HomeOwners for Better Building - Express-News Editor Robert Rivard comments on series

Part 1 Special Series
Robert Rivard: Losing ground: Aquifer faces peril as a city grows wrong way
The original plan called for publication nearly two months ago of "Losing Ground," John Tedesco's exhaustive examination of unchecked development over the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone. It begins today on Page 1 and continues inside for five pages. The series itself continues into the week. "Losing Ground" is not an effort by the Express-News to vilify developers or to send an anti-growth message. Smart, planned growth in one of the nation's fastest growing cities is the prescription. And while many developers have built and are building neighborhoods and subdivisions that feature native trees, lush vegetation and substantial green space, others are throwing up cookie-cutter developments that are void of trees and seemingly supplant the very beauty of the land that is the reason people are attracted to the Texas Hill Country. What readers need to know, whatever stance you take on these complex public policy issues, is that local government actually exercises very little control over development. See photos of clear cutting

â€¢ Columnist's Email
â€¢ Columnist's Bio
â€¢ Columnist's Index

San Antonio Express-News
Robert Rivard: Losing ground: Aquifer faces peril as a city grows wrong way

10/16/2005
San Antonio Express-News

The original plan called for publication nearly two months ago of "Losing Ground," John Tedesco's exhaustive examination of unchecked development over the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone.

It begins today on Page 1 and continues inside for five pages. The series itself continues into the week.

Given the time lapse, some of John Davenport's photographs had to be double-checked to make sure vast swaths of land clear-cut by bulldozers were not yet completely filled in with densely constructed new housing. See Express-News for full commentary - Robert Rivard: Aquifer faces peril as a city grows wrong way

Robert Rivard is editor of the Express-News. E-mail him at rrivard @express-news.net.

Part 1 of the series

Law lets developers ignore growth controls

Building lots of differences

Losing Ground: How we did this report

Robert Rivard: Aquifer faces peril as a city grows wrong way

Graphics: Clear cut evidence

Graphics: Who's responsible for vesting?

Graphics: How vested rights work

Part 2 of the series

Texas law allows developers to research the history of a property, find an old plan, and claim that project as their own. Developers have used this method in scores of cases to avoid city codes.

Part 3 of the series

The vested rights statute was written in 1987 at the behest of lobbyists representing developers. Since then, little has changed.

Part 4 of the series

For the first time in years, city leaders are taking a fresh look at vested rights. A look at the decisions they face and the long-term consequences.

< Prev		Next >

[ Back ]

Texas, First Home Lemon Law Debated in the Nation
Homebuyers Need a Home Lemon Law

Search HOBB.org

Reckless Endangerment
BY: GRETCHEN MORGENSON
and JOSHUA ROSNER
Outsized Ambition, Greed and
Corruption Led to
Economic Armageddon

Amazon
Barnes & Noble