Smart Growth Or Sprawl? Depends...

A 650-home development planned for Majestic Oaks, a 433 acre cow pasture that was rezoned for residential use 15 years ago is environmentally friendly, according to its developer -- but not according to a planner living in the area.

1 minute read

May 15, 2003, 6:00 AM PDT

By Abhijeet Chavan @http://twitter.com/legalaidtech

'Environmentally, this is a very friendly project,' said developer Tom Bronson. That's not the opinion of two residents pushing for smarter growth. 'It's pretty consistent with good old-fashioned sprawl,' said Eugene Kelly, a planner with the Southwest Florida Water Management District. Along with another district employee, Kelly has given presentations explaining the differences between good and bad development patterns. Because it houses more people on less land, high-density development is generally favored by planners, but only if it is near other densely developed or commercial area, Kelly said. The rural surroundings leave inefficient options for serving residents of the proposed subdivision, according to Kelly."

Thanks to Sheryl Stolzenberg

FULL STORY: Rezoning quietly goes before commission

Wednesday, May 14, 2003 in The St. Petersburg Times

Land Use Florida

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.