The business of "growth machines"

Richard Layman noticed the common ground between our comments on HHG's election stakes this week and his own observations on DC's "Growth Machine" dynamic.

The "Growth Machine" explanation of city development is that of competition and cooperation among landed elites. Obviously, we have to expand that view as landowners alone are not the only players who can profit immensely from successful city (re)development. The outcome is the same, however: "Conditions of community life are largely a consequence of the social, economic, and political forces embodied in this growth machine."

In DC, Richard notes, the City Paper has run a piece on mall developer Herb Miller and his techniques, especially for flipping Marion Barry's (picture, top right) opposition to the District's baseball stadium - Miller is developing near the stadium. The paper said:

In March, Miller hosted a splendid soiree at his sprawling Georgetown mansion for Barry’s 70th birthday. The event doubled as a benefit for the Marion S. Barry Scholarship and Education Fund.

Talking about greasing the wheels. As early as 1982,

... other developers whined that Miller’s firm was not only a shrewd and daring outfit but also a company that worked a well-oiled political machine to win key development rights

The point at which HHG - or other local developers - become this slick is the point at which there can be no return to community control of the city environment. As Richard notes about Washington:

And if you don't understand the DC Growth Machine, prepare to be schooled in the coming election. The Growth Machine wants every seat on Council, every one... because nine seats out of thirteen aren't enough!

If only Trenton had a newspaper as frank as the City Paper.