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Conservation Subdivision
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a flexible, density-neutral approach to subdivision design so that the dwelling units can be concentrated on a smaller portion of a parcel, allowing most of the land to be left in its natural open space condition Prepared by GREENPLAN inc. Open Space “Across the country, when people were asked where they would prefer to live, work, shop, and recreate, they invariably select communities or neighborhoods that have an abundance of trees, open spaces, and uncluttered pedestrian ways. These preferences translate
into clear economic terms: if a community is to succeed in attracting new residents and businesses, it must be concerned about its
February 2010 appearance, physical character, livability, and ‘feel.’”
President’s Commission on American’s Outdoors
Balanced Finances Studies show that real estate values remain stable in communities with high quality open spaces and trails. In fact, protected open space increases the attractiveness and value of adjacent properties, which in turn increases the tax base. Open space programs are a form of "Smart Growth"
Conservation subdivisions are a viable alternative to conventional subdivisions, which will ultimately produce nothing more than house lots and streets. Communities throughout the Hudson Valley are preserving their special “greenspaces” and natural resources, while allowing for development that has been prescribed by Zoning. This is being carried out through a four step design process that makes livability and natural resource protection a priority. Every time a parcel Conservation Subdivision Design Guide
and the vitality of the community is sustained. A Massachusetts study found that homes located 20 feet from a park sold for $5,947 (2009 dollars) more than a similar home located 2000 feet from the park.
conservation subdivision sell more easily and appreciate faster than conventional “house lotand-street” subdivisions. Furthermore, the conservation subdivision review and approval process can be streamlined because these types of subdivisions meet many communities planning goals, such as preserving open space, rural character, scenic views, and wildlife habitat, and protecting water quality.
Why Cluster Houses? Conservation subdivision, also known as cluster or open space subdivision/development, promotes the wise use of land, creates more efficient street and utility patterns than conventional subdivisions, and preserves the natural and scenic qualities of open land. Conservation subdivision represents one facet of a community’s commitment to “smart growth.”
in that they attract high quality residential and business growth, which are then located in selected areas deemed most appropriate for the common good of the entire community. Cost-of-services like roads, plowing, police and fire protection are controlled. Employment opportunities can grow
Density Neutral Approach
Few human-made substitutes can supply the diverse array of benefits that flow from nature. Ecosystem values have been estimated to be as high as $10,592 per acre per year for wetlands and floodplains. undergoes subdivision, an opportunity for providing a network of open space exists. Conservation subdivision creates a more attractive and pleasing environment than socalled “cookie-cutter” subdivisions. Studies have consistently shown that homes in a
Conservation subdivision rearranges the development on each parcel, as it is being planned, so that more than half of the buildable land is set aside as open space. Without losing density, the same number of homes can be built in a less land-consumptive manner, allowing the balance of the property to be permanently protected and added to an interconnected network of community green spaces. This “density-neutral” approach provides a fair and equitable way to balance conservation and development. The following pages provide a step-by-step approach to designing a conservation subdivision.
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