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outdoor activities. Bike maintenance subdivision guidelines allow, the use of outlets, and wiring through a centrally
stations are an inexpensive amenity that downturn or dark-sky-compliant lighting located “home run box.” This provides
can be included within a development. to minimize glare and nuisance impacts state of the art fiber optics to each
to nearby or adjacent properties is an homebuyer and incentives from EPB to
A house is not automatically a “home” option. the home builders. Another outside-the-
because different factors play into making box amenity is a device charging station at
it a home. Along those same lines, to Local municipalities have ordinances the community pool. Similar to what can
provide more of a neighborhood feel, that need to be met during the be seen in an airport, the device charging
amenities can be included to encourage engineering phase of a development station has ports for every type of portable
getting to know neighbors through and can be pushed as a feature of device a resident might wish to use while
community activities. For example, a the development after construction. at the pool.
playground is a great way to encourage If a development is a planned unit
children to play together and make friends development, then a buffer around the In retirement communities, the
with neighborhood families. A basketball exterior boundary of the development possibilities are abundant for amenities.
court, whether inside the development or may be required. Even a 10-foot planted It is common to see bocce ball courts,
at a nearby community park, can provide buffer will provide privacy for back yards pickleball courts, corn hole courts, or
a safe place to play. Greenspaces can be along exterior adjoining property lines. horseshoe pits in these developments.
set aside, especially natural spaces, to Crystal Bishop is the Program Manager Fully-staffed fitness facilities that offer
provide a space for children to play and for the Hamilton County Water Quality exercise equipment, group fitness classes,
explore. Leaving existing trees or tree Program. She states that efficient design or personal training are becoming
pockets within a development is a great incorporated within a subdivision can common in these communities. There
way to add character and natural space meet multiple municipal ordinances or may be a community director who is in
to the subdivision. Including a school requirements without increasing costs charge of coordinating group activities
bus stop shed to protect children from for developers and can add value as an like art classes, card-playing groups,
the elements and nearby traffic is another amenity. For example, one pocket park in book clubs, or trips to local museums.
option. These are amenities that can a subdivision that includes a bioretention In addition to walking trails and
be marketed to enhance neighborhood area, landscaping, lush grass and a connectivity to local parks, pocket parks
value and can increase property values, bench for relaxation has the potential to with paths/trails set aside for exercise or
thus increasing tax revenue for the local meet the stormwater, greenspace, and relaxation are popular.
municipality. landscaping requirements.
As today’s home buyers continue
Some developers may cater to Improving the technological to evolve their wants and desires for a
those potential buyers who live a infrastructure within a development adds home and neighborhood, subdivisions
greener lifestyle or want to live in a value for the potential homebuyer and must evolve as well. At the same time,
green community. The subdivision should be marketed as an amenity. For municipalities must continue to invest in
could include charging stations for the growing number of people who work their public infrastructure to encourage
electric vehicles, or solar panels to from home, internet speed and capability more development to increase their tax
run the community pool. The design could weigh heavily on the selection of revenue. With these various factors in
could include a water reuse system a home location. In Chattanooga, the mind, the developer and his/her team can
for irrigation. The developers could Electric Power Board (EPB) has a Smart plan a development that highlights the
encourage green energy or solar Build Certification Program for home surrounding area, includes amenities that
share programs through their local builders. The incentive program has meet the desires of their target market,
electric cooperatives. What about the requirements for new construction, such and thrives in the local community for
lighting within a development? If local as CAT-5E Ethernet wiring, dual CAT-5E generations to come.
Electric vehicle charging stations. Playground at a multi-family development.
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