And we'll never have enough money to build our way out of congestion. Smart Growth will allow more people to choose the bus, or someday the train, or to walk or bicycle where they want to go. With Smart Growth, even children could walk or bike to schools, friends and activities, freeing parents from their chauffeur shackles. Critics imply that Smart Growth will prevent people from leaving troubled city neighborhoods for the tranquil suburbs. Southern Village in Chapel Hill, Fearrington Village in Chatham County, Carpenter Village in Cary and the proposed Patterson Place in Durham.
Sprawl focuses solely on suburban expansion.
Smart Growth also includes revitalizing urban neighborhoods, like Raleigh's Halifax Court revitalization project. Smart Growth can mean job growth. The knowledge-based companies fueling our economy may shy away from the Triangle if we become just another sprawling, undistinguished place. And if we care about affordable housing, sprawl is a proven failure. That's not homeownership opportunity for the middle class.