Crestview takes thoughtful approach to growth

In contrast, neighboring Santa Rosa County illustrates the consequences of unchecked expansion. There, population growth surged long before infrastructure planning became a priority. This is especially true in south Santa Rosa County, where what began as a quaint, one-stoplight town grew rapidly, without proper foresight. The result is a region struggling under the weight of its own development—a genie that cannot be put back into the bottle. County leadership seems to be stuck in a reactive mode, constantly trying to address issues that should have been planned for years ago. From roads to flooding to conservation, we fear it may take generations for meaningful improvements to materialize.

Crestview’s approach offers hope and serves as an example to other municipalities. The city’s comprehensive plan divides the area into distinct sectors, each with its own tailored growth strategy. For instance, the southwest sector’s plan focuses on balancing development across commercial, residential, and mixed-use needs. The strategy includes:

• Prioritizing high-intensity commercial development along the SR 85 corridor and vacant land near the new I-10 interchange.
• Encouraging low-intensity commercial use on properties fronting PJ Adams Parkway.
• Developing higher-intensity residential or middle housing on vacant land behind the commercial properties.
• Promoting higher-intensity single-family housing farther from PJ Adams Parkway.

This level of specificity ensures that growth remains organized, intentional, and beneficial to the community as a whole. By addressing each sector’s unique characteristics and potential, Crestview has created a blueprint that balances economic development with quality of life.

This kind of proactive planning stands in stark contrast to the reactive approaches we see elsewhere. For years, citizens of rapidly growing areas have been asking for infrastructure improvements to catch up with development. Without a structured framework, these demands often go unmet, and communities are left feeling underserved and overlooked. Crestview’s sector-based strategy offers a valuable lesson: growth is inevitable, but it must be guided by a thoughtful and forward-thinking plan.

Crestview’s leaders also deserve recognition for their emphasis on transparency. Clear communication about the city’s vision and plans fosters trust and confidence among residents. It ensures that citizens understand how development decisions are made and how those decisions will impact their neighborhoods. This openness is key to building a collaborative relationship between local government and the communities it serves.

We believe counties, including Okaloosa and Santa Rosa, could greatly benefit from adopting similar growth strategies. Imagine the potential if county leaders took the time to divide their regions into sectors, assessing each area’s unique needs and capabilities. Such an approach could help determine not only where growth should occur but also when and how it should happen. Infrastructure, conservation, housing, and commercial development could all be carefully planned in ways that prioritize both present needs and future sustainability.

Ultimately, Crestview’s plan is a reminder that smart growth is not just a buzzword—it’s a commitment to deliberate and sustainable development. When leaders take the time to plan thoughtfully, they ensure that growth enriches their communities instead of overwhelming them. We applaud Crestview for its vision and hope that surrounding counties will follow its lead. Proactive planning, transparency, and community engagement are the keys to building a future that benefits everyone.