Expanding an Older Development

While it might appear that the huge cost of creating a new development of homes would limit the size of the neighbourhood, many developers are hampered by a lack of land. They buy the largest tracts possible, and then they subdivide them into home lots. On rare occasions, an abutting piece of land can be purchased, and then the developer has the opportunity of expanding an older development. When this occurs, there are many decisions to be made. The new area can be used to create an entirely new community, or it can be an expansion of the existing development.

Planning Roads

Whenever a community is built, one of the most important decisions comes with planning roads through it. Local governments have learned that during disasters, only one road out of a community is often insufficient to handle local traffic. Planning boards have found it is best to require new communities to have more than one exit for residents, so choosing to simply expand an existing development could be the best solution for the developer. The road that already allows entry and exit from the community is generally the only one needed if the builder plans to add a simple extension to an existing area.

Adding Amenities

Many older community developments have fewer amenities than their newer counterparts, and this fact alone can keep property values low. If the builder will be adding amenities they can also enjoy, residents in an existing neighbourhood might be willing to support expansion. They see it as a way to add value to their own properties, and the cost will be passed on to the newest homeowners. Their family will be able to take advantage of any parks, pools and clubhouses that are added without raising their fee for using them. It is one of the best ways to ensure support when the zoning board has a hearing to allow the project to be approved.

Environmental Concerns

Even just a few decades ago, many small towns were more concerned with traffic tie-ups than environmental issues, but that has all changed. Damage to the water table from runoff or too much development has become a major concern, and builders must address it as part of their building plans. Many of them prefer to add nature walks and wildlife areas with ponds, and they use water filtration media that is provided by companies like Minerals Marketing to meet the local regulations for keeping runoff down as well as saving the water table. It adds value to the properties, and it allows them a better chance of receiving a permit to continue.

There are many benefits for builders when they choose expanding an older development rather than proposing a new one, and they are quick to take advantage of them if possible. The new development will have more amenities, but there are breaks for adding it on to an existing neighbourhood. Residents who will gain access to the amenities will support the project, and the builder will be able to create more homes without expanding the existing road system more than necessary.