Now they see growth forming an inverted T, hitting heaviest along Interstate 95 from Northern Virginia to just below Richmond and along Interstate 64 from Charlottesville to the coast. Dr. Julia H. Martin, a University of Virginia population expert, concurred that the four regions will merge eventually if present trends continue. Whether you think that's good or bad, it's probably going to happen. What we are talking about is the transformation of rural land, which was pretty indistinguishable from one place to another anyway, into suburban territory, which is also going to be pretty indistinguishable. I think what they will lose is a lot of that kind of stuff, plus some intangibles - their own self image, for example.
Growth stimulates local economies and helps provide jobs.
Sprawl doesn't have to be synonymous with growth, analysts say. The region still can grow, in population and in its economy, while taming sprawl. Population is not the question. Some growth is good, but the Richmond area may be enjoying too much of a good thing, said VCU's Johnson. It makes sense to grow enough to provide jobs for residents' children and grandchildren and for people who are underemployed.