walkable community

[g-man430]

I don't praise low taxes. I am for raising the gas tax myself.

[OconeeMountains]

I certainly agree with those suggesting that living downtown is a more efficient use of resources. Not only are the amenities close, but the shorter commute means everyone spends less time on the roads and less money on oil.

The problem with 'sprawl' we experience outside our large cities in SC (and is common elsewhere in the nation) comes primarily from folks who seek out generic suburban developments which offer maximum square footage at a minimum price. They may offer good schools and a safe environment for families as well. The problem with this long term trend is that it is a terrible use of resources. It costs every city unreasonable sums of money to run and maintain the sewers, electricity and schools in these areas that are miles and miles from the central facilities (downtown). The net result is that downtown residents (who use relatively less resources) subsidize the costly, inefficient lifestyles of those living in the suburbs. Additionally, suffice it to say that flattening endless acres of previous greenspace for new subdivisions is not an environmentally sustainable option. Bottom line, in the long term this trend is costly, an inefficient use of resources and bad for the environment.

I would like to see more attention in this forum paid to the benefits of urban living. I understand that drawbacks exist, but the blossoming downtowns of cities like Greenville reveal that this option may provide an excellent lifestyle in a great environment. The more stakeholders we have living in our cities, the better they will be.