Sawmill Estates
Location
West Bradford Township
Tract Size
189 acres
Open Space
114 acres
Number of Units
69 single family dwellings (including 3 existing dwellings)
Year Approved
2005
Design Elements
Lamborn Hunt in London Grove is a successful conservation subdivision on multiple fronts. The development parcel originally included the land that is now Goddard Park, which was created through the land development process and connected to the development through a network of paved trails. Goddard Park has become a community treasure, with a dog park, community gardens, playgrounds, and both natural surface and paved trails.
Well-landscaped cul-de-sac islands beautify the streetscape and reduce impervious surface. Sidewalks are provided on each side of the street where homes are located. Street trees are planted throughout the development, though they are primarily located within front yards rather than within rights of way, which gives the trees less protection as property owners can choose to remove them. Garages are primarily side-loaded, reducing the visual impact of vehicles on the streetscape and making for a more pedestrian-friendly environment.
A portion of existing woodland was maintained on the site that serves as a buffer between the two sides of the development and protects a wetland area; however, the development fragmented the existing woodland, and only relatively narrow swaths of woodland remain, which can encourage invasive species growth and reduce habitat value. While much of the open space is maintained as lawn, the woodland and a sizeable meadow reduce maintenance requirements and provide ecological benefits.
Mowed depressions within large cul-de-sac islands are used for stormwater management. Further naturalizing these basins would provide additional stormwater and ecological benefits.
Sidewalks exist along one side of the street. This may be appropriate on low-volume, low-speed residential roads where additional impervious surface is undesirable.
Prior to development this tract was wooded, and areas of woodland were retained and provide naturalistic screening between groupings of homes.
A nature trail for residents is an amenity provided for residents of the development.