Smart Growth

Chinitz (1990) examines the fallacy of composition in the context of land policy and growth management. The basic idea of the fallacy is that what is good for the individual is not necessarily good for society as a wholewith the normal application of the fallacy relating to interest rates: high rates might benefit one with savingsbut overall high rates tend to induce recession, which is bad for the whole. The same concept is what Chinitz (1990) uses when looking at land policy and managing growth: his argument, however, is that unmanaged growth manifests itself in two wayseither in using the wrong land, or in using land the wrong way. Based on this analysis, he concludes that local growth management efforts do not contribute to larger national problems; in short, he does not subscribe to the idea that policies that limit development in individual towns or cities can have negative impacts on the overall economic growth of the nation. Chinitz (1990) points out that critics believe that if every town implements strict growth management policies, then the cumulative effect could be a slowdown in economic growth at the national level, as well as higher housing costs and increased income inequality, on top of environmental problems galore.

Chinitz (1990) argues instead that growth management policies may be effective in controlling growth in individual towns, while admitting that the broader economys issues might not be solved by such management. For instance, zoning restrictions and development caps, can limit the amount of new housing and commercial development in individual towns or cities. This can lead to higher housing costs, reduced availability of affordable housing, and limited job opportunities in those areas. Thus, if every town implements such policies, then the cumulative effect could be a slowdown in economic growth at the national level.

On the other hand, in supply-driven market, sprawl tends to naturally occur, as Neuman (1991) points out. Neuman also notes that functional...…bountifully will also reap bountifully (2 Corinthians 9:6).

The idea of smart growth is based on the principles of sustainable development, which seeks to balance economic growth with social and environmental sustainability. Smart growth advocates for compact, walkable, and transit-oriented development, as well as the preservation of open space and the promotion of mixed-use development. These policies are designed to reduce sprawl, promote economic development, and enhance quality of life. Sprawl may or may not be a myth in terms of how it is defined: but reality is reality, and one knows the negatives when one feels them.

In conclusion, while there may be some validity to Chinitz's argument that growth management policies can have negative effects on economic growth, the principles of smart growth and sustainable development are necessary to promote long-term economic, social, and environmental sustainability. As responsible stewards of God's creation, we must work to balance the needs of economic growth with the imperative to care for the earth and its…