Smart Growth Solutions

Costs of Sprawl and Growth in New Jersey

To developers, companies, and homebuyers, the direct cost of building a new sprawling development is the amount spent on purchasing the land, securing the necessary approvals, constructing the structure, and servicing it over time.

But for the rest of us - taxpayers and towns - there are other costs associated with sprawl developments that are often overlooked. These costs could be new roads, new schools, sewer line extensions, or many other potential services needed because of the increased demand for services associated with the new development.

The costs of a sprawl development might also extend beyond the town in which it is located - particularly in the form of traffic congestion and environmental damage. And on an even larger scale, sprawl development can reduce the availability of affordable housing, decrease investment in urbanized areas and older suburbs, and exacerbate inequality in our schools.

While many of the costs mentioned above can be the result of any growth -- not just sprawling growth -- some costs are higher with or unique to sprawl development. For anybody interested in the long-term economic health of their town or region, it is very important to understand the costs associated with sprawl development, and what they can do to minimize these costs.

Costs of a Development in One Jurisdiction

Cost of Density

On Infrastructure Provision
On Operations & Maintenance Costs
On Service Provision

Cost of Leapfrog Development
Cost of Consuming Rural and Environmentally-Sensitive Land

On Servicing New Developments
On Nearby Property Values

Costs of Commercial Development

Costs of Multiple Developments to a Jurisdiction

Costs of Developing in Outlying Areas

On the Provision of New Facilities and Services
On the Construction of New Infrastructure

Costs of Lack of Capital Facilities Planning

On the Construction of New Infrastructure
On Debt Service Costs

Costs of Sprawl Development Throughout the State

Sprawl's Impact on Statewide Housing Prices
Mitigating the Costs of Sprawl With Smart Growth