Too High A Density Can Also Promote Sprawl

Densification is often promoted as a solution to sprawl, but too much density too quickly can also backfire.

1 minute read

February 9, 2004, 7:00 AM PST

Martin Laplante offers his perspective from Ottawa, Canada, about how a a Smart Growth agenda that calls for too much density can backfire: "Having agreed to Smart Growth, suburban council members have since been voting to put most of the new density into already high-density older central neighborhoods. This causes more sprawl as young families in compact neighborhoods flee the vicinity of new highrises and escape the higher taxes that result from the upzoning."

Thanks to Chris Steins

FULL STORY: Too High a Density Can Also Promote Sprawl

Monday, February 9, 2004 in Planetizen

Land Use Ontario

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.