I actually get this question quite a bit. Basically there is a population that opposes smart growth, land use planning, neighborhood planning, and this concept has been a rallying cry.
Here is a good look at the controversy: Agenda 21
As always I like to be very clear about where I stand on the issues:
- I support social justice.
- I support smart growth.
- I support green space.
- I support energy / water / resource conservation.
- I support safe walking, biking, and transit routes.
- I support transit oriented development.
- I support walkable communities.
- I support quality construction.
- I support quality affordable housing.
- I oppose sprawl.
- I oppose low quality construction.
- I oppose automobile only development.
- I oppose concentrations of poverty.
I always like to ask a simple question. Which is smarter a mile of infrastructure that serves 5 homes or 50? Which is more likely to raise you taxes?