Oak Ridge Today

Guest column: New growth could leave some behind

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There is a revitalized excitement in Oak Ridge these days. The news of new restaurants and retail stores coming to town seems to have produced a bounce in our collective step. The infamous Oak Ridge Mall appears to have a new future, and work at the marina will undoubtedly enhance community life. But, in our excitement, let us not forget to consider the ramifications of our decisions.

Take the new Kroger Marketplace set to open sometime in 2014. There is a definite desire for a nicer, larger grocery store in town, and it will bring greater access to areas north of Oak Ridge Turnpike. Additionally, the development will attract other shopping and dining options to the city. [Read more…]

Guest column advocates for sustainable country

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Last fall, I entered into a graduate school program for Infrastructure Planning and Management.

The gist of it is that we have critical infrastructure in our country (energy, water, transportation, cyber security/communications, public health, and food), and every sector is in drastic need of attention before we experience catastrophic failure. (Think Hurricane Katrina.)

It is argued that this is a severe vulnerability to our national security … and I would agree.

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