October 24, 2022 Question & Answer Responses for Carter Farm Project

Exactly as extracted, unformatted — for checking against the original. The readable version is easier to read.

Questions posed on the Carter Farm project from a neighborhood meeting
10/24/22 and responses by the Carter Farm development team (in italics).
1Th. e W buhsiante siss ptlhaen fbour sthine efasrsm p ilna onu tfloinre t ihs eas f faorllmow?s I. t T whea fsa rrmeplaonrdt wedill tchonattin au eb tuos bine eoswsn pedla bny tohfe t he
fHaOrAm. Tdhoee HsO nAo wt iyll eleta esex itshte. lWanhd yto i sa tphroafte?s sional farmer. The goal of the plan is to make the farm
viable by reducing the cost as much as possible to the farmer who will work the farm and the
development will provide CSA memberships revenue to the farmer through the HOA. Due to the
extended time period for approvals, we have not been able to commit to a start date for the farm. We
have had a number of discussions with local farmers and Future Harvest, and we believe that once we
have a clear start date for the project that we will be able to identify a local farmer.
Our farm advisory group is led by Michael Sands PhD in agronomy. Michael is a successful farmer nearby
in Virginia and was the farm advisor for the very successful Prairie Crossing Agrihood in Grayslake Ill.
See http://prairiecrossing.com/ Also on the AG advisory committee, Beth McGee Senior Scientist and Ag
policy expert at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and Matt Nielsen, Tidewater Organics LLC.
2. There are varying definitions of the term agrihood. How does the Carter Farm
PAgrroihjeocotd sq vuaaryli ifny s aizse .a Pnl eaagsre isheoe othde? b eWlohwy p duboleicsa tiito ns e“Beumild sinog d Ciofmfemreunnitt itehs awnit ho tFharemrs a”.g rTihhiso od
dporcoujmecetnst ?c ontains a significant amount of information regarding how farms and residential
development work symbiotically with each other.
Carter Farm qualifies as an agrihood since it will occupy nearly 20% of the developable land and in
addition to the community’s natural setting along the water, the farm will be a significant
amenity. Proportionally, based on the number of homesites, the amount of land dedicated to the farm is
in line with other Agrihoods.
We don’t believe that it is different than other agrihood projects. Ed McMahon from ULI who literally
wrote the book on Conservation Communities has reviewed the plans for Carter Farm and has endorsed
them.
See https://americas.uli.org/senior-resident-fellows/ed-mcmahon/
3Th. e C falarmri fisy e txhpee cbteedn teof pitrso doufc be esiignngif iaca mnta anmdoautnotsr yof C frSeAsh m veegmetabbelre sa tnhadt twhiell bteo taa pl airnt doifv tihdeu CaSAl
sshuabres.c rCiobset ris cporosjte.c Wtedh aatt $d6o0e. Pse pr amrotnicthip. a tion buy a resident that is a member?
4Th. e T whaestreew aarteer scearpiaocuitys cqhuaregsetsi ownesre a ebstoimuta ttehde a Ct $a1r4t,e5r9 9F.a premr e “dnu uamt 1b26e rress“i daesn ace ws phluosl eso. mHeo w
wcoemrmee trhciea lp arreoap, ethret yto ttaaxl r nevuemnubt etor sth/et hTeow tan xis baappsreo xdiemtaetremly $in2e,0d0?0 ,000. County Impact fees were
estimate $5.67 per sf for a total of approximately $1.25 MM. Real estate and income taxes generated
were estimated using average household income and a projection of real estate values x the current
rates at a combined total of per below. While these projections are preliminary, they do show the scope

of income to the various governmental entities. Again, we think that the state revenue is significant and
should be pointed out to the state officials in their decisions regarding funding of the WWTP.
Annual Real Estate and Income Tax
Town $ 358,000
County $ 672,000
State $ 712,000
5Th. e I dse tvheelo pTeor wwinll psauyb fsoird ailzl ipnrogp tehrtey pimrporjoevcetm feonrt st,h seo mfier sotf wcohuicph lwei lol bf ey edeadrisca utendt itlo t thhee rTeo wisn ai. e.,
ptwoos ittraiviles, roenve einn tuhee ?b u ffer zone, one multimodal and new public streets.
6. The town will not have a new/expanded wastewater treatment facility for at least
4W eto lo 5o ky feoarwrsa radf ttoe rfu fruthnedr idnisgc uisss isoencsu wriethd t.h He oToww wn riellg aCradrintge rth Fea dremve’lso prmeqenuti’rs etimmeelninte ffoorr
wdeavesltoepwmaentet ra ntdr ethaet mtimeenltin be efo hr athned wleadst ewwiattheirn t rtehaitsm teinmt pelfarnatm upeg?r ades.
7Th. e C traanff itch setu tdrya ifsf aicv asitlaubdley t bhreo urgehle tahsee Tdo winn witesb fsuitlel. v Tehresrieo hna vteo bteheen pdiuscbulsisci?o n Hs woiwth aTorwe nt hcoeu ncil
emxeimstbienrg E rtirc aJoffhincs iosns Jur eresg baerdiningg mtheit iimgpaatectd o?f school drop off and pickup which seems to be the
biggest traffic concern.
The Carter Farm traffic study showed little overlap with the school pickup and drop off.
8No. cHriamse a im cpraimct est iumdyp haacst b seteund cyo mbpeleetne dc.o Nmonpel ehtaes db eaennd re iqfu niroetd, fworh oethne wr rielsli dite nbteia lc doemveplolpemteedn?ts
Ctoa onu rt hkneo rwelesdugltes i nb teh ep praosvt.i d ed to the community?
9No. sHchaoso al ismcphaocto slt iumdyp haacst b seteund cyom bpeleetne dc.o Nmonpel ehtaes db eaenn dre iqfu niroedt, fworh oethne rw reilsli dite nbteia lc doemveplolpemteedn?ts
Ctoa onu rt hkneo rwelesdugltes i nb teh ep praosvt.i d Wede ntoot et hthea ct othme mCouunntiyt yim?p act fees include funding for schools.
1An0 .e x Hteanssi vaen a emnovuinrto onf mdoecunmtaeln itmatipoan chta sdt buedeyn pbreoedunc cedo mforp tlheet eGdro awnthd A ilfl oncoatti,o wn rheeqnui rwemilel nitts b aen d
chaosm bpeelen tseudbm? Cittaend ttoh teh er eTsouwlnt.s Tbheis p craon vbied medad teo a tvhaiela cbolem onm tuhen witeyb?s ite. The stormwater
management plan is extensive in its use of best management practices, and we have received
complementary comments on our storm water plan from the CAC staff and Town consulting
engineers. Wildlife habitat will be preserved and expanded through extensive new native

