What Is Sprawl?
Sprawl is scattered, haphazard development that depletes open space, intensifies congestion, discourages interaction and results in the destruction of a sense of community.
How Is Smart Growth Different From Sprawl?
Smart Growth creates people-oriented, pedestrian-friendly, equitable places blended with environmental concerns. It encourages economic development, and discourages congestion, by promoting density, proximity & variety within centers, and creating a gradient of development between centers.
Ten Principles for Smart Growth
- Mixed land uses
- Take advantage of compact building design
- Create a range of housing opportunities and choices
- Create a walkable neighborhood
- Foster distinctive, attractive communities with a strong sense of place
- Preserve open space, natural beauty, and critical environmental issues
- Strengthen and direct development towards existing communities
- Provide a variety of transportation choices
- Make development decisions predictable, fair, cost-effective
- Encourage community and stakeholder collaboration in development decisions
Articles About Local Smart Growth
The following articles focus on applying Smart Growth principles and concepts locally:
“Sustainable Development: Definition, Goals, & Methodology”
“Creating A Village”
“Public Spaces”
“Applying Smart Growth Principles to Suffolk County Towns and Villages”
“Smart Growth Policy Plan" - Suffolk County Planning Department
More About Smart Growth
Smart Growth is a nationally-recognized model for planning and development. It is the focus of such prestigious organizations and agencies as the National Governors Association, the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the federal EPA. Smart Growth concepts & principles are being used across the nation, from Washington State and Wisconsin to Georgia and Florida to Maryland, New England and right here, in New York.
Here are some links to learning more about Smart Growth:
Smart Growth Online
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Smart Growth
Smart Growth America
The National Center for Smart Growth Research And Education
National Geographic: The New Suburb?
The Ten Keys to Walkable and Livable Communities
Audubon New York - Smart Growth
How Smart Growth Solves Sprawl
