How we grow affects many things, including how well our multiple lines of defense strategy works against storms. It also affects housing costs, revitalization of our communities, and the cost of roads and public utilities. Below are three possible options based on different growth patterns. Each has the same number of people and jobs but they are arranged in different places and densities. Review the details of each option and select the one you feel will lead to the best future for the next generation.
A
Keep Building and Developing As We Are: Currently we build mostly single-family
homes, mainly at the edge of metropolitan areas, connected by roadways.
Cons >
Open land developed::
460 square miles
New development on open land:
90%
New development in existing communities:
10%
B
Modify Development Patterns: Build more in-town condos, apartments and townhouses, as well as single-family homes. Balance new public transit with road improvements.
Cons >
Open land developed:
260 square miles
New development on open land:
63%
New development in existing communities:
37%
C
Focus Development on Existing Cities and Towns: Build mainly in-town condos, apartments and townhouses, connected by public transit such as modern buses or commuter trains.
Cons >
Open land developed:
130 square miles
New development on open land:
42%
New development in existing communities:
58%
