With a "model" bill aimed at property rights, the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) is attacking urban planning efforts that prevent suburban sprawl. The Property Investment Protection Act requires municipalities to reimburse property owners if a change in zoning laws causes a reduction in property values. This act is designed to undermine smart growth policies. ALEC argues that smart growth policies "limit freedom of choice and raise the cost of living at the local level." We know that big box stores and expansive parking lots don't increase citizens' choices, but rather those of corporations. Sprawl creates traffic congestion, lack of open space, over-concentration of commercial properties, farmland loss, and lack of adequate infrastructure. These consequences are much more expensive to fix than establishing local and regional planning programs that strengthen cities. The Act also fails to acknowledge that suburban sprawl actually reduces private property values, which contradicts their entire claim. Relatively few people profit from sprawling development, while many may see taxes rise and property values fall. ALEC's bill should really be called the "Corporate Investment Protection Act."

Ran 2/9/2004