Mr. Norquist (pictured), who is now the president of the Congress for New Urbanism and the author of The Wealth of Cities, dispelled the myths that suburban sprawl is a function of the free market and that it is economically efficient.  City and business leaders as well as everyday residents heard the new urbanist message that quality of life is a great economic resource.  And, they learned that it is the taxpayer who foots the bill for poor city planning, particularly in the form of oversized transportation infrastructure that is geared exclusively toward vehicular movement as opposed to the three objectives of road building:  1) to spur economic development; 2) to provide social/ pedestrian access and interaction; and 3) to aid vehicular movement.  Other impediments to in-town redevelopment and growth are local regulations in the form of ordinances that require separate use zoning, undue set backs, excess parking, etc. 

 

For those who were unable to attend the breakfast conference, Mr. Norquist's presentation is running on the city access cable station at 10:00 p.m. and periodically during the day throughout the summer.  You may also watch the entire speech on your computer by CLICKING HERE.