|
|
 |
In communities across the
nation, there is a growing concern that current development
patterns -- dominated by what some call "sprawl" -- are no longer
in the long-term interest of our cities, existing suburbs,
small towns, rural communities, or wilderness areas.
Though
supportive of growth, communities are questioning the economic
costs of abandoning infrastructure in the city, only to rebuild
it further out. They are questioning the social costs of the
mismatch between new employment locations in the suburbs and
the available work-force in the city. They are questioning
the wisdom of abandoning "brownfields" in older communities,
eating up the open space and prime agricultural lands at the
suburban fringe, and polluting the air of an entire region
by driving farther to get places.
Spurring the smart growth
movement are demographic shifts, a strong environmental ethic,
increased fiscal concerns, and more nuanced views of growth.
The result is both a new demand and a new opportunity for
smart growth.
Smart growth recognizes
connections between development and quality of life. It leverages
new growth to improve the community. The features that distinguish
smart growth in a community vary from place to place. In general,
smart growth invests time, attention, and resources in restoring
community and vitality to center cities and older suburbs.
New smart growth is more town-centered, is transit and pedestrian
oriented, and has a greater mix of housing, commercial and
retail uses. It also preserves open space and many other environmental
amenities.
But there is no "one-size-fits-all" solution. Successful
communities do tend to have one thing in common--a vision
of where they want to go and of what things they value in
their community--and their plans for development reflect these
values.
Text from executive summary
of Why Smart Growth: A Primer by International City/County
Management Association with Geoff Anderson, 7/98.
The Smart Growth Resource categories below provide direct links to resources about smart growth.
|
 |
