Problems of Growth

Regarding Tom Gorman’s story on the school shortage (“Students, Students Everywhere and Nary a Place to Sit,” Sept. 5).

Amen, Amen and Amen again--there are not enough schools available for all the new homes being built in San Diego. Builders march merrily over hill and dale, constructing houses cheek-by-jowl, selling them for astronomical sums, and leaving behind shortages not only of schools, but of libraries, parks and other public amenities, not to mention increases in traffic on our already distressed system.

Enter Prevent Los Angelization Now, a group (formerly known as Citizens for Limited Growth) which is sponsoring an initiative to ensure that new development pays for itself.

PLAN! stands for more than merely growth management. One of our aims is to focus the efforts of many disparate groups who see the deterioration of their neighborhoods, the raping of the environment and the lack of concern for current residents which growth impinges upon their quality of life. Unpaid-for development costs current residents not only peace and contentment, but money.

However, any such ordinance requires understanding by all San Diegans. It needs to be discussed, argued, modified and accepted by a majority if it is to achieve its goals. PLAN! wishes to join with other community organizations in a grass-roots effort to solve these problems and others.

CATHERINE A. STROHLEIN

San Diego