Vero Beach Three Corners; dangers of Treasure Coast growth; Lake O
Use IBM strategic decision process for Vero Beach Three Corners?
As I read the thoughtful assessments of the four exciting but different proposals for the Three Corners, I am reminded of the decision process we used in our IBM strategy work.
This approach was often used in big business, infrequently in urban planning or the public sector. The key point is that a “hybrid solution,” blending the best elements of each of three or four different approaches, may produce the best results.
Here’s how it works. When facing a complex strategic business decision with some clear alternatives (each supported by a strong group of advocates), start off by clearly defining each of the major alternatives and then the probable measurable results of each.
For example, Alternative 1 might have three or four major elements: A) build a hotel, B) an outdoor event stage, C) a mini-marina and D) two restaurants. For each of those elements, there would be possible measurable benefits (tax revenues, citizen satisfaction, tourism attraction) and measurable minuses (traffic/parking, road construction, police/safety costs, noise, pollution). Where specific facts aren’t knowable, estimated ranges are acceptable.
After analyzing each of the four major alternatives, the team (which includes advocates of each major alternative), develops a hybrid solution that pulls the best sub-elements of each alternative into a combined solution that has broad support and optimizes the cost/benefit equation.
I applaud the good work done so far and look forward to a well thought-out plan that many in Vero Beach can support.
Doug Sweeny, Vero Beach
Rampant growth barreling north ruining our quality of life
Almost weekly, our city and county commissioners approve the construction of thousands of new homes, shopping centers and strip malls, with virtually no regard for the impact these structures will have on our infrastructure, especially our roadways.
This is occurring unabated all over the Treasure Coast and is not confined to just one city or county.
It is obvious that the winners are the developers/builders who profits are skyrocketing, and our politicians who feel that “bigger is better” despite the costs. The losers are our…
