In the first class on the first day of the first semester of my first year of college, wisdom itself spoke to me in the guise of a quirky, bald professor. Sociology 101, or so it would seem, typically sets the stall out for many a wannabe political theorist, but on this occasion, I was told that my generation would inherit the earth. Well … maybe not in so many words, but here’s the short version.

As soon as we sat and gathered ourselves, my fellow students and I were told that the baby boomer generation’s inevitable relinquishing of power due to retirement and expiry would be well-timed with our foray into leadership, both political and financial. Though I can’t recall if these words were laced with apprehension or excitement, what I do remember was the comical manner in which he described the inevitable changes that occur within all societies. Large birth rates leading to expansion, expansion leading to shift, shift leading to .. .who knows what.

Take a snapshot of Greenfield, and you may still observe the remnants of 20th century culture and politics. No matter what radio station you turn to, it is likely you will find one of many “classic” songs which have been evoking the same tired spirit since the time before Reagan was president. Def Leppard had their moment in the sun, so what’s left for the rockers of today? Much like the overtures, the streets of our fair municipality echo stale and mundane. Of course, our people are friendly and hard-working, but “fun” and “well-funded” are usually left missing from the list of activities which do not require intoxication.

In the spirit of that lesson of 20 years past, imagine now a completely changed landscape. Forget about how it may come into being, and most certainly don’t consider the local boards and commissions that would stand in the way, but imagine Greenfield as a hub along an extensive passenger rail system akin to those found across the pond. Never mind the height restrictions of construction, “historically preserved buildings,” and red-taped green-spaces and you may begin to see a community that is shaped by the will of those who wield the authority.

Luckily for us, the state of Massachusetts has laid much of the groundwork (in a manner of speaking) for development and construction. Apart from the emergency housing act, what would better the chances of a thriving New England than an influx of migrants with no tender feelings for maple syrup and fall foliage? Whether by chance or design, who would say, but the eyes which behold our timid, forested landscape perchance see what younger, more enterprising locals have observed for years: land fit to build upon.

Standing between 21st century development and the Green Wave is the hard-won policies of the last 50 years. Zoning, planning, conservation are only but three faces of the many-headed Hydra which would prefer western Massachusetts remain how it looked on the brochure. After all, didn’t we slave our whole lives just for a chance to sit upon a piece of green earth? And do we not now have the responsibility to work like the devil to keep anyone from disturbing a single blade? Together with the boogeyman of climate change, one may risk exile or worse if for one moment they even think of considering a way to build a thriving, youthful community in a land of baby boomers in full retire.

Look at our elected officials and mayhap a glimmer of hope will shine through the fog. Tired and dated are their ways, and the forced smiles which worked on the 1950s television screen no longer hold sway over a population desperate for growth. Each year the hold of those picturesque pioneer landscapes loosen their grip, while enterprising engineers begin to murmur in whispered voices that a high-speed rail from Greenfield to Boston might actually be possible. Not to say a tit for tat tree removal and planting scheme can’t bring more environmentally conscious to the table, but what may be standing in the way more than their red tape, is the baby boomer’s endowment of a “my way or the highway” philosophy. To “fight” for one’s rights is hopefully a soon-to-be ghost of our previous century.

Individualism and self-enhancement had their time, but now the ethos of “greater good” and “communal ownership” have waited in line long enough. For those who dream of a 21st century Greenfield, all you have to do is imagine … and wait.

Amhad Esfahani lives in Greenfield.