Controversy isn't over - it's just postponed

The controversial rezoning request for land on Blanchard Road is expected to be withdrawn from consideration Tuesday night.

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That move will likely end this particular showdown before the county commission.

But another one is around the corner - literally.

Neighbors, upset at the prospect of commercial or professional development intruding into their residential area, vigorously fought the Blanchard family's requested rezoning. That's understandable.

It's important to keep in mind, however, that this wasn't precipitated by private landowners seeking a better return on their investment. Instead, it actually began when the county put a park in the middle of a residential area.

Remember: While everyone says they want more parks, many of those neighbors didn't want Blanchard Woods Park. They complained about the prospect of increased traffic and bright field lights. If a private developer had proposed such a park, he would have been required to seek rezoning - and undoubtedly those neighbors would have fought such a request then, too.

As it stands, the county itself moved in, bought the land for the park and thus changed the character of the area. It's no surprise that adjacent landowners, including those whose land the county bought for the park, simply want to take the next logical step by taking advantage of that change.

This current controversy might very well end with the county buying the entire Blanchard tract to add to the park. But what happens when the expanded park's new neighbors decide to cash in on the change in the neighborhood's character, too?

The game, then, isn't over. The disagreement has just been punted to a later date.