A new Smart Growth America report that analyzes urban sprawl in 221 metropolitan areas across the country ranks the Huntington-Ashland metro area as the 45th most compact, connected community. The report, Measuring Sprawl 2014, scores and ranks these metropolitan areas based on their development using a four-factor system created by researchers at the University of Utahs Metropolitan Research Center. The four factors are residential and employment density; neighborhood mix of homes, jobs and services; strength of activity centers and downtowns; and street accessibility. The report also focuses on how development patterns are related to life in those communities, based on factors like economic mobility, life expectancy, household costs, health, safety and transportation options. The report concludes that people who live in compact, connected communities have greater chances of upward economic mobility, spend less on the combined expenses of housing and transportation and live longer, safer and healthier lives.
Posted on: Thu, 03 Apr 2014 13:20:45 +0000
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