Limited Development – Lessons Learned

• Development can facilitate conservation.  It was the development on a small portion of this property that made it possible to fund the conservation of the remainder of the property.
• Partnerships can be mutually beneficial.  Northampton often works with Habitat for Humanity on projects such as this one.  Habitat for Humanity relieves the city of responsibility for the land; the city provides attractive locations for affordable housing.
• Get people involved.  A potential dispute with a neighbor was relieved by putting the neighbor in charge of some of the development.  Positive experiences with Habitat for Humanity builds up a stronger support network and can open the door to new opportunities.Be proactive!  The city of Northampton approached the landowner because someone recognized the ecological importance of the property.  Though it cost money at first, it has certainly more than paid off by now.