And some that's not so good …

The Valley has seen a big growth spurt in recent years. New homes, and the attendant services that supply them, are springing up at a very quick rate.

While this growth could mean good things for the individual cities and borough, it also requires careful planning so that the quality of life residents enjoy is not compromised. Such planning also requires serious vigilance on the part of residents, who are the final line of defense in ensuring that the quality of life here does not get gobbled up in the "suburban sprawl."

Residents of Wasilla's Shadowood subdivision are currently facing the nightmare scenario of rampant development at their doorsteps. A nearly 200-home subdivision is slated to be plunked down on less than 60 acres in the Wasilla neighborhood near Lucille Street.

The plan meets borough code, but not city of Wasilla code. Residents fear that city code will be modified to accommodate the builder. They are also rightly concerned about how the planned subdivision would affect the peace, safety and property values in the existing neighborhood and are urging defense of the zoning status quo.

It's always a good time to let elected officials know what kind of quality of life is expected. A Thursday hearing conducted by the borough platting board will allow residents to do just that. Although this may seem like a very local issue, with the way the community is growing, folks from all over the Valley should be concerned.

Responsible development can benefit everyone. But irresponsible development, even if it has the power to turn red fiscal ink to black, should not be undertaken at the cost of an existing neighborhood.