Wisconsin Homeowners Alliance: Statewide poll brings new perspective to emerging views on sprawl

MADISON – Recent national research pointing out some of the benefits of urban sprawl is echoed in a new statewide survey by the Wisconsin Homeowners Alliance.

 


University of Illinois–Chicago professor Robert Bruegmann’s book, “Sprawl: A Compact History,” has captured headlines with its assertion that sprawl has created important opportunities for families, revitalized some communities and fueled economic growth.


 


Those assertions are echoed in a new study by the Wisconsin Homeowners Alliance which shows that while state residents understand there are some negative aspects to sprawl, they do not believe it is ultimately bad for a community.


 


“The survey shows people clearly see downsides to what they define as ‘sprawl,’ such as increased traffic and a decline in farm land,” said Bill Malkasian, president of the Wisconsin Realtors Association and a spokesman for the Wisconsin Homeowners Alliance. “What’s interesting is that, overall, state residents view sprawl in a positive light.”


 


When asked to define sprawl, 39 percent of Wisconsin residents agreed with the statement that, “Most sprawl is the construction of new housing developments on the farm land surrounding existing communities.” Another 36 percent agreed with the definition that, “Most sprawl is the natural growth of communities expanding into the land that surrounds them.” A smaller number, 16 percent, said “Most sprawl is new commercial and industrial buildings and strip malls on the edges and outer rings of established communities.” (The remaining respondents were not sure how to define sprawl.)


 


After defining sprawl, respondents were asked “Do you think growth like this is good for a community, or is it bad?” Fifty-four percent answered “Good;” 36 percent “Bad;” with 10 percent unsure. The survey, conducted May 2-8, included a randomly selected sample of 600 state residents with a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points.


 


Based on their definitions of sprawl, 69 percent of residents said there has been “a lot” (39%) or “a fair amount” (30%) of sprawl in their communities over the past five years. Yet, residents who view the following changes as important in their communities also believe that:


 



  • The condition of the housing and neighborhoods has changed for the better,
    60 percent;

  • Recreational opportunities have changed for the better, 59 percent;
  • The types of stores and restaurants have changed for the better, 58 percent;
  • The overall quality of life has changed for the better, 57 percent; and
  • The quality of public schools has changed for the better, 53 percent. 

“These numbers show Wisconsin residents recognize the changes occurring in their communities and in many cases, they believe the positive aspects of these changes outweigh the negatives,” Malkasian said. “Individual families often find they can purchase homes in suburban areas with more amenities at lower prices and this contributes to outward growth in communities. Thanks to today’s telecommuting options and business expansion patterns, the economic opportunities also increase.”


 


Over the years, critics have linked sprawl with issues ranging from traffic congestion and poor land use to spreading crime. The Wisconsin Homeowners Alliance survey documents views on some of these issues, and it’s clear state residents are interested in solutions. For example:


 



  • Among the 64 percent of residents who have seen a significant change in the amount of traffic on streets and roads, 54 percent believe the traffic is worse;
  • Sixty-four percent of residents said an increase in crime is an important change in their community; and
  • Among the 61 percent who view a change in the amount of farmland as significant, 37 percent believe the impact is negative (34% viewed the change as being for the better; 28% saw no impact; the rest were unsure).

Sprawl researcher Bruegmann, an architectural historian at the University of Illinois–Chicago, notes in his book that most metropolitan residents today live in neighborhoods that are cleaner, greener and safer than previous generations could envision. Yet Malkasian said the Wisconsin research shows state residents are still eager to address some of the challenges accompanying the changes they’ve seen.


 


“People recognize some of the problems associated with the changes in their communities and understand some issues may need more attention,” Malkasian said. “But overall, two-thirds of Wisconsin residents believe that things are on the right track in their communities. That’s a strong testimony to the ongoing efforts of local elected officials, public schools and ordinary citizens who get involved.”


 


The Wisconsin Homeowners Alliance is a 501(c)(4) tax-exempt foundation that conducts regular surveys of public and homeowner opinion on quality of life issues in Wisconsin and shares the findings of the research with homeowners and with local and state officials and policy makers. For more on the Wisconsin Homeowners Alliance, visit: www.homeownersalliance.org. To view the latest newsletter, see: www.wra.org/wishomesummer06_laserjet; or www.wra.org/wishomesummer06_web.