Q. What does Smart Growth have to do with Climate Change?

A. Every tenet of Smart Growth can have a positive effect on combating global climate change. Creating more compact development, investing in transit choices, preserving open space, and taking advantage of existing infrastructure are just some of the ways that Smart Growth helps to alleviate this problem.  Read more on Smart Growth and the Climate Change Connection in our collection of Guides under Tools You Can Use. 

Q. Is it too late to effectively combat sprawl?

A. It is not too late. We now have a unique opportunity to turn Essex County in a direction that will preserve its special qualities. Public awareness of the problem, which is now at an all-time high, gives us the basis for meaningful action.

Q. Is smart growth anti-development?

A. No. The goal of smart growth is not to suppress all development, but to channel it intelligently. The objective is both the prosperity and the livability of our communities.

Q. What is the difference between sprawl and growth?

A. While growth and sprawl can be synonymous, sprawl connotes unplanned, residential and commercial development that does not take advantage of pre-existing transportation or physical infrastructures that are critical aspects of Smart Growth.

Q. Can Essex County grow economically if we try and prevent sprawl?

A. Yes. Sprawl damages business vitality by deadening downtowns, raising taxes, and destroying the natural attractiveness of Essex County. By reducing sprawl and keeping business centers compact, we encourage positive long-term growth.

Q. Do commercial and industrial parks count as sprawl?

A. Not if they are compact and in or close to the urban or village center. They become sprawl when they move out into the open countryside and require extensive additional highways, waterlines, sewers, etc.

Q. Is sprawl essentially an urban issue?

A. Not at all. If you drive along the country roads and state highways you will find numerous examples of sprawl. Sprawl is a constant threat to our dwindling agricultural land, forests, watersheds, wildlife corridors, open space and way of life.