Tapestry Press
Solving Sprawl
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Tapestry Press
Solving Sprawl
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Solving Sprawl, Models of Smart Growth in Communities across America. 2001. F. Kaid Benfield, Jutka Terris & Nancy Vorsanger. Natural Resources Defense Council. 200p. As our human population grows, our need for housing and living space expands. Our sprawl usurps farm land, green spaces, wildlife habitat and water shed recharge zones. Smart growth refers to preserving these assets while strengthening human communities. Smart growth promotes varied high density, but not high-rise, housing interspersed with businesses, restaurants, pocket parks-all served by public transportation. This vibrant mix attracts people and builds community identity and pride. This book profiles 35 examples of five pages each of smart growth. These range from changes within a single building, to a one acre row of houses, to a small city, to an entire county. In Portland, OR a closed hospital was renovated to become a sport shoe headquarters with popular athletic facilities open to the community. In Chattanooga, TN a faded enclosed shopping mall was transformed into a busy town center. It features a mix of attractions, businesses, cafes, etc. that we associate with a 1950's vintage main street. These inspiring examples open readers’ minds to exciting new possibilities. Every mayor in the US would benefit from reading this jewel of a book. Review written June 2002.Back to Book Reviews
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