When that happens everyone suffers, from the long-time city dweller to the new resident, although the change is less perceived by those who have just recently moved to town. Sprawl and Safety Building so far from fire, police, and ambulance services poses increased risk to residents in their homes, and lengthened commute times increase the risk of automobile accidents. The American Farmland Trust study of three Chicago sprawl sites found that police response times were an average of 6.4 times longer when compared to in-town response times. Involved Austin is leading the way with sprawl-busting measures. Sensitive areas, buffers and open space are situated on the remaining land.
Landowners receive income, property and estate tax relief.
Land trusts may also purchase development rights. This last solution, encouraging local comprehensive plans, such as the one that has been successfully implemented in Austin s Dawson Neighborhood located south of Oltorf, north of Ben White, west of South First, and east of Congress Avenue. Their neighborhood plan was adopted by the Austin City Council this past August and will serve as a guiding document for any development in that neighborhood. How Urban Sprawl is Undermining America s Environment, Economy, and Social Fabric by F. Kaid Benfield. Rebuilding Community in the Age of Sprawl by Richard Moe and Carter Wilkie.