Final answer:
Urban sprawl refers to the spread of urban development into rural areas and the creation of low-density, car-dependent communities. While there are no direct examples provided for Milton, San Diego's Little Italy District exemplifies a countermeasure to sprawl through New Urbanism and efficient public transit. The sprawling nature of developments like Levittown after WWII and the associated problems underscore the significance of smart urban planning.
Step-by-step explanation:
Urban sprawl is a phenomenon where the growth of a city extends far beyond its original boundaries, often resulting in a spread-out, low-density, car-dependent community. While we don't have a direct example for Milton, we can look at broader examples to understand the concept. In the case of San Diego's Little Italy District, urban redevelopment was stimulated through efficient public transit, which is an approach that counters the negative effects of sprawl by promoting New Urbanism principles.
A classic example of sprawl is depicted in the aerial photo of a new suburban housing area which shows residential developments stretching outward from city cores. These areas often lack diversity and contribute to various urban and environmental challenges. The development of Levittown after World War II also showcases sprawl, where mass-produced housing converted farmland into expansive suburban neighborhoods with a high demand for new homes.
In general, unchecked sprawl can lead to numerous problems including inefficient land use, increased traffic, and loss of community values, as suggested by former U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson. To combat these issues, some advocate for smarter, more concentrated development and the use of in-filling laws. These laws promote development adjacent to existing neighborhoods and help prevent disparate, checkerboard patterns of development that are costly to support with infrastructure.