Global warming and $4 gas are good reasons for us all to start thinking about living greener and using less of the world’s resources. Real estate developers are thinking that way too. Eco villages and sustainable developments are being planned in all parts of the country. They’ll be a welcome change to the standard residential developments that have sprung up recently.
One of the many waterfalls at Sewanee Creek
I just learned about one development, in the beautiful mountains of Tennessee, that’s a little different than most in two ways. First, the Village on Swanee Creek is way ahead of the trend. Developer Grant Miller actually started building his dream of a sustainable community over two years ago. Second, the village’s concept and covenants rely on incentives and encouragements, instead of deeded restrictions, to help inspire green buildings and sustainable lifestyles.
According to Miller, “There are no compulsive covenants for alternative energy or green construction techniques. We have opted instead to actively encourage green development by example, community social norms and cash incentives through our green rebate program. As the first resident, my home has many green features. Our professional affiliates are here to assist all Villagers in achieving sustainability. I believe that the people who will be attracted to the Village will be naturally inclined to implement a higher standard than what is imposed by the covenants”.
Miller set aside more than 500 acres as a wilderness preserve. That’s 500 acres out of just over 750 total. How’s that for setting a good example? Then, he built his own home, cleared a plot for a community vegetable garden, and reclaimed an area that was devestated by clear-cut lumbering. Those 85 acres were groomed into an open meadow to allow an area for wind power generators. The remaining land was carefully subdivided as home parcels of from one to twenty acres that are for sale now. Next up is a community ampitheater nestled into a natural rock formation.
It helps that Sewanee Creek’s land spans an absolutely gorgeous mix of forests, fields and streams. However, other developers, no matter where, might want to take a look at Miller’s development plans and Village Covenants as models. There are some experimental ideas that might just work.
Visit SewaneeCreek.com to see for yourself.