Project Description > Habitat for Humanity is now building sustainable homes in four North Carolina counties (Catawba, Chatham, Orange, and Durham). Homes in each of these projects will involve green building technology and design, and at least one of them will go beyond the home itself to incorporate green practices throughout the project site. In January 2007, Habitat for Humanity of Durham invited Greenways Incorporated (GWI) to assist in the conceptual planning of an affordable ‘green’ community approximately 3 miles east of Downtown Durham. Project construction for Durham’s Junction Road site will begin this spring with the first phase of nine homes. Ultimately, this small community will include thirty-one green-built homes, all set within an environment that encourages active living and the protection of natural resources.
The recommendations in this report are limited to what remains attainable at this stage in the development process. For example, the site was subdivided before GWI became involved, including the general location of rights-of-ways, open spaces, and the retention pond. After several meetings between Habitat project leaders and GWI staff, the following strategies were identified in order to establish a green neighborhood:
1. Design a nature trail that will connect residents to greenspace throughout the site.
2. Design a landscape plan for the neighborhood that enhances both quality of life and the quality of the environment.
3. Recommend best practices for innovative stormwater management.
4. Encourage bicycle and pedestrian connectivity to surrounding destinations.
5. Encourage local-resident environmental education and participation.
Our recommendations are guided in part by principles from several different fields, schools of thought and movements related to sustainability; these include, but are not limited to the following:
• The U.S. Green Building Council’s Draft Neighborhood Developments Rating System;
• The Low Impact Development (LID) Approach to Stormwater Management;
• The Principles of Active Living by Design; and,
• The City of Durham N.E.A.T. Program
The principles of Conservation Subdivision Design are highly recommended for future developments, but unfortunately could not be applied to Hope Crossing at this stage in development.