plantings. Please note that the Corsica River Conservancy has reviewed our plans in detail and have
endorsed the development.
11. As a result of the current financial climate, is the project’s business plan still
Oviuarb bluey?e rCs ofonrs piadrecreil n1bg rtehmea iinm kpeaenclty oinft ethrees tpeda nind tehme diecv, erliospimngen itn. t Oenrcees wt rea htaevse, ain cflelaatreior nid,e aan odf
tohteh aeprp vroavraila pbrloecse,s sd aon tdh seta mrt adartkee, tw set wuidlly b eagnind d fiisncuasnsicoinasl waintha lloycsael sa rneeae bdu itldoe rbse fo rre optheeart peadr?ce ls. .
Mortgage rates are expected to fall late in 2023.
An executive summary of the market study will be available in accordance with the growth allocation
1le2gi.s laCtaionn .t h e community see the full marketability study results?
1Th3e. s Wite hisa atn w exetrreem theley afattcrtaoctrivse u nsaetdur atol s detetitnegr tmhaint we itllh setr oTnogwly nap opfe aCle tno tbrueyverisll ien taesre tshteed bine lsivti ng in
lao ccoantsieornva ftoiorn tchoimsm purnoitjey.c tP?r oximity to the Town center, a high walkability score, the nearby school,
the new YMCA and all the other amenities of Centreville make Carter Farm a great fit. Centreville is an
extremely well-maintained community with the pride and care that the residents take in the appearance
of their properties and is an important asset in our marketing efforts.
The agrihood concept almost always utilizes a professionally managed farm to provide fresh food for the
1de4v.e lWophmye nits rae s5id-eanctrs ea nfad rtmhe pgrreeafteerr acobmlem tuon iaty c aosm wmellu. nity garden?
F1u5ll. p Tlahnes hdaevve ebleoepn eprro cvliadeimd tso tboo thha tvhee Pal apnlnainng f oCorm emveisrsyiotnh ainndg Tbouwtn t choeu necnil tiinr aec pcolardna nisce n woitt h the
rsehgaurlaetdio.n s C foarn b tohthe Ccoonmditmiounanl iAtypp sreovea tl haend f uPUllD p alappnr?o val.
These are very detailed and can be made available on the Town website. .
The benefits are decreased density and traffic, and including an amenity that will provide local jobs, fresh
l1o6ca. l Wfoohda atn ids mthaerk b Ceennterefivti lolef a as Ca ScoAm fmarumnit yv ethrastu ssu pdpeovrtesl foaprmin tgo mtabolree a nlodt lso?c al areas farmers.
C1a7r.t e Irs F saermct wioilnl b 8e ma aprokestseidb ales aonp otiwonne ri-no cpcuhpaiesde r2es?i dWenhtiaatl ceolmsem aurneit yp. oWtee ndoti anol to bpetliieovnes t hfaotr o ther
opphtaiosnes 2fo?r parcel 2 exist other than owner occupied residences. Section 8 is not a possible option.
S1o8ta. CWonhsotr uisc ttiohne S beurviilcdese rIn?c Pwrilol jseercvte d aes vceonlostpruecrtsio hn amvaen aingderi c/ agteender tahl ceoyn tdraocnto’tr yfoert s kitnewoowrk. ,C aannd
ptharec eclo 1mb. m unity meet with the builder and look at the site plan?

Again, we are interested in beginning discussions with local builders for the other parcels as well in the
development pending the approval timeline.
19. There are concerns about construction costs. The average cost for builder grade
materials is $170 a square foot with a structure costing approximately $300K to
build a 1600 to 1800 square-foot home. With an average mortgage rate on top of
that at 7% or more, and having to subsidize a farm, a person could buy much more
fCoarrt ethr Fea srmam ise a/ ulenisqsu.e H soitew, t dheo heosm ae Cs awriltl ebre Fhiagrhmly ehnoemrgye e pffuicriecnhta asned mheaakltehi esre bnys uet iilniz inligg hthte o DfO E
tzehreos een edrygny aremadicy sm?e trics which also require the homes to use 30% less water and provide for healthy
building materials and hvac systems. They will be a great value and will provide a variety of housing
types and price ranges.
20. In the site plan, the architect is shown as a contractor that works as an
iTnhde iAvricdhuiteaclt o isu at voefr yh eisxp heorimenece. dS rheosiudledn ttiahle a rdcehivteeclto wpheor sh abse p urosdiuncge dm eoxcreell ernetp pulatnasb tlhea/tr aoreb ust
aavracihlaibtleec otns tahned C acrotenrt Fraarcmt owresb?s ite.
The Community planner for the development is LaQuatra Bonci, who were the master planners for
Gibson’s Grant, Easton Village and other award-winning communities nationwide.
2To1w. n Thohme et oelwevnahtioonuss wei lel lbeev aavtaiiolanb lhe ains tshtei lflu ntuoret. b Teheeny wpirllo evxihdibeitd t.h Cea snam the eq ucaolimty mof uanrcihtiyte scetuer al
dtheteasile a pndla cnosn?te xtual sensitivity as the single-family plans currently show.
22. There are concerns about the fourth note in the Growth Allocation ordinance
document. This note states that “the [Planning] commission remains concerned
about the viability of sewer capacity in the state and condition of the wastewater
treatment plan itself and wants the council to make sure that they remain enough
allocations to serve the full needs of the PUD.” The EDU allocation must be
approved in whole, rather than by individual phase (one section at time). If all EDUs
are approved (based on a May 19, 2022, project hearing document… slide #23) the
Ftourwthne’rs d cisacpusasciointy is w neilcle bssea rayt w 1it0h2 t%he !T oTwhne r etogawrdnin sgi mavpaillyab clea nEDnUost. a Wpep rreomvaei nm coomrem tithteadn i n1 00%
wofo ritksin lgi mwiitthe tdh ew Taowstne two abtee ar ptarreta otfm theen sto luutnioitns. / Argeasion,u prlceaesse. nCoaten t hyeo ouv aerd $d2r,0e0s0s, 0t0h0is. i?n s ewer tap
fees mentioned above.
Based on our extrapolations from the Wastewater Preliminary Engineering Report cost projections for
additional capacity; these funds could generate approximately another 200 EDUs in wastewater
treatment capacity beyond what currently exists. Last, we note that we have asked that a phased
wastewater allocation for the development be considered, and we remain open to that option.

