Now that our collectivist vision has kissed property rights good-bye, we may as well have some fun.

Kimley-Horn, a Raleigh consulting firm, will be teaching elementary school children about smart growth so they may participate in the visioning process for US 441, leading to downtown Cherokee. Smart Growth is an ancient Cherokee tradition, as the training for the children will be funded by the Cherokee Preservation Foundation. The foundation was set up to preserve the local Native American culture and history by betting that the odds favor the house at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino.

Lest I be accused of shredding a story to schizophrenic mulch, I will let the article speak for itself.

The reason to involve children is clear. According to Matt Noonkester, a planner with Kimley-Horn, “’A lot of times as adults we think we know how to plan for the future, but with children — that lens they see it through can show us the answers.’”

“Maintaining the rural landscape and welcoming growth along this corridor is one of the top priorities of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The tribe has a vested interest in this study since an entrance road is being constructed off of U.S. 441 to lead visitors into the tribe’s proposed Sequoyah National Golf Club.”

And lastly, the Jackson County Commissioners have appointed a nine-member committee. “It will be this group of people who will essentially determine if there is a bike lane next to the highway, stop lights every 10 feet or mandatory setbacks and landscaping requirements for new businesses.”