Conventional Development Versus Managed Growth: The Costs of Sprawl

R.W. Burchell and S. Mukherji
Authors registered in the RePEc Author Service: Sujoy Mukerji

American Journal of Public Health, 2003, vol. 93, issue 9, 1534-1540

Abstract: Objectives. We examined the effects of sprawl, or conventional development, versus managed (or "smart") growth on land and infrastructure consumption as well as on real estate development and public service costs in the United States. Methods. Mathematical impact models were used to produce US estimates of differences in resources consumed according to each growth scenario over the period 2000-2025. Results. Sprawl produces a 21% increase in amount of undeveloped land converted to developed land (2.4 million acres) and approximately a 10% increase in local road lane-miles (188300). Furthermore, sprawl causes about 10% more annual public service (fiscal) deficits ($4.2 billion) and 8% higher housing occupancy costs ($13000 per dwelling unit). Conclusions. Managed growth can save significant amounts of human and natural resources with limited effects on traditional development procedures.

Date: 2003
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:2003:93:9:1534-1540_4

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