Mixed messages have been given in some past projects. We should recognize and declare that there are real limits on growth - some places should not have any further development. On DCPCs, the moratorium on new development is often detrimental or unnecessary. In RPP review, town officials' desires should usually take precedence over the performance standards. Regarding growth caps, they probably wouldn't be effective, given our market-based economy, where real estate values, interest rates, and labor pools are the major forces that influence development growth.
Caps often cause dislocations, inequities, and negative consequences.
If applied for the whole region, caps are also inadvisable, as they undermine town goals and plans. The recently passed Community Preservation Act suggests redevelopment or purchase of existing buildings as a better way to increase affordable housing units. To improve traffic congestion, the Cape needs a better public-transit system. Zoning bylaws should be changed to allow more traditional downtown land use mixes. However, such changes come slowly and require broad support among town officials and residents.