Back in October of this year the Phoenix Planning Commission approved three projects at 44th Street and Camelback Road. The project included 2 hotels, hundreds of condominiums, and dozens of shops and restaurants.

This project was met by objections from local residents. These residents are concerned about additional height, density and traffic on the corner, and the preservation of a historic bank building.

The argument about the height of the buildings is something I will probably never understand. I grew up in Washington Heights, New York City, where every block had buildings with a minimum of 5 floors. When I was a young boy I used to walk to school and look up with much amazement at the different architectural brilliance. I remember thinking to myself, who in the world created this?

The density and traffic is a legitimate concern by residents, unfortunately this is something you will always get in a major city such as Phoenix, but it doesn’t have to be all bad. Residents should keep in mind that the light rail will help ease traffic, and maybe with the extra income coming in from the businesses, residents in the areas affected can push for more buses running.

I do not think there is anyone who appreciates historic buildings more than me. Washington Heights has its share of historic buildings. Some of the buildings there have stood for over 75 years. There were also buildings there that had just been built, but if it is done right the new will blend just fine with the old.

One appreciates the urban life and all it offers growing up in New York. Phoenix is growing at such a rapid pace that change is inevitable. We as people need to embrace change and take the good with the bad. The bad being the minor inconveniences people will experience until everything falls into place. The good being the appreciation people will see because they live in a major city when they go and sell their home.