Good news about your hometown new

if i was falling raindrop:

1. land safely (pretty sure that’s a tough one)

2. wished that time slowed down

3. a beautiful ending

"urban sprawl, the spreading of large developments of housing and shopping areas around a city’s center, has many negative cultural and environmental effects. " (from your link)

so, your answer is: it has a negative effect on the environment, otherwise known as c~hope this mate. 

"to cut the cord" means to cease to rely upon someone or to become independent.   i think, perhaps, your question was multiple choice.   if not, i'm not entirely sure what you mean by select two options. hope this at least a little!