2Gr3e.e nT shpea cheo fours teh ep dreovpeelorptmy einst u iss beeds ta ssh opwanrt o on ft hae d oepfeinn sepda cger peleann wsphiachc ew faos osutpbmriinttte db uast ath peanrt iotf
itsh ee PxUcDlu rdeequdi rienm oenthtse. r documents. Can this be explained?
24. There is a lot of “this is what we hope to be able to do“ versus actual plans in
mWea nbeyl iedvies cthuasts tihoen dso bcuemtwenetse nsu cbmomittmedu inn aitcyco mrdeamnceb ewritsh a tnhed P tUhDe rdegeuvleatlioopnse arr. e C vaerny ydeotua iplelde aansde
hsheolupld t hbee rceovimewmedu. n ity feel more confident in more solid versus hopeful planning?
2Th5e.r eW arhea nto a srpee ctihfice p slapnesc fiofri ca prelastnasu rfaonrt atht teh irse tsimtaeu. Irta isn atn? aNllootwiendg u tshea. tO mncaen ayp prreosvtaalsu arrae nfutrst hfaeri l,
awlohnagt, iifs a t vhiaeb cleo rnetsitnaugreantecuyr pisl iannte rfeosrt etdh, atht esyp waiclle b/eb vueitltdedin fogr iefx ipte irsie nncoet avnida bthleei ro fvinearn ctiiaml e?
capabilities to ensure success.
26. In one of the project documents there’s an excerpt that says there is “no
lTihme iPtUaDti odonc uomne cnotsm shmower ac itaotl.a”l Wprohpaots,e idf saqnuyar, e l fiomotiatageti foonr sco amrme etrhceia dl oenv tehleo spiteer tsh awt iilsl liensgs tthoa n
cthoant caelldowe efdo br yt hstea tcuotem, wme earrec inaolt f ionotetrpesrtiendt ion fd tehveislo ppirnogj aencyt movoreer t thiamn eth?a t stated in our PUD
documents.
27. The Carter Farm traffic study doesn’t reflect the actual traffic numbers reflected
Wine t dhoe n port efuvlilyo uunsd perrsotajencd tt hthe aqut eisst idoen tia.ei.l,e pdle ianse t phreo vFideeb d 2et0a1il 5o na tphpe rcoitvateiodn g frroomw tthhe 2015 study
aanlldo wcaet wioilnl s. u Wbmhity t hise qthueesrteio na tdoi osucrr etrpaaffnicc eyn?g ineers for response.
28. Some residents have spoken with prospectors/site reviewers from Ryan
Holmes that do not believe the Carter Farm Project buyers will come. Please
aAdgadinr,e wsse cdoo nhcaveer ninste trhesatte dr ebsuiydeersn atnsd h faeevle t hiant ltihgeh utn oiqfu teh niast duryanl abemauicty a onf dth aiss ssituer aen cdo thmem abuonveit-y
mmeenmtiobneerds a tthtraibtu bteus yweilrl sa twtrialclt i ont hfaerc bt ucyoemrs.e .S everal years ago, and right before his untimely death,
the Carter Farm team had the privilege to meet with John Wilson, the developer of Gibson’s Grant. John
was generous in his time and spent several hours with us reviewing the concept plans for the
development. John voiced strong support for the concept and location and pledged to assist in any way
that he could. He understood the value of the conservation community approach. The success of
Gibson’s Grant shows this and again we note that we are using the same master planner as Gibson’s
Grant.

2Th9e. s Wite ipllla tnhse a rpeh vaesrye d1e traeilseidd aenndt ssh kowno thwe ftihnael faacrremag aer oofu thned f athrme.m will be shrinking in size
over time?
The infrastructure does not run through the farm.
30. How will all of this land be tilled while the massive infrastructure will be built?
31. Who is currently responsible for the old Carter farmhouse? It is deteriorating
Tinhse imdeai,n w stirtuhc truerep oisr stosu ondf ,b olnaec-kst omryo alddd. iItsio snos mto ethbeo wdeys tg oofi tnhge mtoa einn bsuuilrdein gu pwkeeree ppo aornlyd b rueilpt aanird
rineq tuhiree dimemmoelitdioina.t Teh feuretu hraes ?b een some water infiltration into the structure which will be repaired. The
landowner has authorized measures to ensure the farmhouse will remain stable. A lease is under
negotiation with a local farmer to allow for organic production and certification of the farm as organic.
32. Many of the project comparisons are for other states that have very different
communities and geographies. Can project developers point to the one community
Wthiallot whsafosr ad nco Amgersi thoo moidn dp. rIto ijse ac gt rtehaatetr i ssc aMleO oSf Tde lviekleop Cmeennttr beuvt iclolen/tatihnes mEaansyt eorf nth Se hthoer sea omfe
fMeaatruyrelas nasd C?a rter Farm see https://willowsfordconservancy.org/ We will try to find other nearby
examples. Please see the LPF document below for some other examples.
3Pa3r.c e Pl 4a risc tehle 4 c o(mcommermciaelr pcoiratlio) ni so fn tohte addevderloepsmseendt iann dth weil lH hOavAe, i tnso orw ins mpaanracgeelm 3eCn t( emnutitlyt,i -they
fwaimll niolyt )b eW ah pya rits o tf hthise? r eHsiodwen taiarle H tOhAe. sPea rpcealr 3cce ilss a t poa brte o af fthfeec HtOedA. b y the HOA?
34. There is no detail provided on the proposed “clubhouse.“ As it is referenced in
the HOA documents/benefits, only 25 houses in parcel 1 are responsible for the
Ycelus,b thhoe uclsueb.h Iosu tshe iins pcaorrcreel 1cbt? i sT toh eb es sohuarrecde boyf tthhei rse sisid “eHntOs iAn tahnaat lpyasrcise;l. r eserve replacement
costs,“ 8/31/22 presentation)
L3iv5e. w Worhky is a wrhee treh eth see ocwonnedr o-sf ttoher yb uuilndiintsg oalfs oth rees ipdaesr cine ilt ,4 t/hciso ism umsuealrlyc iaa pl rsotfreussciotunarle osf friceef eanrrde d
rteos iadse n“cleiv ceo m– bwinoartikon”?. What does this mean?
3Th6e. c Covaenre ydo pua rdkiensgc irs ifboer oinne doef tthaeil t, waon dca arsn rneqoutiaretde fsopr eecaicfhi coaf ltlhye ohnom these. Osintee o pr ltawnos g, otlhf eca rts may
bceo vueserde bdy p thaer kreisnidge antrse ians t?h eA fruetu trhe ebsuet gfiovren g eoalsfy c paerrtsso?n al vehicle access to the homes this may not
be necessary.

