Smart Growth Turns 10 - Many Happy Returns?
It's been 10 years since Maryland adopted its Smart Growth policy for fighting suburban sprawl. Since then, more than a dozen other states have enacted similar laws to preserve farmland and forests by encouraging more compact development and revitalizing existing communities.
Has it made a difference? Yes and no, says Regina Gray, an analyst with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
In an article you can read here, Gray argues that while "smart growth" has proven popular politically, its supporters have yet to propose credible solutions to problems such as traffic gridlock and a critical shortage of quality affordable housing.
What do you think? Is Smart Growth working in Maryland? Has it helped revitalize Baltimore city? Would sprawl be worse here without it? Or is it, as some argue, contributing to traffic congestion and sky-high housing prices?
One thing's for sure: Maryland's pioneering policy is going to come in for more scrutiny on its 10th birthday. This fall, the National Center for Smart Growth Research and Education at the University of Maryland plans a three-day conference that promises a "critical examination of Maryland's landmark land use program." Read more about it here.
Has it made a difference? Yes and no, says Regina Gray, an analyst with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
In an article you can read here, Gray argues that while "smart growth" has proven popular politically, its supporters have yet to propose credible solutions to problems such as traffic gridlock and a critical shortage of quality affordable housing.
What do you think? Is Smart Growth working in Maryland? Has it helped revitalize Baltimore city? Would sprawl be worse here without it? Or is it, as some argue, contributing to traffic congestion and sky-high housing prices?
One thing's for sure: Maryland's pioneering policy is going to come in for more scrutiny on its 10th birthday. This fall, the National Center for Smart Growth Research and Education at the University of Maryland plans a three-day conference that promises a "critical examination of Maryland's landmark land use program." Read more about it here.
