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Boston Metro Plan Calls For Smart, Dense Growth

Posted by: Nate Berg

22 May 2007 - 6:00am

A new report from a metropolitan planning organization in Boston has outlined the severe land shortages that will face the growing area between now and 2030, and proposes a smart growth plan to preserve open space by growing densely.

"The Metropolitan Area Planning Council this month unveiled its 'MetroFuture' plan, which seeks to concentrate growth around urban and town centers and transportation hubs -- so-called smart growth. It also calls for smaller homes and clustered development to preserve green space."

"Without these changes, sprawl threatens the quality of life for most people in the region, according to the report."

"More than 45,000 acres of open space in the region will be lost."

"But far less land, only about 10,000 acres of open space, would disappear from the region if development is properly shaped."

"An estimated 5,000 more housing units would be scattered across what is now open space, rather than concentrated in areas that are already relatively urban."

Full Story: Future shock
Source: The Boston Globe, May 20, 2007
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These practices are also inequitable since they force non-drivers to subsidize parking costs, reduce travel options for non-drivers, and reduce housing affordability.
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