They're broadening choices for residents to include attractive, compact neighborhoods. They're solidifying their sense of community by creating town centers. They're building developments that include a complementary mix of retail, housing and offices. They're looking at transit options for commuters. The list is long and growing - Maple Grove, Burnsville, Coon Rapids, Chanhassen, West St. Paul and Brooklyn Park, to name a few.
Smart growth enhances neighborhoods, saves local revenue .
It's a quality of life issue. Community residents want neighborhoods with a sense of place, with walkable streets, with conveniences and amenities nearby. It's also an economic and fiscal issue. Smart growth makes more efficient use of land and public infrastructure, saving taxpayers' dollars. The projects emphasize mixed land uses, such as integrated commercial and residential projects, transit and pedestrian connections, civic spaces and a range of housing types - all in a relatively compact configuration.