A few years ago I worked with the Haw River Assembly and Gary Philips and others to oppose the development of "Hunters Hollow and "the Preserve" in Northern Chatham County and was asked what kind of subdivision I would support for Chatham and Orange Counties. My answer was that, for me to support a subdivision it would have to meet a few basic criteria.
It would preserve a wildlife corridor through a mixed strategy of common lands and wildlife easements to allow animals and birds to move around and through the homes unimpeded.
It would be laid out is such a way as to minimize impervious surfaces to allow rainwater to soak into the ground and into the aquifer rather than just diverting it into creeks and rivers and down to the sea.
It would allow for meadows and vista's as a natural part of the rural environment while encouraging people to locate their homes in the edge woods around the perimeter of shared meadow or green space.
It would be laid out in such a way that the homes would not be visible from the public road to preserve the rural character for the other residents of the county.
It would have lots that would be affordable in the context of the current development pattern in the area. If the majority of lots that are coming on the market in this area are 10 acre pieces selling for 90 to 120 thousand dollars I would advocate that some attractive lots in the 65 to 75 thousand dollar range would be an asset to the county.
Running Cedar Preservation Forest provides an interconnected web of green space for wildlife through a community-owned wildlife sanctuary at the back of and on both sides of the development. Planned walking trails will connect the wildlife area with Cane Creek along natural corridors to be protected in their natural state.
Finally, by minimizing infrastructure and clustering the 3 to 4 acre lots to share an 11.7 acre protected green space we have created a rural village environment that can be sold at a more affordable price than the prevailing 10 acre lots. The lots are offered at $65,000 to $85,000.
To walk the site, call Michael at 919-304-5397.