Sprawl Defined

Sprawl v.: to spread or develop irregularly or without restraint.

That is the Merriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, Eleventh Edition definition of sprawl.  To many planners, irregular or unrestrained development that is a bad thing, since it usually requires a costly extension of public infrastructure (e.g. roads, water, sewer), and consumes valuable open space and natural land.  Thus, the term sprawl typically carries negative connotations among planning professionals.  However, since people have their own personal relationships with the places that they live, work and play, sprawling development that affects these places can conjure up different reactions from everyone.

Click below to find out how several Grand Traverse Area residents define and feel about sprawl.

One resident questions why we don't build on vacant downtown sites first.

This resident feels that sprawl has a negative effect on nature.

Sprawl can be good, but often it is bad, explains this resident.

These definitions of sprawl were recorded in Traverse City by interns at the Land Information Access Association during the summer of 2007.