URBAN SPRAWL

Denton High School

2013-2014

The map to the right shows the urban sprawl of Baltimore, MD

starting in 1792.

= Baltimore, MD

Definition:

• Urban Sprawl:– The rapid

growth of an urban area, increasing development in suburban areas.

Las Vegas, NV

What causes an area to change from low development to urban

sprawl?

Las Vegas - 1956 Las Vegas - 2011

Causes

1. Rapid Population Growth

-Since 1950, more than 90 percent of the U.S. metropolitan population growth has taken place in the suburbs.

-Roughly two out of three people in the nation’s metro areas are suburban dwellers.

- People are moving from rural areas to urban areas.

+ growth in urban

- growth in rural

Causes

2.Cars – Highways and cheap gas allow people to move to the suburbs

Causes3. Unrestricted Growth

– People allowed to build anywhere

Causes

4. The digital revolution -The home-based

workforce has grown 23 percent over the past decade, according to the U.S. Census.

-Makes it easier for people to live further from downtown areas.

Negative Effects of Urban Sprawl

• Stressed Infrastructure– High Traffic– Overuse of

water

Negative Effects of Urban Sprawl

• Spatial Inequality– Affluent areas

near poorer communities

Caracas, Venezuela

Negative Effects of Urban Sprawl

• Food Deserts– urban areas with few, if any, grocery

stores with healthy food options

Video Link: Food Deserts in Chicago

Lakeview:24 Grocery Stores

Urban area to the west: 8 Grocery Stores (much larger area)

Key:

- Red = White

- Blue = Black

- Green = Asian

- Orange = Hispanic

- Gray = Other

- Each dot = 25 people.

Data from 2000 Census.

Chicago, IL

Negative Effects of Urban Sprawl

• Stressed Public Services– Schools– Hospitals– Police

86 mins

98 mins

Negative Effects of Urban Sprawl

• Increased Taxes– Local government must increase taxes to pay

for increased demand on public services.

Negative Effects of Urban Sprawl

• Pollution• Deforestation• Destruction of

animal habitats

Positives of Urban Sprawl

• Increased Demand– Construction– Real Estate– Cable Companies– Energy– Home Improvement

Positives of Urban Sprawl

• Affordability– Able to get “more for your money” in the

suburbs

Solutions?

• How can we overcome the negative effects of urban sprawl?

Solutions

1. Sustainable Communities – cities developed to work with less pollution and reduce effects of urban sprawl.

Sustainable Communities:

• Land for growing crops

• Mass transportation• Green Spaces• Smart Growth

– jobs and schools in the same neighborhoods

Video link: Celebration, Florida

Sample Plan for Sustainable Community

Solutions

2. Urban Renewal – Improving downtown and former Industrial sites.

Solutions

3. Development Boundaries – passing laws that restrict growth.