B C F
UILDING OMMUNITIES WITH ARMS
Insights from developers, archite cts and farmers on integrating
agriculture and development
Vicky Ranney, Keith Kirley and Michael Sands
THE LIBERTY PRAIRIE FOUNDATION

BUILDING COMMUNITIES WITH FARMS
Part I: Overview
Introduction Vicky Ranney
Co-Developer of Prairie Crossing & Chairman, Liberty Prairie Foundation
Contents
I
nterest in healthy local food has spread across the country, fed by concerns about obesity,
Part I: Introduction food-related diseases like diabetes, and the methods of industrial farming and food produc-
tion. Michelle Obama’s White House garden and prominent writers such as Michael Pol-
Report Objectives 2 lan have put these issues into the national spotlight.
The strong public appeal of local and sustainably grown food has not been lost upon
Mike Sands, Ph.D. 3 residential developers. A group of practitioners from around the country – developers, archi-
“Just hire a farmer” tects and farmers – recently gathered in the historic Byron Colby Barn at Prairie Crossing in
Illinois to talk about their designs for incorporating agriculture into new communities and how
Part II: Case Studies they have worked. They discussed various models and the benefits and challenges of this type
of development, which is sometimes referred to as agricultural urbanism. The two-day session
Vicky Ranney 8 began with a tour of Prairie Crossing, one of the first modern developments in the country
Case Study I: Prairie Crossing planned with a working organic farm, and included five instructive presentations of new com-
munities organized around farming. These examples provide useful ideas for future
Matt & Peg Sheaffer 11
development.
Sandhill Organics
This topic is particularly relevant at a time when global issues like climate change and
the demand for local food coincide. The worst depression since the 1930’s has brought the
Steve Nygren 12
housing industry to its knees, and virtually no new communities are being built, let alone ones
Case Study II: Serenbe
with farms. But developers are wondering what form recovery will take and reviewing how to
re-enter the market. On the assumption that the ground under our economy may be shifting,
David Scheuer &
and that the future of development lies with community designs that take into account climate
Will Raap 14
change, public health concerns and new forms of agriculture, it is appropriate to consider the
Case Study III: South Village
best innovative farm-based communities.
This report summarizes findings from the workshop and reviews practices and issues
Robert Baldwin, Jr. 16
that landowners, developers, design consultants and public officials might find useful as they
Case Study IV: Bundoran Farm
consider building or encouraging communities with farms.
Frank Martin 18
Case Study V: Hidden Springs
Labor Day, September 6, 2010
Part III: Round Table
Report Objectives
Discussions 20
 Explore the potential benefits and challenges of building communities with farms
Allies and Progress 21
 Provide case studies of communities that have successfully included farms in their
designs
References 22
 Encourage landowners, developers, design consultants and public officials to consider
Organizers & development models that include agriculture for future projects
Participants 23
 Establish the Liberty Prairie Foundation as a research and design center for the
communities with farms development model
Contact Information
Vicky Ranney Mike Sands Keith Kirley
Liberty Prairie Foundation Liberty Prairie Foundation University of Notre Dame
Liberty Prairie Foundation vranney@prairiecrossing.com msands@prairiecrossing.com M. Arch candidate
32400 North Harris Road t: 847.548.4062 ex.21 t: 847.548.4062 ex.10 keithkirley@gmail.com
Grayslake, Illinois 60030 f: 847.548.4063 f: 847.548.4063 t: 401.261.1354
Information can also be found online at: www.prairiecrossing.com
The Liberty Prairie Foundation: At the Intersection of Agriculture and Development
2

THE LIBERTY PRAIRIE FOUNDATION
“J
ust hire a farmer.” I wish it were
Potential Benefits and
that easy to create a viable farm
Challenges
within a new or existing communi-
ty. What are some of the practical con-
What are the potential benefits and chal-
siderations in turning the desire for a
lenges in the incorporation of food pro-
farm in a new community to reality? I
duction into a community? It is im-
will draw from our experience at Prairie
portant to evaluate these issues from the
Crossing over the past 15 years.
perspectives of the different stakeholders,
If there is any market for new
as they may well have different interests.
development in the near future, evidence
To succeed, a project will often need to
indicates communities that distinguish
satisfy these disparate interests. Below
themselves with integrated farms are gain-
are examples of potential benefits and
ing momentum in the marketplace.
challenges for stakeholders. Peg Sheaffer of Sandhill Organics at
Continued on next page Prairie Crossing Farm
Benefits and Challenges of Incorporating Agriculture into New Communities
For Developers, Design Consultants & Landowners
Potential Benefits Potential Challenges
Creates identity for project and community Loses land for competing profitable uses such as more houses
Enhances marketing potential for the community Adds complexity to design, financing, permitting, management
Creates civic space for community interaction Requires nontraditional development team capacity
Enhances potential for entitlements Requires a suitable farm entrepreneur
Provides fresh and healthy food locally May increase commercial traffic through community
Provides opportunity for education programs
For Farmers
Potential Benefits Potential Challenges
Creates affordable access to farmland and favorable lease terms Involves close proximity of nonfarm neighbors
Provides high-value customer base at farm gate Increases potential neighbor complaints of farm nuisances
Makes farmers members of a community May increase distance to farm colleagues
Gives access to urban or suburban amenities Reduces privacy
Developer may subsidize infrastructure
For Public Officials
Potential Benefits Potential Challenges
Adds jobs and commercial activity Doesn’t fit conventional zoning regulations
Adds taxable economic activity on open space Adds complexity to permitting
Protects open land without use of public funds Invites potential future complaints of farm nuisances
Requires relatively few municipal services May require health department inspections
Provides an alternative development model
Enhances status and property values outside the development
Provides local source of healthy food (food security)
3
scinagrO
llihdnaS
yb
otohP
Just Hire a Farmer
“ ”: Putting Intent into Practice
Michael Sands, Ph.D.
Environmental Team Leader at Prairie Crossing & Executive Director, Liberty Prairie Foundation
How can communities with farms help planners and communities preserve farmland?

