“Sprawl” is defined by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as “poorly planned, low-density, auto-oriented development that spreads out from the center of communities.” And the anti-sprawl guru, Al Norman, has made it his job to educate communities on how to tackle this problem.

Norman will speak at the State University of New York at Geneseo tonight on ways communities can fight urban sprawl.

Norman is an internationally known opponent of suburban sprawl and the development of big box retailers such as Wal-Mart.

Norman has written two books, “The Case Against Wal-Mart” and “Slam-Dunking Wal-Mart!” He is also the founder of Sprawl-Busters, an online clearinghouse for research on issues relating to megastores.

A former Newsweek journalist, Norman's crusade against sprawl began in October of 1993 when he stopped development of a Wal-Mart in his hometown of Greenfield, Mass.

Since then, he has garnered international attention and has been featured on “NBC Nightly News,” 󈬬 Minutes,” “The News Hour with Jim Lehrer,” “Nightline,” and hundreds of national and local magazines and newspapers. In 2004, The Wall Street Journal called Norman “a one man anti-Wal-Mart cottage industry.”

He is also the editor of the monthly Sprawl-Busters Alert, and has traveled throughout the United States to help dozens of local coalitions.

Norman's visit to Geneseo is timely. A 204,137 square-foot Wal-Mart Supercenter recently opened in the village, and the town is considering a large and controversial new shopping center anchored by a 170,000 square foot Lowe's.

Norman will speak on how local community groups can successfully campaign against undesirable large-scale development. His techniques include: strategic planning, field operations, electoral campaigns, special events and tech support.

He will also discuss environmental and economic issues such as: the impact of traffic on air quality standards, the threat to water quality and acquifers, the mismanagement of stormwater and sewage, the reduction of wildlife habitat, the loss of open space and unique natural areas, the homogenization of rural landscapes, the expense of costly new infrastructure, the deterioration of historic commercial centers and the overdependence on the automobile and superhighways. 

The talk is sponsored by the Contemporary Forum of SUNY Geneseo Activities Commission.

If you go

What: Anti-sprawl lecture by

Al Norman

When: 7 tonight

Where: MacVittie College Union Ballroom, SUNY Geneseo

Cost: Free

For more information: Call Christy Panagakis at (585) 245-5876

For details on Norman: Visit www.sprawl-busters.com