Chapter 8: Land

Section 8.1: The City

Part 2

When suburban sprawl began to take over the countryside

surrounding Washington D.C., in the 1960’s, a

commission was developed to build a growth plan for the

region.

When suburban sprawl began to take over the countryside

surrounding Washington D.C., in the 1960’s, a

commission was developed to build a growth plan for the

region.

This plan helped county officials successfully

anticipate and develop infrastructure for a

population that grew dramatically over the next

few decades – thus establishing themselves as leaders in land planning.

This plan helped county officials successfully

anticipate and develop infrastructure for a

population that grew dramatically over the next

few decades – thus establishing themselves as leaders in land planning.

Land-use planning involves determining in advance where people will live, where they will

locate their businesses, and where land will be protected for farming, wildlife, recreation, and other uses.

Land-use planning involves determining in advance where people will live, where they will

locate their businesses, and where land will be protected for farming, wildlife, recreation, and other uses.

Other Land Use DeterminationsOther Land Use Determinations

RoadsShopping mallsSewersLandfillsElectric lines

What can be done to help cities that are overwhelmed

due to rapid growth before

development of land-use plans?

What can be done to help cities that are overwhelmed

due to rapid growth before

development of land-use plans?

1. Mass Transportation1. Mass Transportation

Mass transit is an economical, efficient alternative to the automobile.

It is energy-efficient and reduces highway congestion.

It reduces air pollution, and the loss of land to roadways and parking lots.

It reduces suburban sprawl.

Studies have shown that decaying urban areas can be revitalized by adding

mass transit, which reduces traffic congestion

– making a city more livable.

Studies have shown that decaying urban areas can be revitalized by adding

mass transit, which reduces traffic congestion

– making a city more livable.

2. Inner-City Renovation2. Inner-City Renovation

Generally, these have been a combination of government grants, tax incentives, and other assistance to induce private citizens to renovate an area.

These usually work well, because private citizens tend to understand the needs of their community better than a planner who is far removed from the community.

Inner-city Renovation

3. Open Spaces3. Open SpacesCome in many forms: parks, pools, bike/hiking

trails, historical settings, gardens and agricultural areas.

They give people a place to escape the crowd and stress.

They can be used for civic activities.Reduce carbon dioxide and other pollutants,

while adding oxygen to area.Keep city cooler.