To repeat the points made during this presentation; sprawl is uncontrolled, low-density development that spreads at the edges of existing communities. It is dependent on the automobile. It results in urban decline, loss of farmland, social isolation, infrastructure costs, and pollution.

Our population in Western New York is shrinking, yet we continue to develop land farther and farther from our cities and towns. Other parts of the country have made great strides in their efforts to curb sprawl, and we can learn from their examples.

It will take the efforts of many residents and organizations banded together to bring about a change in the way our local governments allow for growth, to convince the people in policy-making positions in local governments that residents want something done about the costs of sprawl. There needs to be some way of planning for the use of land across the entire region. One town, village, or city alone cannot be effective if the town next to it is not also willing to take measures to reach a common goal.

Whether you are urban or suburban; a farmer, an environmentalist, or a developer; the costs of sprawl are borne by all of us in Western New York. It will take the efforts and cooperation of everyone to insure that we have livable communities, a strong region that can compete in the global economy, and a well-planned future.