Density and design matter, yes; but the cost increase argument is a fallacy. A simple one-vehicle Fire House instead of a full-blown Fire Hall reduces the cost of fire protection in a suburban community by millions, literally. A small community police station placed strategically in a large subdivision achieves the same goal within an 8 upa community or 16 upa community. More police and fire protection power is needed for higher-density areas just to mitigate the impact risks; this is common sense.
The only three major contributors to the cost of subdivision growth support are transportation, water and sewerage extensions. These costs are either a burden or an investment, depending on who you ask. I consider them investments into the future well-being and wealth of the municipality. With each 3-yr capital budget, the City must decide how much to invest in the infrastructure based on a variety of factors, including its own data and recommendation from geo-demographics department, development and housing industry forecasts and independent economic predictions. Plus there are needs and commitments made under previous agreements.
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