Wrong again. Urban sprawl is not the solution. Urban sprawl costs sooo much in the long run as a small tax base tries to support infrastructure for a huge area (thing roads, schools, fire, police, hospitals, and so on). Density is far more efficient. 
Why are those homes empty? Why aren't they being rented to a family???
Why not build housing that is needed - 4/5 br townhouses and condos? Why is every condo a 1 bdr unit??