Community Growth: Crisis & Challenge

Produced: 1959

Length: 16 Minutes

It used to seem that land was inexhaustible. The whole vast sweep of the American continent, three million square miles of the richest land on earth, a land of quiet main streets, rolling farm lands, plains, forests and mountains; a land with elbow room, with unlimited space for our towns, our cities, and our people to grow. The challenge of growth and preserving the land is one of creating planned cities, cities that make the most out of space and economics, is a challenge which has plagued America for years. The housing boom of the 1950s led to debate over land use and smart growth as people discussed how to manage one of Americas most precious resources, land. Instead of building, bland, sprawling suburban homes in rows that go on forever, the film suggests adding curves, beauty to what should be planned developments. The film raises some extremely compelling points on suburban developments and city planning.