Conservation Development Approved for Hudson Valley Town: Green Homes Come to Greene County

Topology, LLC

The Town of New Baltimore Planning Board last night unanimously approved plans for Applewood Pond, an innovative residential development that incorporates land preservation, advanced energy efficiency, and environmentally sensitive architecture and landscape design. The project is being developed by environmental planning firm Topology LLC.

To minimize ecological impacts and to preserve the surrounding community's rural character, the developers limited the project to four home sites instead of the more than fifteen that could have been proposed under the Town's existing 2-acre zoning. The four parcels, which range in size from four to eight acres, are not permitted to be further subdivided.

"Our underlying goals were to protect the natural environment, to maintain the rural character of this historic community, and to ensure the development of environmentally sensitive homes that are designed in harmony with the landscape," said Dr. Nevin Cohen, an environmental planner and co-founder of Topology. "The New Baltimore Planning Board's approval last night shows that its members share this important goal."

In addition, covenants and restrictions on the homes include requirements for stringent energy efficiency, the use of certified environmentally preferable building materials, including low-toxicity paints and finishes, and prohibitions on pesticides and fertilizers. Factory-built modular construction techniques will be used to reduce waste and facilitate the recycling of building material. "Hunting and the use of ATVs and snowmobiles will be banned," Dr. Cohen added. "Not only will the land remain beautiful for canoeing in the fall and snow-shoeing in the winter. These restrictions will ensure that it is a safe and peaceful habitat for both birds and people."

The homes will be marketed primarily to individuals seeking thoughtfully-designed, ecologically-friendly, weekend retreats. Prices are expected to range from $285,000 to $350,000 for 1,700 to 2,000 square foot homes. "We are hoping to attract a community of home owners who share a desire to be responsible stewards of our natural resources," noted Daniel Hernandez, a developer and planner who started Topology with Cohen.