Houses
Seneca Crossing in Montgomery Co.
(Bill O'Leary/The Washington Post)
Sprawling development is reshaping the face of the Washington area, gobbling open space at a rate equal to 21 football fields a day. Follow the series, Green, More or Less: Washington's Vanishing Open Space, then explore further by reading dozens of previous Post stories on related topics. Take a tour with our development map.

Part 1: Vanishing Space. The disappearance of green space is affecting the region's environment, economy and quality of life.
· Explore further: Suburbanization.

Part 2: One Suburb's Struggle. Loudoun County, the region's fastest growing area, is feeling acute growing pains as developers and preservationsts clash.
· Explore further: Loudoun's planning efforts.

Part 3: Montgomery's Growth Controls. Montgomery County's aggressive approach has preserved more open space than any urban county in the nation.
· Explore further: Local growth controls.

Part 4: Urban Core Fights Decay. D.C.'s urban areas, hurt by the exodus to the suburbs, seek to reinvent themselves.
· Explore further: Inside the Beltway.
· Explore further: How this series was compiled.

Mapping the Future

Development Map. See how development has gobbled up green space with this animated map showing the Washington area in 1980, 1990, and as projected through 2020.

Transportation Maps. Many changes are planned or proposed for the area's transportation network. Use our map to explore transportation projects near you.

Solutions? Everyone has an idea for controlling sprawl. A look at plans, grand and small, for regulating the region's development.

Discussion

Discuss the future. What do you think can -- or should -- be done to channel growth in the region? Register or log in, then join the discussion.


Metro Section | Back to the top

© 1998 The Washington Post Company