3 Downsides to Urban Sprawl & How Urban Infill Could Be the Solution
Urban sprawl is the result of poor city planning that creates low-density, auto-dependent development that puts too much space in between homes, work, and grocery stores.
Urban sprawl has many negative impacts on communities as it displaces wildlife, creates higher commute times, increases traffic, and contributes to pollution.
Read to the end to find out the disadvantages of urban sprawl and one solution to this issue.
THE DISADVANTAGES OF URBAN SPRAWL
AIR POLLUTION
Urban sprawl creates more frequent trips to the grocery store and longer commute times. Longer commutes and more frequent travel create air pollution and smog which can contribute to health, respiratory issues and lowered air quality.
WATER POLLUTION & INCREASED CONSUMPTION
Urban sprawl can contribute to water pollution and an increase in water consumption. Water can be polluted as rainwater picks up pollutants from oil spills, gasoline, lawn chemicals, pesticides, paint spills, and construction site erosion, to name a few. Air pollution also contributes to water pollution. Without the presence of wetlands, which act as nature’s filter, an increased likelihood of pollution is seen.
Urban sprawl can also contribute to water distribution issues and create water overconsumption. Things like watering lawns and gardens contribute to water overconsumption.
LOWERED QUALITY OF LIFE
Poor city planning and community design make it harder for residents to stay fit as there is less designated green space. Studies show that communities with sprawling development are less likely to get out and exercise to stay fit. The pollution that we mentioned also contributes to health issues and a lowered quality of life, especially those individuals who are sensitive to low-quality air.
OUR ANSWER TO URBAN SPRAWL
URBAN INFILL & BROWNFIELD DEVELOPMENT
Urban infill can have a positive impact on the environment. You can read about 5 benefits of Urban Infill in our blog here.
THINKING OF DEVELOPING AN URBAN INFILL COMMUNITY?
We Can Help with Urban Infill and Brownfield Development!
To carry out your goal of urban infill and brownfield development, you’ll need the support of the local community and, depending on what stage of development you are in, you may need support from one or more investors.
We can help by designing an investor packet to present to potential investors. Your investor packet will include renderings of your proposed neighborhood and specifically designed house plan options for homes that you’ll be building in your development.
We will design unique home plans that will look great in your development while helping you maintain the character of the urban community that you seek to reinvigorate.
We print our investor packets on 11”X17” presentation paper so you can submit them to your steering committee, interested individuals, stakeholders, and potential investors.
Contact the professionals on our team today and ask how we can help with your plans for urban infill and brownfield development in Oklahoma.