|
|
Contents
- High-Density or Low-Density -- Which Is It?
- Grading Cities on Sprawl
Editor:
I was examining the first page of your
sprawl feature
in the April Planet when I
noticed a major inconsistency between your picture
[shown below]
of a high-density
housing development and the caption that referred to "low-density"
development. You need to be accurate to be credible, otherwise you will lose
supporters due to press sensationalism and propaganda. I typically look forward
to your literature for information on protecting the environment, but there is
no excuse for misrepresentation.
Todd S. Miller
Ithaca, N.Y.
The photo you refer to -- of a Pacifica, Calif., subdivision -- may show a highdensity
suburb, but it is still far from representing a sustainable model of
development. It is low-density compared to a city; there's not an apartment or a
shopping district in walking distance of these detached, autodependent
single family homes.
Your comment does show that we need to better explain density -- to our members
and the public at large -- before we can make huge strides to combat sprawl.
Editor:
I enjoyed reading the April Planet concerning
urban sprawl.
I wonder if it would
be worth-while to grade cities on their efforts to curb this environmental blight
on the landscape? Grading criteria could include farmland/wildland preservation,
resistance to freeways, promotion of the densification in cities, efficiency and
convenience of public transit, among many others.
I like to think that Vancouver, B.C., where I live, would get a favorable grade.
-- Thomas M. Nichols
Vancouver, B.C. CANADA
We aren't aware of any such efforts to grade cities, but as reported in the
April Planet, in Prince George's County, Md., the Club has been giving report
cards to elected officials for their votes on development-related issues -- with
good results. For information about how to create your own environmental report
card, contact Larry Bohlen at (301) 445-1548 or e-mail:
<larry.bohlen@sierraclub.org>.
http://www.sierraclub.org/planet/199705/letters.asp
Up to Top
|
