Costs & Impacts of Growth

Capital Costs for Public Facilities and Infrastructure

School Facilities (K-12)

Sewer and Drainage Systems

Roads and Traffic Signals

Water Service Facilities

Fire Department

Open Space/Recreational Facilities

Police Facilities

Public Library Facilities

General Government Infrastructure

Power Generation and Distribution

Waste Disposal Facilities

Environmental Costs and Other Impacts

Decreased Water Quality

Decreased Air Quality

Increased Rates of Resource Consumption (water, energy, etc.)

Lost Open Space and Resource Lands (farms and forests)

Lost Visual and Natural Aesthetic Values

Lost Wildlife Habitat

Increased Noise

Increased Regulation (loss of freedom)

Increased Traffic Congestion (delays and increased commute time)

Higher Cost of Housing

Higher Cost of Land

Higher Cost of Living

Increased Crime

Lost Sense of Community

Costs to Future Generations

Taking into consideration just some of the impacts cited above, a compelling 2001 report by the Cape Cod Commission concluded that municipalities experience the following expense to revenue ratio:

Residential growth: $1.30 spent for every $1.00 raised
Commercial growth: $0.48 spent for every $1.00 raised
Open Space: $0.31 spent for every $1.00 raised

Slowing unnecessary residential growth is the obvious choice to help stabilize our economy. If you are concerned about the negative impacts of growth, click here to contact the Governor

The need has never been greater for people who care about conservation, renewable energy, water, and sustainable policies to support the The Better Not Bigger Alliance. By making a gift today, you can make sure that The Better Not Bigger Alliance has the resources it needs to continue to fight to preserve a high quality of life for all Massachusetts residents. Donate now!