Myths and Facts about Growth . . .

Myth: All growth is good for the community
Fact:  From 1970 to 1998 the county's population has grown by less than 1% but land that has been developed has doubled. 
Fact:  2 million sq. ft. of retail space was built in the last 5 years but 2 million sq. ft. is also presently vacant in Monroe County.
Fact:  Typically a new house receives $1.25 in services for every dollar it pays in taxes while an existing house receives $.50 in services for every dollar paid in taxes.

Myth: Adding and widening roads reduces traffic congestion.
Fact:  Recent research is finding adding roads and widening them actually increases traffic and congestion. Take a look at the traffic problems occurring on Route 441 in Penfield.
Fact:  3000 miles are driven per family per year in the Counrt compared to 10 years ago. These roads cost $200,000 - $400,000 per mile to maintain annually.

Myth:Local taxes have not increased.
Fact:  From 1987 to 1997 Monroe County Special District taxes (water, sewer, refuse, etc.) have increased 48%, locally overall tax burden has increased bt 67%.
Fact:  Monroe County school bussing costs have doubled in 10 years with only an 8% increase in students.
Fact:  The suburban total tax burden has increased 81% from 1987 to 1997.

Myth: Smart growth = anti growth
Fact:  Smart Growth legislation has been introduced in both houses of the New York State legislature. Smart Growth legislation tries to create incentives to have businesses and people use existing infrastructure, not restrict activities.

NOTE:  Facts and statistics gathered from the Genesee/Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council, Citizens Tax League of Rochester and Monroe County, Clerk of the Monroe County Legislature, Mayor William Johnson's Sprawl Web site, Us Census Bureau, Surface Transportation Policy Project, and the State Education Department.