For several years now, the city of Adair Village has been carefully considering the issue of growth, and how to meet the growth-related needs of its residents.

As with any issue of significance, a certain amount of misinformation exists. A recent letter to the editor spoke of the closure of Ryals Road, a major road for through-traffic. And there have been rumors that cookie-cutter houses will dot the landscape and that the city will be unable to develop the needed water and sewer infrastructure. In addition to being inaccurate, these rumors spread doubt and distrust and distract from the current question of how to best establish an extended urban growth boundary.

Decisions regarding major roadways, types of homes to be built and infrastructure improvements have yet to be made by the City Council and will only be made after proper public notice and adequate public review. For example, maps of proposed residential and commercial development will be posted by the city for public comment, and design standards will be defined to ensure quality construction of streets, homes, parks and utility systems. The council is firmly committed to an open process.

For this reason, the Adair Village City Council has been taking the issue of growth one step at a time, recognizing the importance of seeing the big picture. Members of the council have met with city residents and surrounding nonresidents alike, in order to answer questions and discuss any concerns. While the council's first responsibility is to the citizens of Adair Village, we have also gleaned good ideas from those opposed to our growth. The next step is the July 29 joint meeting of the county commissioners and the City Council, where a single issue will be considered: housing density.

Although incorporated since 1976, the city primarily has been a bedroom community of Corvallis and Albany. Now the residents of Adair Village are expressing their desire to see the city establish a stronger identity for itself - one that demonstrates more self-sufficiency and vibrancy. In particular, they want to enjoy some of the traditional amenities and services that usually are taken for granted in other cities. While several businesses, including an excellent coffee shop and food market, are operating within the city now, residents look forward to other essentials, such as a restaurant and a post office.

However, for these businesses to succeed a certain population - usually between 2,000 and 3,000 - is required. Adair Village residents understand this and have clearly and repeatedly indicated their support for a level of growth which brings about this necessary increase in population. While residents want to retain the small-town feel, they also want Adair Village to shed its "bedroom community" status, and do not see these goals as mutually exclusive. Door-to-door and mailed surveys, which have reached more than 80 percent of the city's residents, have confirmed this position.

The residents of Adair Village, through their elected officials, have opted to grow their city in order to bring in local commerce and increased opportunities for social interaction, as is appropriate for a small town. This right of self-determination is fundamental to our system of democracy. While there may be those who wish Adair Village to lay dormant, this is not the desire of the majority of people who live here. The will of the minority must be respected but the will of the majority, as applied through local and state-wide planning goals and processes, must be followed.

Adair Village residents anticipate a bright future that includes community-oriented growth. I am honored and proud to be a part of that kind of growth.

Bill Currier is the mayor of Adair Village.