“The one constant in life is land. It’s the one thing they’re not making anymore.”

I love that quote from the Yellowstone series–a series that is anti-development at its core. The series portrays land as something sacred–a legacy, a battleground, and a living thing–not just a resource to be exploited. Almost every major conflict in the show revolves around developers, corporations, and government forces trying to take land from those who cherish it.

It got me thinking about Chautauqua County and how rich it is in natural resources and how beautiful it is. It’s our Yellowstone. I did a deep dive into future development projects and recent decisions from the County Legislature and felt there was an effort on the part of many stakeholders to grow our area without destroying it. I’m sure there are those who disagree with that conclusion, and I’m not well-versed in the nuances, but there are hundreds of recent examples of communities throughout the U.S. that are in a race to save themselves from “progress.” For some, it’s too late.

Houston, Texas, for example, is a cement city if ever a city could be called cement. Between 1997 and 2017, the Houston metropolitan area experienced a 63% increase in its urban footprint, adding approximately 386 square miles of cement and asphalt. This is why Houston always floods. Of course, they have no zoning laws, so they were asking for trouble.

The Miami skyline looks like a steel forest these days. Their horizon has transformed with numerous high-rise developments, attracting international investors. While this growth has boosted the economy, it has also led to concerns about housing affordability and the displacement of local folks. And despite the hurricanes and high insurance rates, don’t you worry about Florida. Developers breed there like rabbits and you find building projects in every city and town. They meet little resistance, with city leaders all eager for a piece of the big Florida pie.

We all know what happened to San Francisco and Austin, Texas. Where there is tech there is money, so you won’t find a realtor, leader, or developer shy of progress in those communities.

With a declining population and a desire to stimulate economic growth, our county’s leadership is always looking to bring opportunity to our area, but I’m encouraged by some of the initiatives to balance growth with environmental conservation. They’re looking at sustainable development, walkability, and community spaces that enhance rather than displace natural beauty. Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy works to protect lakes, streams, and forested areas, ensuring that development doesn’t lead to environmental degradation, and progress has been made in zoning and land use regulations. That’s a lot more than they did in Houston.

But stakeholders need to remain wary. Increased housing developments could lead to loss of open space if not carefully managed. Do we really need a new housing development at Point Chautauqua? Aren’t we just attracting more summer people? Are there jobs for new residents? How about building housing for people just starting out in life–smaller starter homes that help promote the American dream? In countless communities throughout our country, homes are being built for the rich. There’s very little middle-class housing being built.

On the other hand, our county’s housing market faces challenges due to a substantial number of outdated and substandard housing units. Many homes were built before 1940, increasing the risk of lead exposure and other health hazards, which can deter potential new residents and investors. That’s quite the conundrum for city and county leadership to tackle.

But, if local leadership remains committed to sustainable planning, Chautauqua County can grow without losing its character. Vigilance is needed–residents, conservation groups, and planners must continue pushing for policies that prioritize preservation alongside economic development. Your voices carry a lot of weight.

My Chautauqua County heroes are the organizations dedicated to land conservation and the enhancement of natural resources. The Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy, and the Chautauqua County Land Bank Corporation play important roles in protecting and conserving our natural landscapes and enhancing the environment of our region.

People say you can’t stop progress, but, yes. Yes, you can. But it’s not really about stopping progress as much as it is guiding it. Some things, like developers eager for money by exploiting a new market, are inevitable. But no place has to become overdeveloped. A community just needs voices to preserve what makes it special.

“Once you give land away you never get it back.” That’s a good piece of Yellowstone wisdom right there.