SMART GROWTH DEVELOPMENT

Smart Growth is an organization concerned with what is known as “urban sprawl” and they are dedicated to stopping this large scale urban sprawl with new developments.  Urban sprawl if happening in almost every city in the United States, and it is extremely harmful to our communities.  Suburban neighborhoods and new development are spreading everywhere across the nation, especially here in Bloomington-Normal.  Homes are being built on what was once agricultural land and creating less and less space in which to grow crops.  These new homes may be desirable, but they cause harm to a community if over built and most often these are not areas of affordable housing.  Businesses are leaving behind the old city structures and building new, with an emphasis on more space in terms of building size and parking.  While this may be great for the consumers and clientele of these businesses to have these new buildings it is harmful to our communities across the United States to keep developing land or urban sprawl.

According to the Smart Growth website the responsibilities of the organization in general, invests time, attention, and resources in restoring community and vitality to center cities and older suburbs.  While many new cities are seeing an increase in population, smart growth works towards using land and areas that were previously used, but are currently in need of improvement.  The new development of cities occurs within the older areas, the new smart growth is more town-centered with the idea of improving existing infrastructures, creating public transportation to better the environment, and being more fiscally possible to cities with a tight budget.

However, Traditional zoning ordinances and building codes can inhibit the ability of communities to design projects and implement plans that further Smart Growth, such as infill housing, mixed uses, and transit oriented development.  These prohibiting causes of implementing smart growth have created some obstacles for the organization, but those involved with smart growth are working with city planners in many cities to help them understand the benefits of the organization to the community.

 Harmful Effects of “Urban Sprawl”

• Environmental Harm- Due to new development in areas previously used for agricultural production or areas of a natural land previously used for any purpose, other than supplying oxygen and cleaner air to everyone in our country
• Economic Harm- Due to leaving old city structures in search of new areas of development
• Less Money for schools due to decrease in property taxes
• Less Affordable Housing

Smart Growth Issues

                        -community quality of life

                            -design

                            -environmental

                            -health

                            -housing

                            -transportation

Opportunities for Smart Growth in Illinois

(A link to an article about Smart Growth development in Illinois)