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  Sprawl in the Capital Region

Since 1995, OSI has protected more than 4,000 acres of land in New York’s Capital Region during a time of rapid population growth and suburban expansion. To complement its acquisition work, OSI in 2005 conducted an assessment of land use planning regulation and practice in the region, which encompasses Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, and Washington counties.  The county is experiencing desirable economic renewal but also unplanned, haphazard development that has resulted in the loss of open space, water resources, and wildlife habitat. 

Open Space for Tomorrow: A Capital District Sprawl & Open Space Action Strategy surveyed 79 local governments in the four counties and found that half didn’t have comprehensive plans or zoning, and only 13 have planners who handle long-term planning. The study urged continuing state support of county and local planning efforts.

OPEN SPACE FOR TOMORROW: A CAPITAL DISTRICT SPRAWL & OPEN SPACE ACTION STRATEGY Download/View Full Document (24 MB) Please Note: This document is available to download in several parts for visitors with slower internet connections. Executive Summary (1.6 MB) Section 1 (3.3 MB) Section 2 (5.5 MB) Section 3 (3.4 MB) Section 4 (4.2 MB) Section 5 (2.8 MB) Section 6 (1.4 MB) Section 7 (4.5 MB)