Another Case Against Smart Growth

In a Hartford Courant Op-Ed, the CEO of the Home Builders Association of Connecticut points out some of the flaws of smart growth, including its research and advocacy.

1 minute read

November 20, 2003, 6:00 AM PST

By Connie Chung


"Sprawl doesn't cause these trends - sprawl is the result of them....People make choices every day about where they want to live, work, shop and play. Unfortunately, the misuse of statistics and hyperbolic statements can lead policy-makers to pass land-use laws and regulations that limit the choices people can make. Although it may not fit the agenda of some smart growth proponents, smart growth should be about increasing the choices that all people can make. Many of our land-use laws and regulations need serious fixing but questionable use of data to support predetermined agendas accomplishes nothing, or worse."

Thanks to Connie Chung

Sunday, November 16, 2003 in The Hartford Courant

courses user

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges. Corey D, Transportation Planner

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges.

Corey D, Transportation Planner

Ready to give your planning career a boost?

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

Seattle Legalizes Co-Living

A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.

December 1, 2024 - Smart Cities Dive

Times Square in New York City empty during the Covid-19 pandemic.

NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project

Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.

December 1, 2024 - StreetsBlog NYC

Broken, uneven sidewalk being damaged by large tree roots in Los Angeles, California.

The City of Broken Sidewalks

Can Los Angeles fix 4,000 miles of broken sidewalks before the city hosts the 2028 Olympic Games?

December 5, 2024 - Donald Shoup

Close-up of person on road bike riding on protected bike lane separated by concrete curb from street.

Southeast LA Road Safety Advocates Call for Improved Infrastructure

Streets in southeastern Los Angeles County have a severe lack of protected bike lanes and traffic safety measures, leading to high numbers of fatalities in a community where many residents depend on walking and biking for daily needs.

45 minutes ago - LA Public Press

Close-up of Chevron gas station sign with logo and prices starting at $7.25.

USDOT: Low-Income Households Bear Highest Transportation Cost Burden

Transportation costs are the second-highest household expenditure behind housing for all income levels.

1 hour ago - Smart Cities Dive

Downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota skylinw with stone arched brige in foreground.

Minneapolis Awards Affordable Housing Funds

The city awarded over $17 million to affordable housing construction and rehabilitation projects.

2 hours ago - City of Minneapolis

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.