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By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

Since joining the Shelby County Reporter staff in December, it’s been hard not to notice a prevalent trend.

Every week, whether in the Pelham, Alabaster or another municipality, it seems that our staff is covering yet another development in infrastructure or housing. Whether it’s a new 7 Brew or a new dental care facility, every municipality in Shelby County seems to be on a constant upward growth curve.

I am of course excited by these developments. It has been incredible to see a county so committed to not resting on its laurels or being complacent, but rather continuing to develop for the better.

However, I believe that the rapid growth Shelby County is seeing and will continue to see can have negative effects.

My commute to work has remained the same since I started. Living in Jefferson County, it is quite the long drive, filled with tunes or a good podcast episode. I’ll leave my apartment, get on 280 East, go on Chelsea Road and then drive about 12 miles to my desk in Columbiana.

What I have noticed about that drive is the absolute tranquility associated with it once I get into Shelby County. There is little urban sprawl, just trees and the whistling of birds.

As Shelby County continues to expand, I fear these quiet drives will become less and less quiet. While I am all for economic development, I do not believe that Shelby County should compromise its small-town values for just the sake of progress.

The leadership in Shelby County that I have seen so far has done an excellent job so far in maintaining this. Whether through attending Pelham City Council meetings or Shelby County Commission meetings, I’ve noticed that the leadership in this county is deliberate and often makes the right decision.

But, things change. Plans change. One day a vacant lot can be turned into a massive hotel.

I’m not at all saying that Shelby County should neglect moving in an upward direction. But there is a fine line between disrupting what makes this county great and healthily adding to it. As I continue to work for SCR, I can only hope my drives to and from work remain peaceful, while the county continues to grow for the better.