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Experts Urge State to Pursue Smart Growth

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ-Panelists at PlanSmart New Jersey's conference here say that smart growth will benefit the state socially, economically and environmentally.

By Brianne Harrison | Updated on June 16, 2008

[IMGCAP(1)]NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ-Panelists and speakers at PlanSmart New Jersey’s Smart Growth Economy Project Conference agreed that smart growth is the way of the future and is the best method of producing socially, economically and environmentally healthy communities. New Jersey, with its dense population and strong rail lines, could become a smart growth leader if the state puts its mind to it.

“Communities get scared and think that they have to do it all, look at too many things at once,” said Geoff Anderson, president of Smart Growth America, in his keynote address. “Some won’t do anything, but there will be consequences for those who don’t pay attention to the economy or the environment. Those that do will benefit.”

[IMGCAP(2)]To illustrate his point, Anderson contrasted the smart growth area of Arlington, VA with the growth patterns that have become typical in many areas in recent years. Arlington features high-density development surrounding metro stations, with some low-density development nearby to provide housing choices. Most towns in the US have developed with sprawl patterns—shopping in a separate area off of a major road, with housing cut off from retail. This arrangement forced people into cars, resulting in more pollution, traffic and obesity due to a decline in daily exercise.

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