BUILDING COMMUNITIES WITH FARMS
Mixed-use planning enhances local economies, provides amenities to residents, and promotes
business development in new communities. A local farm may add businesses associated with
distribution, value-added products, catering and commercial rental kitchens.
Defining Clear Goals & Objectives
A number of objectives must be considered when incorporat-
ing food production into a new community. Understanding
these options and making a clear decision about which objec-
tives are a priority for each project will make the subsequent
design and planning more efficient. There are several common
reasons why project teams become interested in incorporating
food production components:
Marketing the project. For the developer, the opportunity to
distinguish the project and enhance the marketing efforts is
often critical. This requires that the food production compo-
nent be developed early in the project. Additionally, the farm
should be reasonably prominent and visually appealing. The
farm staff should be able to communicate with potential home-
buyers, as the developer will want to hold events at the farm to Community members at the South Village farm
attract potential buyers and the press. The developer may be participate in the fall harvest
willing to invest resources from the marketing budget to sup-
Opportunity for residents to buy local food. Traditional
port the early success of the farm. The corollary is that the
neighborhood developments appropriately mix uses to provide
developer may not have a long-term commitment to the farm
walking access to the necessities of daily life. Integrating busi-
after home sales are complete.
ness and office space provides jobs and local shopping.
Providing fresh, local, high-quality produce would strengthen
Opportunity for residents to grow food. Providing residents
this model by locating sources of food near the community.
an enhanced opportunity to grow a portion of their own food
provides a valuable amenity to a new community, particularly
Production for local restaurants. Some chefs such as Dan
one trying to develop along New Urbanism standards of small
Barber of Blue Hill Restaurant in Pocantico Hills, New York,
lots and higher densities. A series of distributed community
are going beyond a general commitment to local sourcing and
gardens near the residences will probably accomplish this ob-
establishing either a shared or exclusive ownership in a farm.
jective best. To be effective, the gardens will need some infra-
This may range from a larger farm able to provide meat prod-
structure; at a minimum, water, a composting system, trash col-
ucts to smaller diverse vegetable production plots. The oppor-
lection, and occasional access for trucks and tractors. Each
tunity to locate a restaurant next to a farm gives a direct visual
location should contain enough plots (20-25) to create a sense
connection to its source of food, and can be a very powerful
of the “garden community.”
marketing opportunity. Imagine each dinner reservation start-
ing in the garden with diners picking fresh produce for their
meals. Such a restaurant is a distinctive amenity with the ability
What is Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)?
to attract potential homebuyers.
Over the past 25 years, Community Supported Agriculture
Additional independent community businesses. Mixed-use
has become a popular way for consumers to buy seasonal
planning enhances local economies, provides amenities to resi-
food directly from a farmer, thereby supporting their local
dents, and promotes business development in new communi-
farms. The consumer purchases a share or membership in
ties. A local farm may add businesses associated with distribu-
the farm and in return receives a weekly box of freshly
tion, value-added products, catering and commercial rental
harvested produce throughout the growing season. Be- kitchens. These cost the developer little more than the poten-
sides vegetables, other farm products such as fruits, herbs, tial opportunity cost of the land for houses and may provide
eggs, meat, cheese and flowers may be included. rental income.
The Liberty Prairie Foundation: At the Intersection of Agriculture and Development
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THE LIBERTY PRAIRIE FOUNDATION
Perhaps one of the most important questions to be addressed is the long-term ownership and
control of the farmland. Options might include the development company or a local proxy, the
homeowner association, a non-profit organization, or a farmer.
Views for the community. Farmland can provide aesthetical-
ly pleasing pastoral views for community members. If this is
the primary objective, the developer might want to consider the
visual impacts of the following different farming systems:
Commodity crops (e.g., corn, soybeans, wheat, rice) provide
large vistas of soothing monoculture, but often require seasonal
herbicide and pesticide spraying from industrial-sized equip-
ment or nighttime harvesting from lighted combines. Vegeta-
ble systems are more diverse and labor-intensive, with much
more activity. They have greater requirements for buildings
and field storage of equipment. Orchards provide attractive,
symmetrical three-dimensional vistas, but usually require spray-
ing significant amounts of pesticides. Grazing animals in well-
maintained pastures can provide extremely attractive views.
Prairie Crossing’s residents paid lot premiums for views of the
horse pastures.
Farm-based educational programs. Educational programs
for the public and community members are another amenity
that will enhance marketing efforts. However, an attractive
experience requires attention to high-quality programming and
staffing. The long-term business plan and appropriate institu-
tional arrangements need to be addressed early, as educational
programs will probably not be supported wholly from home- Eric Carlberg of the Prairie Crossing Learning Farm helps
owner association dues. A percentage of the sale price of each students in the summer youth farming program.
home can be directed to a non-profit that helps support educa-
tional programs. munity gardens. These have significantly different associated
project costs and income streams.
Connection to regional food initiatives. If the farm plays a
role in a larger local food movement, it will provide a broader Front & center versus back-forty. Typically the farm is on
brand for the community beyond the typical real estate devel- the edge or the “back-forty” of a new community. At Prairie
opment. These efforts will also require an institutional home Crossing, the farm is along the western border, and serves as a
that outlasts developer buildout. buffer for a potential new road and an existing landfill. How-
ever, because of this location, its connection to the daily pedes-
Design and Capital Implications trian traffic of Prairie Crossing is limited. Alternatively, South
Village’s farm is right at the entrance to the community. An-
other consideration is that not all of the farm activities lend
The design and development team will want to address a num-
themselves to daily public exposure. Where does the compost
ber of design and capital implications when setting specific
production pad or the pig paddock go?
objectives for their project’s farm or food production efforts.
Connectivity to retail (restaurant & food store) and civic
Scale. How big can the effort be? How much land is available
spaces. In most projects, the farm and retail are developed as
for the initiative and what buyers do you hope to attract? De-
separate areas. However, there may be opportunities to inte-
veloping a 100-acre certified organic vegetable farm (Prairie
grate these operations and gain a synergy that enhances the via-
Crossing Farm) says something very different than a 100-acre
bility of both. Imagine the farm having a physical and visual
equestrian operation. Likewise, 4 acres of greenhouse or hoop-
connection to a restaurant at one end of a community’s retail
house production is a different initiative than 4 acres of com-
street.
No t all of the farm activities lend themselves to daily public exposure. Where does the compost
production pad or the pig paddock go?
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BUILDING COMMUNITIES WITH FARMS
At Prairie Crossing, we started the project by hiring a couple as farm managers. They did a
great job developing a successful working farm and hosting a large number of events that were
critical in marketing the Prairie Crossing community and house sales.
Land and soil suitability. In the same way that certain por- ment). A long-term lease for the farmer will help stimulate in-
tions of a site are more appropriate for certain types of devel- vestments in soil quality and farm infrastructure. The condi-
opment, not all soil and land conditions are conducive to a suc- tions of the lease should provide sufficient independence for
cessful farm operation. What is the quality of the land for the farmer to make on-the-ground management decisions, and
farming? What are the soil types, topography and pH? What is adapt to changing market conditions and emerging technolo-
the drainage like? Different crops or production systems can gies.
utilize different land conditions. Some non-ideal conditions
can be addressed with restoration technologies, others cannot.
Financing Capital Development
Access. How is the farm or garden site accessed? Most farms
Most farm projects will require initial capital investments.
will need to enable large trucks to get in and out of the farm.
Depending on the existing facilities, there may well be
Some deliveries may be very frequent during specified periods
$250,000 to $300,000 in initial investments required. These
of time (e.g. fall deliveries of municipal leaves for composting).
may include wells and irrigation, buildings, greenhouses, wash
Accessibility within the farm is also an important issue, particu-
stations, coolers, tractors and other equipment. Much of this
larly during inclement weather.
investment may be needed in the first year or two.
While this is a significant investment for a beginning
farmer, it should be feasible for the developer with the creative
At Prairie Crossing, we realized the potential
allocation of a project’s marketing funds. At Prairie Crossing,
of the farm early; feature articles about the we realized the potential of the farm early; feature articles about
the new local food farm helped to drive sales more effectively
new local food farm helped to drive sales
than ads in the real estate section of the Chicago Tribune. We
more effectively than ads in the real estate were eventually able to recoup a portion of this investment by
section of the Chicago Tribune. selling the equipment to the farm operation as the business
reached a level of profitability.
Long-Term Financial Viability
Land ownership and control. Perhaps one of the most im-
portant questions to be addressed is the long-term ownership
What does the long-term business model for a farm in a new
and control of the farmland. Options might include the devel-
community look like? There are two major paths to choose
opment company or a local proxy, the homeowner association,
from: to maintain close control by hiring a farmer as an em-
a non-profit organization, or a farmer. Whatever the owner-
ployee, or to reduce control and facilitate the success of an in-
ship, it is important to ensure sufficient protection against inap-
dependent farm entrepreneur.
propriate future development (e.g. through a conservation ease-
Michael Sands, Ph.D.
With over 30 years of experience in sustainable agriculture, environmental conserva-
tion and community-based economic development, Mike has worked on a broad
range of innovative projects. As Environmental Team Leader at Prairie Crossing,
Mike provided leadership in the design and management of natural resources and
farm lands. He coordinated the project’s ecological programs for residents and the
general public. Mike also serves as the Executive Director of the Liberty Prairie
Foundation. This small, private operating foundation is dedicated to providing local
and regional leadership for natural resource and land management, and conservation
in northern Illinois. Current programs are focused on the integration of economically
thriving, ecologically sensitive farms and the expansion of the Farm Business Devel-
opment Center at Prairie Crossing Farm.
The Liberty Prairie Foundation: At the Intersection of Agriculture and Development
6

