I think everyone would agree with the principals embraced by the James River Association and all concerned citizens over the horrible state of our waterways. I applaud our state for moving the cause forward. My only problem is the approach. It resembles the traditional "cram down" approach. Here is the requirements we want and to achieve the desired results, we need to cram it down your collective throats. People and businesses tend to avoid (or fight against) things being crammed down their throats. Its human nature. While its obvious what the "sticks" are in this proposal, are there any carrots????

My business location has been part of the Richmond City landscape since 1925. We have a flat roof and a small parking lot. I am concerned about our environments health. I am a pharmacist by the way. I am convinced the health consequence from our environment are very real and hidden from our collective awareness. I began looking into installing a water catchment system for our roof runoff to be used to flush our toilets at the pharmacy. Besides costing 5-10K to install, there was absolutely no financial incentive (carrots) for either my taxes or my water bill. I also thought about installing solar panels on my roof to reduce our carbon footprint. The benefit in reduced costs to our electric bill are there for a payback over the next 7-10 years. I am much more interested in pursuing the electric investment than the no payback, water runoff to flush toilet investment.

 In the long term, it will benefit all of us if our government uses its powers to create "serious" carrots. That, and only that, will cause real and pragmatic change in the health of our environment and support from the construction community. We need not only new construction, but also existing homes and businesses to become invested in this effort. If the state will sacrifice short term tax gains by putting substantial incentives in place, these goals for our  collective environmental health will exceed everyones expectations. A more sustainable pattern of growth and water resources will benefit.

Please consider using very large carrots!!!!

Thank You

Yours

Bill Towler - Rph

Grove Avenue Pharmacy - Since 1946

4911 Grove Avenue Richmond, Va  23226