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Residents Say Sprawl Is a Problem, But Oppose Smaller Lots, Neighborhood Density Increases  ''We're
going to have sprawl if we don't have higher-density development,''
warned Phoenix-based Valley Forward President Diane Brossard at the
37-year-old business-civic group's membership luncheon, releasing a
WestGroup Research public attitude study, which found that although 85
percent of area residents perceive Maricopa County sprawl as a problem,
including 41 percent who consider it a big problem, 77 percent would
oppose smaller lots, condos, apartments and other density increases in
their neighborhoods, including 52 percent strongly opposed to such
projects. In what seems paradoxical, 39 percent said the county's rapid growth had no impact on their quality of life, while 21 percent rated the impact as positive, and just 40 percent as negative. At the same time, the strongest negative feelings about sprawl and its impact, but also about higher densities, dominated among older residents. Among those who saw sprawl as a big problem, complained about its quality of life impact or opposed density, 42 percent, 47 percent and 80 percent, respectively, were 50 years old or older. In contrast, those under age 30 were the least concerned about sprawl and the quality of life impact, but also about density increases. Only 17 percent of them considered sprawl a big problem, they were least likely to feel any impact on their quality of life, and 30 percent wouldn't mind higher densities. Also, 81 percent of all respondents thought Valley communities have no effective plans to handle more growth, and 67 percent felt themselves unable to influence local planning for the future. ''It's clear we need to do a better job of educating the public about the planning process and how they can get involved,'' said Valley Forward President Diane Brossard in a press release. ''Apparently, most people do not feel empowered to make a difference and we're here to say they most definitely can.'' -– ValleyForward.org, Phoenix Business Journals 5/11/2006 Click here to view the original article |
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