[justanotherc]

But its not the high density that's expensive (the downtown core is actually the profit areas), its the medium density with sprawling suburbs that is what us so expensive to maintain for the very reason that localized infrastructure may work -- space between homes.

[netcan]

I still don't see how rural solutions apply. How is a dirt road a solution?

Honestly, I think it's hard to even discuss this without first understanding how road maintenance (sounds like this is the majority) adds up to $8000 per home.

[justanotherc]

Forget the dirt road. Rural solutions for water/sewage/power work because their viability is not dependent on close geographic proximity. Its apparent that the urban solution being applied to suburban areas is not viable, so why not flip things around the other way?