COMPACTNESS OR SPRAWL: AMERICA'S FUTURE vs. THE PRESENT

摘要: This is the first time in U.S. history that an urban planning problem has featured, if peripherally, as a Presidential campaign issue. Never before have academic planners been so much demand for T.V. news programs, radio talk shows, and newspaper op-ed pieces. Why? Because of raging debate about residential lifestyles. The long-held American dream suburban detached home with garden two-car garage (now often four!) become cardinal sin, not crime: indulging contributing to "sprawl". addiction touted antidote: densification public transit. Its defect widespread distaste medicine. Revealed preferences strongly favor single-family (andsurveys among apartment dwellers show this their too) driving. New Urbanists who live on multi-acre lots transit agency bosses choose Mercedes, Lexus or limousine rather than between bus rail are more anecdotal. But perhaps world changing. In 1998, threequarters 250-plus local ballot initiatives growth management development controls passed. Many developers "converted" promote Smart Growth projects, such infill townhome developments close lines pass "sustainability" test. Billions Federal State dollars continue be poured into (especially rail) perverse result ridership continues fall (primarily diversion resources from rail). Suburban living blamed high school shootings, obesity anddysfunctional families. But, even these diagnoses were correct there change heart, would it make difference?