URBAN SPRAWL Denton High School
The map to the right shows the urban sprawl of Baltimore, MD starting in = Baltimore, MD
Definition: Urban Sprawl: –The rapid growth of an urban area, increasing development in suburban areas. Las Vegas, NV
What causes an area to change from low development to urban sprawl? Las Vegas Las Vegas
Causes 1.Rapid Population Growth -Since 1950, more than 90 percent of the U.S. metropolitan population growth has taken place in the suburbs. -Roughly two out of three people in the nation’s metro areas are suburban dwellers. - People are moving from rural areas to urban areas.
+ growth in urban - growth in rural
Causes 2.Cars – Highways and cheap gas allow people to move to the suburbs
Causes 3.Unrestricted Growth – People allowed to build anywhere
Causes 4.The digital revolution -The home-based workforce has grown 23 percent over the past decade, according to the U.S. Census. -Makes it easier for people to live further from downtown areas.
Negative Effects of Urban Sprawl Stressed Infrastructure –High Traffic –Overuse of water
Negative Effects of Urban Sprawl Spatial Inequality –Affluent areas near poorer communities Caracas, Venezuela
Negative Effects of Urban Sprawl Food Deserts –urban areas with few, if any, grocery stores with healthy food options Video Link: Food Deserts in Chicago
Lakeview: 24 Grocery Stores Urban area to the west: 8 Grocery Stores (much larger area) Key: - Red = White - Blue = Black - Green = Asian - Orange = Hispanic - Gray = Other - Each dot = 25 people. Data from 2000 Census.
Negative Effects of Urban Sprawl Stressed Public Services –Schools –Hospitals –Police 86 mins 98 mins
Negative Effects of Urban Sprawl Increased Taxes –Local government must increase taxes to pay for increased demand on public services.
Negative Effects of Urban Sprawl Pollution Deforestation Destruction of animal habitats
Positives of Urban Sprawl Increased Demand –Construction –Real Estate –Cable Companies –Energy –Home Improvement
Positives of Urban Sprawl Affordability –Able to get “more for your money” in the suburbs
Solutions? How can we overcome the negative effects of urban sprawl?
Solutions 1.Sustainable Communities – cities developed to work with less pollution and reduce effects of urban sprawl.
Sustainable Communities: Land for growing crops Mass transportation Green Spaces Smart Growth –jobs and schools in the same neighborhoods Video link: Celebration, Florida
Sample Plan for Sustainable Community
Solutions 2. Urban Renewal – Improving downtown and former Industrial sites.
Solutions 3. Development Boundaries – passing laws that restrict growth.