THE LIBERTY PRAIRIE FOUNDATION
The experiences at Prairie Crossing, South Village, Serenbe and others demonstrate that
incorporating farms into new communities can be a significant addition to the marketing and
ongoing quality of new communities.
Hire a farmer. By hiring a farmer (farm manager) as an em-
ployee, the developer ensures access to the farm facility for vis-
its, developer-generated events and other initiatives aimed at
marketing the community or project. As most of these activi-
ties will compete with traditional farm production, marketing
and management and will not generate much revenue for the
farm, there should be limited expectations on the profitability
of the farm enterprise as a stand-alone business during the ini-
tial home sales phase.
The challenge to this approach comes later in the pro-
ject life, when the homes are sold out, no marketing dollars
remain, and there is little justification for the developer to man-
age an ongoing business unit with limited or no profits. Early morning harvest at Serenbe farm
Facilitate an entrepreneurial farmer. By identifying and fa- At Prairie Crossing, we started the project by hiring a
cilitating the initial start-up of a bright, committed farmer- couple as farm managers. They did a great job developing a
entrepreneur, the developer creates a potentially self-sustaining successful working farm and hosting a large number of events
business. Now an individual (or a couple) has “ownership” of that were critical in marketing the Prairie Crossing community
the project and all the incentive in making the farm successful. and house sales. As the development neared buildout, we
This model requires developers to sacrifice control over the made a transition to an independent family farm operation.
daily operations of the farm in exchange for a better prospect Sandhill Organics has a long-term market rate lease for a signif-
for a financially viable long-term business. The challenge is icant portion of the farmland and operates as a very successful
finding the right entrepreneur, and developing a business plan independent business. They sell fresh organic produce to the
that builds on the synergies available. general public as well as community members. The education
activities at the farm are now the purview of the Liberty Prairie
Foundation, an independent non-profit that supports itself with
a .5% transfer fee from Prairie Crossing home sales, grants and
fee-for-service contracts.
Summary
The experiences at Prairie Crossing, Hidden Springs, Serenbe
Successful farmer-entrepreneurs must possess or have and others demonstrate that incorporating farms into new
access to a number of important skill sets. Obviously they have communities can be a significant addition to the marketing and
to be good at raising crops or livestock, but a number of oth- ongoing quality of new communities. Regardless of scale, all
er skills go beyond what you might have been looking for in a these projects experienced challenges in structuring and nurtur-
good farm manager. They must be able sell whatever they pro- ing their farm operations to reach a model capable of long-term
duce at the best possible price. They need to be skilled at mar- success. As a pioneer in the creation of this development mod-
keting. They have to be good financial managers. That el, Prairie Crossing learned through trial and error and succeed-
means managing not only the short-term cash flow, but also the ed largely through the continued commitment of the developer
issues of growth, debt and long-term planning. They also need and community to the farming operation.
to be good at labor management. As they grow, they will Today’s developers have access to a small but growing
have to hire and motivate a great productive team. Finally they body of knowledge and professionals experienced in the struc-
must be able to communicate well and directly with their cus- turing and operation of master-planned communities with
tomers. No single person is likely good at all these unique farms. These resources address perhaps the most common
skills. Often a farm couple will have complementary skills to challenge I hear of: the lack of experienced team members and
contribute. Agri-entrepreneurs must be able identify how they existing projects to learn from. We encourage folks to use and
will access the capacities that they do not have. build upon these resources.
T he Liberty Prairie Foundation is an independent non-profit that supports itself with a .5%
transfer fee from Prairie Crossing home sales, grants and fee-for-service contracts.
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Today’s developers have access to a small but
growing body of knowledge and professionals
experienced in the structuring and operation
of master-planned communities with farms.

