ORLANDO-When George D. Livingston talks, people listen,especially in Florida development circles and throughout theindustry. He seldom gets on a soap box. But this time he did, in anexclusive interview with GlobeSt.com. on the pitfalls of the 'smartgrowth' concept being embraced in many communities across thecountry.

“When urban planners and environmentalist begin to agree on anyissue, it's time to take notice,” Livingston says. “This year'sinstallment of 'government knows what's best for us' comes in theform of slickly-titled 'smart growth,' a euphemism intended to wardoff the dreaded 'urban sprawl.'”

Translated into practical language, the president of RealvestPartners Inc. says “smart growth means no growth to most radicalsof today's generation of elitists and slow growth for their morepractical, but equally fallacious allies in city and countryplanning departments.”