''It's been a long process, but the concept of 'smart growth' may finally be gaining some traction in the Memphis area,'' observes a Memphis Commercial Appeal editorial, complementing developer Jeff Bronze for his varied-lot and pedestrian-friendly Gardens of Gray's Hollow project, which implements many of the concepts that local planners have advocated for years.

Stressing the importance of various size lots to accommodate different homebuyer needs, the editorial notes that the proposed project includes a 1.2-mile walking path, interconnected streets and sidewalks, lakes, wetlands and ample open space.

The editorial realizes that some developers won't follow the example and will continue to build ''conventional subdivisions with look-alike houses and dead-end streets that wind around like pieces of spaghetti.'' But if consumers see better options, ''they'll buy them,'' and that, the editorial concludes, ''could be the start of something really big.'' -- Commercial Appeal 9/6/2005

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