BUILDING COMMUNITIES WITH FARMS
Part II: I. Prairie Crossing
Case Studies Grayslake, Illinois
Vicky Ranney, Co-Developer www.prairiecrossing.com
Overview
P
rairie Crossing is a
Five noteworthy new master-planned
green community
communities with
located 40 miles north of
farms are
Chicago in the town of
summarized by their Grayslake, Illinois.
George and Vicky Ranney
developers in reports
began developing the
delivered on October conservation community
27-28, 2009, with in 1992, based on ten
guiding principles. The
updates and
master plan includes 360
additional Midwest vernacular
homes; large areas of re-
information added
stored prairie; a charter
since. school and community
center; a mixed-use town
center with 36 condomin-
iums, shops and a restau-
rant next to two commuter rail stations; and a Matt Sheaffer of Sandhill Organics at the
100-acre certified organic farm. Prairie Cross- Prairie Crossing Farm works with mem-
ing has been a leader in the conservation de- bers of the Prairie Crossing Farm Business
velopment movement and was one of the first Development Center
planned developments in America to incorpo-
Prairie Crossing: rate food production.
Community Facts
The Ranneys assembled a planning team and built less than a
• 668 acres
quarter of the 1,600 units allowed by local zoning, while
• 40 miles north of Chicago
• 60% open land preserving 60% of the site as open land. One hundred acres of this
• 360 single family homes land were reserved for the community’s organic farm.
• 36 condos
• Mixed-use commercial
History ing to provide an alternative to the prevailing
core
• Community center &
pattern of suburban sprawl. In response, the
fitness center The initial vision for the community was gen- Ranneys assembled a planning team and built
• 2 train stations erated from principles of conservation and the less than a quarter of the 1,600 units allowed
• 100-acre organic farm pro- efforts of a group of neighboring landowners by local zoning, while preserving 60% of the
to preserve the rural character of the area east site as open land. One hundred acres of this
tected by conservation
of Prairie Crossing, which included wetlands, land were reserved for the community’s organ-
easement
• Horse pastures and stable woods, rolling farmland, and farmhouses. Af- ic farm.
ter lengthy lawsuits against a very dense pro-
• Farm business incubator
• Learning farm posed development on the Prairie Crossing Landscaping and Sustainability
site were settled, conservationists Gaylord and
• 3 on-site schools: nursery,
Dorothy Donnelley bought the property in
charter elementary, and Nature conservation and farmland preserva-
1987. They formed Prairie Holdings Corpora-
Montessori adolescent tion played key roles in the design process of
tion with a group of their neighbors and asked
program Prairie Crossing. The land, which had been
George and Vicky Ranney to develop it, hop-
The Liberty Prairie Foundation: At the Intersection of Agriculture and Development
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THE LIBERTY PRAIRIE FOUNDATION
The farm generated a great deal of free press, and some families attracted by farm events
purchased homes at Prairie Crossing.
farmed for corn and soybeans prior to development, was re-
planted to the original native prairie and wetland plant species
that covered the Midwest prior to nineteenth century cultiva-
tion.
Native landscaping at Prairie Crossing is one of its de-
fining features. Prairie vegetation on the common land has
been a cherished aspect of the community, leading to the adop-
tion of prairie landscaping by many of the residents in their
own private yards. Volunteer work crews who remove invasive
plants and burn the prairie in spring and fall generate an active
sense of community.
Through careful planning by an expert ecologist, Prai-
rie Crossing achieved an innovative solution for stormwater
disposition and simultaneously created an attractive habitat for
wildlife and human beings. The stormwater collection system
uses long-rooted native prairie plants to slow and purify rainwa-
ter and snowmelt on their way to the large centrally located
Lake Aldo Leopold. This lake not only serves as a detention
basin; it is also a popular amenity used for swimming, boating,
fishing and skating by the community’s residents.
The Farm
The Prairie Crossing Farm is home to three separate organic
farming operations: Sandhill Organics at Prairie Crossing, a for-
profit commercial family farm; the Prairie Crossing Farm Busi-
ness Development Center, an incubator program for new farm-
ers; and the Prairie Crossing Learning Farm, which serves three
local schools, the residents, and the general public. These or- Prairie Crossing master plan
ganizations work together under the oversight of Michael
Sands, Executive Director of the Liberty Prairie Foundation, of .5% of the sale price of each home. The Foundation leases
which owns and leases out the farmland. Although the Prairie out the land and provides partial operating support to the non-
Crossing Homeowners’ Association does not own the farm or profit Learning Farm and the Farm Business Development
manage its operations, it contributes $10,000 per year in recog- Center. The for-profit family farm, Sandhill Organics, leases 40
nition of the services the farm provides the community. acres and is the largest farm operation at Prairie Crossing. Fully
self-sufficient, it provides important mentoring to the newer
farmers in the community.
Funding the Farm Operations
The Farm Business Development Center at Prairie
Crossing Farm (www.prairiecrossingfarms.com) supports the
The original budget for the farm operations was included as
development of successful family farm enterprises that produce
part of the marketing expense for the residential development.
and market organic foods locally and regionally. Also known as
The farm generated a great deal of free press, and some families
an “incubator,” it works by recruiting beginning farmers with
attracted by farm events purchased homes at Prairie Crossing.
some experience, leasing them up to 5 acres of land with farm
Cash flow generated from residential sales provided the fund-
infrastructure, renting them equipment, facilitating education
ing required to operate the farm from start-up through the de-
programs and providing the informal support of other farmers.
velopment’s buildout. At that point, ownership of the farmland
Thus it helps beginning farmers develop the entrepreneurial
was transferred from the development company, Prairie Hold-
skills, farming knowledge and market networks needed to be-
ings Corporation, to the Liberty Prairie Foundation, which is
come successful professional farmers. The incubator provides
based at Prairie Crossing and supported in part by a transfer fee
Th e Prairie Crossing Learning Farm coordinates several educational programs with schools in
the community and beyond to promote farming and healthy eating habits for children.
9

