Hate dirt lots? Getting annoyed with dream projects that never materialize? Why don't we start requiring metrics for project feasibility as a part of any requests for zoning changes or general plan amendments?

We don't need tough guidelines in place, but it should certainly become a more integral part of the discussion with village planning committees and our planning department. If we must keep our use-based zoning ordinances (which I do not entirely favor), what if we made land speculation less attractive?

In conjunction with this plan, we could set forth landscaping requirements for vacant lots and other such plans to soften their appearance and negative impacts (dust from dirt, heat from gravel/pavement, etc.). Landowners would not be required to do these things alone, but if they cannot or will not make productive use of their land, then we need to make it easier for neighbors to step in and help out. This means granting them license to use the land in limited scope (providing compensation to the landowner if warranted -- if used for commercial purposes, for instance), as well as ensuring that landowners will not take on any increased liability under such an arrangement.