geography

1

Dear Mayor Helmann

I would like to bring to your attention the rise in development in our community through urban sprawl and some of the problems it has created Urban sprawl is the spread of housing and other development typified by low-rise buildings , residential communities and commercial centers such as malls and business parks that encompass large areas . It occurs in areas that were historically on the outskirts of major cities , and have gradually been swallowed by the growing metropolis with the advent of rail and road transportation networks . The

phenomenon of urban sprawl is common throughout most major U .S cities , and every where it comes with a blend of problems

In Oak Lawn , the spread of housing and other development including commercial areas is contributing to traffic congestion , rising noise levels and increased pollution . The establishment of highway I-294 has increased the flow of traffic to this once quiet area . In recent years our community has grown leaps and bounds . The rebirth of Oak Lawn 's downtown area has on one hand added to the character of the locale but at the same time congestion has increased and a fresh influx of residents to the area has also laid stress on the local public school and healthcare systems

While many of these developments have helped rejuvenate the community still locals have had to deal with many problems that have sprung up One example is the increase in traffic accidents and the incidence of traffic violations . I humbly...