What has arisen is the smart growth movement. Plans and programs to halt the urban sprawl that is devouring thousands of square miles of farmland, natural habitats and open spaces each decade must also focus on slowing population growth to be effective. Over the 20-year period studied, the nation's 100 largest cities sprawled out over an additional 14,545 square miles taking up more than 9 million acres of rural land, Beck said. According to 2000 Census Bureau statistics, South Carolina's Hispanic population more than tripled over the past 10 years, while other minority groups also saw population gains. Sam Passmore, director of the land use program at the South Carolina Conservation League, said he disagrees with the notion that population increases are the primary reason for sprawl.
Sprawl is a pattern of development.
The alternative is finding a different way to develop. I reject throwing up barriers on borders. The Greenville News .