Thursday, October 1, 2026
We’ve all heard the expression, “It takes a village.” The question can arise, “What does it take to be a village?” Is the value of a village in how many apartments or retail spaces can be added to a downtown or community? Is making use of all open space in a community what makes it the most desirable? Maybe building on existing infrastructure to expand density upward or outward to add additional value while moving forward with progression?
The growth of a community is needed in order to contribute to “village life,” which increases home values and the vibrancy of a community and its downtown. But it’s also the charm, the culture, the traditions, the responsiveness of government, and the maintenance and enhancement of infrastructure that village residents, families and children, have become accustomed to, enjoy and expect. It’s that protection of the quality of life every day that makes a community proud to be a part of a village.
How can the growth of a community, while maintaining the components of village life, succeed together and for the betterment of its residents? It’s called smart growth.
It’s recognizing the need to improve on what exists while growing with careful planning and a vision of the future. Trying to fit a size 8 foot into a size 6 shoe doesn’t work, and neither does “fitting in more” just for the sake of saying you have more.
It’s about having the correct balance while not losing the character and originality of a community — making certain that every addition is for the benefit of the future sustainability of the village, and adds, rather than subtracts, value to the community. Without the correct balance, the unique charm and character of community is lost, infrastructure becomes strained, and the quality of life is reduced.
“It you build it, they will come” is a misleading phrase. If development increases in a village more than demand or density allows, properties can become an attraction for vacancies and undesirable activities that can spread to neighboring areas.
Smart growth, and proper and consistent zoning regulations, allow for controlled development and avoid overdevelopment — maintaining the benefits of small-town life and not just focusing on growth, growth and more growth. It’s about retaining the desirability and services a community offers, and not having those services and values engulfed in something that is not better for its residents.
There are communities that are applauded for increased growth with development and dwellings — communities where development is looking to occur in every open space. But what about the existing infrastructure? The roadways, public services and even the landscaping in a community that at times appear neglected? Overgrowth of a community can lead to a decline in the necessary maintenance and improvements of essential infrastructure, and also to slowed or impeded services that residents rely on.
There are over 500 villages across New York state. Many have experienced rapid growth, overdevelopment and issues with sprawl or haphazard development. In some instances of overdevelopment, villages have seen population loss, which in turn affects services and, of course, the tax base. Building moratoriums, managing overdevelopment by maintaining open spaces and allowing short-term rentals are the subjects of some of the discussions in various villages on how to deal with overgrowth and sprawl.
Minimum parking requirements, height and density restrictions as well as lot requirements and other zoning guidelines not only help prevent overdevelopment, but also protect the existing infrastructure and residents’ quality of life. Zoning can also establish mixed-use guidelines for development, with a balance of retail and commercial combined with apartments and other types of living accommodations.
Zoning can also reject any development that does not benefit the community, its density, its character or its vision for the future.
This is smart growth.
Elected officials, zoning and planning boards are integral to any village, with the responsibility to enhance their communities while protecting their charm, vibrancy, traditions, home values, desirability and their residents’ quality of life. They “build the future on a strong foundation” through zoning restrictions and codes, a strong commitment to a community’s balance, its sustainability and that future vision. That’s smart growth. That’s what it takes to be a village.
Mary E. Adams is the mayor of the Village of Babylon.
