The concern over suburban sprawl is fueling political sentiment for increased government regulation of land use.
Sprawl is an issue tailor-made for cliche and hyperbole.
Behind these alarmist cliches are the very real phenomena of rapidly rising traffic congestion, crowded public schools, and the changing character of our neighborhoods and countryside that results from growth. Today it is thought to be bad news. Every new proposed housing development means more cars on our crowded roads and fewer open fields and hillsides to look at. Sound thinking is needed Sound thinking about sprawl requires putting development in its proper perspective. This is only about half as much as European nations, all of which have thriving agriculture and ample open space.