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If sprawl is defined as low-density, land-consumptive, centerless, auto-oriented development (often characterized by rigidly-separated housing, stores and office areas), smart growth is the opposite. Smart Growth is not haphazard but instead is planned based on temporal (current and future generations) and spatial (locally and regionally) impacts. In addition, it strives to use our resources, including taxpayer investment, more wisely. |
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The above drawing shows a section of Fremont Township in Lake County. The area lies in the center of the county, directly between the rapidly urbanizing southern and eastern sections and the predominantly agricultural areas to the north and east. At present, the area is almost completely rural, though the village of Libertyville has constructed a park-and-ride facility (A) adjacent to a commuter rail station. A second commuter line (B) runs nearby.
In this drawing, the proposed six-lane extension to Illinois Route 53 has been built (C), bringing a substantial amount of new residential development to the area, and spawning new retail and office centers surrounded by vast parking lots (D). There is very little in the way of public parks or greenspaces, and the rail lines have played only a marginal role in structuring the community’s development patterns.
In the smart growth alternative, the freeway plan is scrapped and the two commuter rail lines become the focal point of the community. Two antique rail stations (E) have been built with a shopping district between them, accessible by foot or bicycle from the surrounding residential neighborhood. Around the community, the farmland and natural areas have been preserved Source: Environmental Law & Policy Center "Visions" report |
