Land Use in Relation to Urban Sprawl

The Problem Population Growth Urban Sprawl Loss of Agricultural Land and Farms

Population Growth

Urban Sprawl…What is it? •Low-density development beyond the urban center •Increasing separation between homes, schools, and places of employment = more driving •Outward rather than internal growth •Conversion of open spaces, productive agricultural land, and parks to developments

Implications of Urban Sprawl •Traffic congestion & longer commutes •Conversion of natural open spaces to urban areas •Degradation of “quality” green space •Increased cost of providing utilities, services, and infrastructure to a sprawling population

Urban Sprawl

Loss of Agricultural Land and Farms

Causes of Sprawl Land regulation promote spread out Higher costs of development in older, traditional centers Increases in our population Agriculture land is suitable for development because it is: Flat, Well-drained and More-affordable to developers Consumer desire for rural lifestyle with large homes and large yards, sense of security and less traffic congestion

Loss of Farmland

Impacts of Sprawl * Fragmented and dispersed communities and a decline in social interaction * Isolation of some populations, such as the poor and elderly * Increased energy consumption *Increase in automobile dependency, fuel consumption, and air pollution

More Impacts of Sprawl Excessive public costs for roads and utility line extensions and service delivery to dispersed development * Isolation of employees from activity centers, homes, daycare and schools Loss of farmland – so key to state’s history and rural economy * Fragmentation of open space and wildlife habitat * Decline in water quality from increased urban runoff, shoreline development and loss of wetlands