an important task. Public input is crucial. Decisions made are long-lasting. All too often the wishes of developers and other vested interests seem to prevail, and the average citizens are forced to live with the consequences.

In today’s world, environmentalists have seized a sometimes-too-strong and unreasonable voice. Their concerns are valid but must be kept in perspective in terms of logic, cost and common sense.

A glaring absence in the planning process is the application of engineering principles to guide land use, road location and design, traffic, parking, structure siting, storm/sanitary sewer services and public transportation needs.

Developers, realtors, bankers and environmental activists need to seek the guidance and input of engineers. Money and idealistic interests are best tempered by engineering considerations for functional and economic outcomes. All planning, zoning and adjustment boards need to have an engineer member. Our mayor and council must ensure this.

This story was originally published July 14, 2017 at 4:25 PM with the headline "Engineers needed for planning."