Chris Churchill of the Times Union writes - “New York’s metropolitan areas aren’t growing as much as they’re spreading.

They’re consuming more and more open land, even without significant population growth. And while there’s new construction at the fringes, many of New York’s central cities are decaying.

New state legislation aims to curb the trend.

The bill, which sailed through the Legislature with little opposition and now awaits Gov. David Paterson’s signature, instructs state agencies to direct spending only to infrastructure projects that are consistent with the principles of so-called smart growth.

The bill also requires agencies to evaluate projects using anti-sprawl criteria — including whether it’s within a municipal center, benefits public transportation networks, and uses existing roads and sewers.”

To read more click here.