Urban Sprawl

THE DARK SIDE OF URBANIZATION-URBAN SPRAWL

We still object to the whole concept of waving the urban sprawl rule. We believe it serves a purpose.~ Janet Bowman

This picture illustrates the phenomena urban sprawl. It is a common trend with all growing cities  because as the city expands and the land space is constant urbanization spreads to nearby residential areas. This is seen well in Port-of-Spain as Woodbrook a once residential and slight commercial area is heavily populated with business and companies that simply can not fit in the heart of the city. Additionally Woodbrook has become the entertainment capital of Port-of-Spain as it houses all the popular night clubs and social bars that is located on the avenue. It is also home to many restaurants both local and of foreign nature showing how globalization has infiltrated the area. However Woodbrook entertainment attracts the more affluent in society in contrast to St James a next area suffering from urban sprawl whose entertainment is more bars and pubs and targeted for lower to middle class people.Additionally the restaurants there are mostly local.

Maraval and St Anns are also suffering from urban sprawl the side of Maraval that is closer to Port-of-Spain is becoming flooded with business where as upper parts are mostly residential or mixed residential and commercial. Similarly with St Anns, however  it is mainly residential. With this expansion of the city into ongoing residential areas it increases pollution from construction, increases population congestion , raises prices for land and housing and lastly increases traffic congestion in and out of the city. 

In my opinion I see nothing wrong with urban sprawl it just leads to the further development of residential areas however I believe it should be controlled with the use of laws. For example traffic laws to reduce the level of traffic congestion by enforcing car pooling or walking or bicycle riding or strictly walking zones. Additionally building codes and the amount of businesses should be controlled as well the night time entertainment noise pollution laws should be enforced and upheld. 

Sub-urbanization and sprawl are local issues. Urban development does not threaten the nation's food supply. Cost-of-development studies exaggerate the effects of sub-urbanization on local-government costs. Declining cities suffer from many 'push' factors. Air quality deteriorates as residential densities increase. Open space is increasingly protected through the private sector."-Sam Staley