It is clear from examples across the country and now in New York State -- there are ways to control sprawl. The question now is: What can we do here on the Niagara Frontier? There are 25 towns, 16 villages, and three cities in Erie County; and 12 towns, five villages, and three cities in Niagara County -- a total of 64 separate municipalities.

Erie County government has encouraged local municipalities to undertake master plans and to enter into joint planning processes with their neighboring municipalities by offering technical and financial help. Niagara County also offers technical assistance. Some cooperative planning goes on; but generally, cities, towns and villages in Western New York plan independently of each other.