"We can't deny there are real problems with growth,

traffic, and water quality, and if we can't solve the air quality

problem, we'll have the government telling you when you can drive,

what you can drive, where you can build, and what you can

build," he said.

Noting that a major contributor to our air problem is the

fact that Atlanta is the nation's leader with the average citizen here

driving 34 miles a day, he said that the city also leads in another

category, the expanse of the metro area.

"Since World War II, we have built lots of highways, and

we've moved lots of people to the suburbs. In 1990, Atlanta's

suburbs stretched for 65 miles. Now that area is 110 miles from one end

to the other," he said.

Spohn reminded the crowd: "Every one of you is an

environmentalist if you care about the future. Does it make any sense

to use up our resources? Does it make any sense not to have

jobs? Does it make any sense to use up all of our infrastructure? Does

it make any sense not to plan?"

Telling those in attendance that many of the first groups

studying these issues did not include representation from the building

and development community, he noted that builders are

involved in the more recent discussions. He also directed attention to the

proposed "Controlled Growth Manifesto" for Fayette County,

commenting that the document was apparently produced

completely by local governmental officials and asking: "Where were the

citizens?"

Spohn urged the association members to take more of a

proactive position in confronting growth issues. "You have a

good opportunity to be part of the community in a leadership role

and build what is right."

Spohn, a sixth generation home builder, served for several

years on the Environmental Collaborative Committee of the

Vision 2020 project and is currently a member of the Atlanta

Regional Commission's Environmental Development and Land

Use Committee. He is also chairman of the NAHB Sustainable

Development Task Force.

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