Not only "able" and "coerced", but also subsidized ...

... utility hook-ups for property developments charged on a per-hook-up basis without consideration of the network cost of sprawl is a cross-subsidy ...

... requiring extensions of utility network capacity for electricity, water, sewerage to be born by the existing rate base while subsidizing green field projects to "attract industry" is a cross-subsidy ...

... indeed, the roll-over of capital gains on development on a dollar basis without any matching acreage requirement encourages developers that have made a big score to look for an opportunity for a greenfield development that is large enough to shelter the capital gains.

That's without even considering cross-subsidies of support services for the auto transport system.

I think the key difference is more historical

GM was convicted for restraint of trade for buying streetcar lines in order to shut them down.

Over a half century of public policy and public subsidies has supported sprawl and suburban/exurban expansion. Roads and highways, federal and state money for new schools, post-WW II VA loans could only be used for new housing and not on existing homes in established neighborhoods, etc.

Suburbia is *NOT* the result of "natural" economic forces, but of a lifetime of public policy support and subsidies.

Best Hopes for Redirected Public Policy Support and Subsidies,

Alan