From Effingham County one morning this week, Michael Maddox wrote in his blog, “After many long months, or more correctly years, I finally have approval from the Effingham County Commission to proceed with my project.”
The project, Green Bridge Farm, is one I have mentioned here before, and it’s been covered in local news.
Initial resistance from the county stemmed from Maddox’s request for a variance to have the community road paved with recycled concrete rather than asphalt. The variance was hard won and took many months to secure as an act of conservation. But it was worth, it, Maddox says: “This will pave the way for the future … for subdivisions [that are environmentally concerned].”
As a resident of a Wilmington Island neighborhood that was, 10 years ago, a big beautiful chunk of woods, I appreciate Maddox’s commitment to respect his property by limiting tree clearance and creating other eco-friendly covenants for home builders. The other new homes are nice, but they are haunted by the trees.
Another highlight of the project is that Maddox’s own organic garden and orchard will anchor the community of nine residential lots. Residents will be encouraged to participate in a community garden maintained by the association, offering a unique opportunity for people to grow their own food.
This is a little green gem worth checking out. Located not far from the rapidly developing areas of Pooler, Bloomingdale and Guyton, it seems a safe haven. Hopefully, it will get noticed and become a good example for communities to come.
Photo courtesy Conlawprof via flickr.com
Interesting piece. I was also wondering if there are any other community gardens in Savannah?
Insider scoop: check out the Connect in the coming weeks for an article on Maddox and Green Bridge!
Summer Teal Simpson wrote a nice article for todays Connect, about my farm. Thanks Summer!
It was my pleasure. Heading out to that farm for any amount of time guarantees peaceful expansion of the mind. You find yourself wondering why you’d want anything more. Thanks for the inspiration, Michael.
Update: I will get my notice to proceed from Effingham County, either this week or the next on the construction of my Eco Village dream, Green Bridge Farm. I have a road crew ready to build my road and dig my pond. I won a variance on the building code that called for asphalt roads. I will use recycled concrete instead. The lots will start selling late January 09 or early Feb. 09. Financially, times are shakey right now but when Obama takes office and the world breathes a collective sigh of relief from the Bush error, things will improve. It has taken me two years to get the project to this point. So much has changed in that two years and the need for this kind of project is even greater now. Check for updates on my website Thanks to everyone who has encouraged and helped me along the way. http://greenbridgefarm-com.doodlekit.com/home
It’s finally done after two years of red tape and a lot of blood sweat and tears. It’s turned out really nice. We will have an open house for Savannians interested in sustainable living and more specifically, local organic food production
Update,
We are having a grand opening celebration at my farm on 11/1/09. We will have catered food, live music, adult libations, games, tours,vendor booths, and much more. Time: from 2:00pm to 5:00pm. Check my website for more info. I’ll ask Betsey if we can develop a sign up sheet or group evite to get a head count. Hope to see you there. Michael
Green Bridge Update:
I have two lots under contract and construction on both sites has begun. Both lots were partially cleared using an earth friendly device called a gyrotrac. One owner will be installing a recycled concrete driveway on his lot this coming weekend. Check out my website for more info. Come out and look around. Seven lots left. thanks. Michael
We have put up a modular sustainably built house called the Ihouse, on the farm and the owner is living in it. It is made by Clayton Homes. Check out my website http://www.greenbridgefarm.com for more pics and info. My farm community is 25 miles from Savannah!