Annie Pope, executive officer of the Home Builders Association of Columbia, writes an interesting article on the Feb. 17 Opinion page. She regrets the rising prices of new homes in the Columbia area. There is no doubt that the price of everything rises - the cost of living, college fees, salaries, health care, etc. But two of the "development exactions" that she mentions do not have to be penalties adding to home buyer costs.

"Dedication of land" and "cash fee in lieu of land" are used by many cities and counties to secure open space as an area is developed. "Open space," or "open area," is defined in Section 67.900 of the Missouri State Statutes, and "Open Space Conservation" is supported in Section 67.870. Such sites if preserved "constitute important physical, healthful, aesthetic or economic assets adding to the value of existing or impending urban and metropolitan development." "Dedication of land" and "cash fee in lieu of land" are just two of many ways that enable a city to provide enough "open space" - active and passive recreation sites - as it grows in size.

These sites might be athletic fields, trails, links between parks, other alternatives or areas left in a natural state. The latter can also be used for storm-water management. The new impervious acres of roofs and parking lots of the development are balanced by a green space of living vegetation. In exchange for a donation of open space, the developer might receive a relaxation of a zoning regulation or building code. This could be, but is not restricted to, an increase in building density, a lot size reduction, a lesser frontage or a conservation easement. Occasionally it is an exchange for land in another area. There should be no financial disadvantage for the developer, and it should be a win-win situation for both sides.

At first in Columbia, many people were hesitant to buy homes abutting the MKT trail. They feared that walkers, joggers and bicyclists would stray into their yards and leave litter. In one case, a neighborhood refused to have a possible extension of the greenbelt adjoin its yards. But it turns out that these homes are some of the most desirable in Columbia, and real estate agents are happy to advertise that a house has access to the trail. Many developers have already caught on to this idea and have allocated open space without the need of regulation. This is most commendable. But now that the city is contemplating a large amount of annexation, open space needs to be preserved while and where it is available.

It is time for our city council to enact an "Open Space Dedication Ordinance." In this way, our growing population will always have places to walk, jog, bicycle and play outside. And our home builders and homeowners will all benefit, including Annie Pope.