Like many other communities around the US, Athens has
had an ongoing debate about sprawl. Unfortunately,
the debate is often cast as a polarized contest between
the environment and jobs, economic growth versus saving
trees, or affordable housing versus greenspace. This is
a false dichotomy, and Tour de Sprawl 2002 will provide
a forum to highlight how economic growth and environmental
protection are not mutually exclusive. To be concerned
about sprawl is not anti-growth.
The goal of Tour de Sprawl is to educate our neighbors,
elected officials, city planners, and developers about
the negative consequences of sprawl and what we can do
about it. We want to emphasize that taking a serious
approach towards limiting sprawl is not anti-growth. Smarter
growth with fair consideration of housing affordability
and the diverse mobility needs and desires of Athenians
will be highlighted. Protecting neighborhoods and the
environment is sound economic policy for Athens, and providing
quality affordable housing without forcing automobile
dependency makes sound economic sense for working families.
Participants will ride a bike or shuttle
bus through a 16-mile loop around Athens and the surrounding
countryside. At rest stops,
they will hear presentations by a medical professional,
economist, community advocate, developer, and elected
officials on sustainable growth and how to incorporate
the conservation of natural resources into the growth
of our city. At the finish at Daily Grocery Co-op on Prince
Avenue, refreshments and food will be available and two
very special guest speakers will conclude the events.
Daily Grocery is a short walk from downtown Athens and
a courtesy shuttle bus will be available at the end of
the tour to transport people back downtown.
Please join us and make a difference
in how our community grows and develops
