Still Meadows Case Study

Davel Engineering was the second firm in on this project, as at least one other firm failed before them. The parcel was targeted for multi-family housing, but the zoning of the parcel would only permit duplexes, or two- family homes. The features of the parcel included severe terrain, wetlands, wooded wetlands, and an existing pond. The neighbors were vehemently opposed to the multi-family zoning requested and had pressured the local government to reject the request.

Davel Engineering was hired to develop a plan for two-family homes that would have enough density to satisfy the developer's return on investment. Considering the challenges related to the features of the site, it was very difficult to locate buildable sites within the property. After concepts were prepared, they were presented to the local municipality. At the public hearing, the neighbors showed up in full force, this time objecting to any and all development at all. Because of the history of recent proposals (by others) for the property, the neighbors did not trust the land owner, or developers in general. This public attention made the municipal officials very cautious and the process very contentious. Several meetings with the planning commission were required to work out all the concessions necessary to obtain plat approval.

The project has been constructed and the developer has built most of the homes. Local officials have admitted that the neighbor's worst fears have not been realized and the neighborhood and the municipality were very pleased with neighborhood created by this development.