And the double-problem is that given the pictures, they clearly have 5-10 times more streets, sewers, electric poles, to maintain than they would have with a compact city.
That is definitely a huge problem. If the city had money, I wonder if it would be efficient in some areas to try to buy out the remaining residents so that they could essentially "shut off" entire neigborhoods.
> so that they could essentially "shut off" entire neigborhoods.
Just to add to the complications: they'd almost have to–due to either social pressure or environmental pressure–demolish the streets/poles/etc as well, else they still pose a maintenance requirement and an eyesore.