BUILDING COMMUNITIES WITH FARMS
The Prairie Crossing Homeowners’ Association does not own the farm or manage its operations;
it contributes $10,000 per year in recognition of the services the farm provides the community.
these resources to its farmers using a egg-laying chickens. The organization is a
market-based fee structure wherever pos- 501(c)(3) non-profit under the oversight Prairie Crossing’s
sible. Farmers are a part of the incubator of the Liberty Prairie Foundation. Its Ten Guiding Principles
for up to 5 years, at which time they are programs include farm-based education,
expected to move to land they own or volunteer programs such as the
1 Environmental protection and
lease elsewhere. There are four incubator “Henhouse Helpers,” a children’s farm
enhancement
farmers in the program as of 2010. camp, community garden plots, farm
tours and the Prairie Farm Corps, a paid 2 A healthy lifestyle
summer internship for area teenagers
3 A sense of place
The Liberty Prairie Reserve learning to farm and market their pro-
is a 5800-acre conservation duce. 4 A sense of community
area that includes Prairie 5 Economic and racial
The Liberty Prairie Foundation,
diversity
Crossing as its western Reserve & Conservancy
anchor. The desire to
6 Convenient and efficient
Three entities established by the develop- transportation
preserve most of the Reserve
ers are important to farming at Prairie
7 Energy conservation
as open land was the impetus Crossing. One is the Liberty Prairie
Foundation (see above). 8 Lifelong learning and
for developing Prairie
The Liberty Prairie Reserve is education
Crossing. a 5,800-acre conservation area that in-
9 Aesthetic design and high-
cludes Prairie Crossing as its western an-
quality construction
chor. The desire to preserve most of the
The Learning Farm at Prairie Reserve as open land was the impetus for 10 Economic viability
Crossing (www.pclearningfarm.org) was developing Prairie Crossing. 3,200 acres
founded with the purpose of educating of this public and private land have been
and inspiring people to value healthy permanently protected from further de-
food, land and community through hands velopment, thanks to parcel-by-parcel land in the Liberty Prairie Reserve. Now
-on experiences on a working organic negotiation with landowners by George a county-wide land trust, the Conservancy
farm. It offers educational opportunities Ranney and the Liberty Prairie Con- is making farmland available for lease to
to people of all ages on its 5-acre plot of servancy (www.libertyprairie.org). new organic farmers, including those pro-
organic farmland, which features a green- The Conservancy is a non-profit gressing through the incubator program
house, a hoop house, a children’s garden, organization founded to promote the at the Prairie Crossing Farm.
a fruit orchard and a mobile henhouse for preservation of natural areas and farm-
Vicky and George Ranney
Vicky and George Ranney came to their positions as their developers of Prairie
Crossing via unlikely paths. Vicky grew up across from a farm near Boston, and be-
came an associate editor of the papers of Frederick Law Olmsted, the American
landscape architect and planner. She was a member of the taskforce that passed the
Illinois Food Farms and Jobs Act in 2009.
George, who grew up on a farm east of Prairie Crossing, is an attorney, for-
mer steel company executive, and CEO of Chicago Metropolis 2020, a regional plan-
ning organization of the Chicago business community.
The Liberty Prairie Foundation: At the Intersection of Agriculture and Development
10

THE LIBERTY PRAIRIE FOUNDATION
Sandhill Organics
Prairie Crossing Farm, Grayslake, Illinois
Matt and Peg Sheaffer, Owners www.sandhillorganics.com
M
att and Peg Sheaffer own and
operate Sandhill Organics, the
largest farm business at Prairie
Crossing. They have a long-term lease on
40 acres of land and are currently produc-
ing on 20+ acres. Here they provide an
inside perspective of a farmer’s role in the
community and their successes and chal-
lenges at Prairie Crossing.
Matt and Peg identify the free-
dom of choice as a key element in the
success of their farm. Their lease and
contract with the Liberty Prairie Founda-
tion gives them independence from the
Homeowners’ Association, allowing them
to operate with the flexibility required to
achieve profitability. A berm between the
community and the farm helpfully sepa-
rates the agricultural land from the
residential portions of the development.
The Sheaffers believe strongly in
the importance of the farm incubator
program at Prairie Crossing, and cited
this program as an essential element to
Matt Sheaffer of Sandhill Organics speaks to community members during
Matt and Peg identify the
an event. Sandhill is one of five separate farm operations that share facilities
freedom of choice as a key and lease land at the Prairie Crossing Farm. Frequent interaction among
farmers creates a community of sharing.
element in the success of their
farm. Their contract gives
them independence from the The success of Sandhill Organics tween the typically separate residential
and its growth since 2004 was achieved and agricultural zones. Today they em-
Homeowners’ Association,
through hard work and dedication on the brace this new level of interaction and
allowing them to operate with part of the farmers and their support sys- continue to play an active role in the
tem at the Prairie Crossing Farm. When community, a stipulation that is required
the flexibility required to
they first came to Prairie Crossing, they in a general way by their contract and
achieve profitability. struggled with the isolation of being vir- welcomed by them.
tually the only organic farming operation
in the area. The unique integration of the Next Step
the continued success of their operation. farm into the development resulted in a
Items such as hoop houses (plastic- re-creation of the traditional farming Strengthening the distribution channels
covered greenhouses where plants are community that historically played a vital for Sandhill Organics produce is identi-
grown in the ground) have an important role in the lives of nineteenth and early fied as the logical next step for the future
role of extending growing seasons to in- twentieth century farmers. The Sheaffers growth of the farm.
crease profits. created a new dynamic interaction be-
In total, the five farms at Prairie Crossing currently serve over 450 members with their yearly
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs.
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BUILDING COMMUNITIES WITH FARMS
II. Serenbe
Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia
Steve Nygren, Developer www.serenbecommunity.com
Serenbe: T
he development of Serenbe in the new-
Community Facts
ly created city of Chattahoochee Hills,
Georgia, on the edge of Atlanta is a
• 1,000-acre site model for the successful integration of farming
• 224 currently platted home and development in a master-planned commu-
sites ; 800 additional home nity. Steve, who began his career as a success-
ful restaurateur in the Atlanta region, became
sites planned
concerned about the effects of urban sprawl • 5-acre organic farm with
and led a group of landowners in a 40,000-acre
up to 25 acres available
area to change the land use plan, which now
• About 100 completed calls for 70% of the land to be preserved for
homes trees and greenspace, conservation and agricul-
• 240 current residents ture. He realized that a community based on A view of mixed-use buildings in down-
principles of farming, conservation and sus- town Serenbe
(98 families)
tainability would be the most appropriate mod-
• Currently completing
el for future growth. which now has a green space and trail plan
phase 2 of 4
Nygren’s incorporation of farming approved by four counties for their respective
• Each phase emphasizes into the original master plan of Serenbe, and land. The vision was so compelling that
one of four key elements: his use of restaurants within the community to 33,000 acres have now been incorporated into
arts, agriculture, wellness promote both the farm and the overall com- a new city, Chattahoochee Hills, to further
munity, has proven to be a successful example protect the principles of land preservation.
and education
of the benefits of local food production and its His efforts began with a two-year campaign
• Amenities:
effectiveness in promoting home sales and aimed at garnering public support for the
Local boutiques
Inn at Serenbe
Nygren’s incorporation of farming into the original master plan of
Farm and barn, stables
Serenbe, and his use of restaurants within the community to
Dog park & green space
promote both the farm and the overall community, has proven to be
Fishing ponds & forests
Pedestrian path network a successful example of the benefits of local food production and its
• 3 critically-acclaimed res- effectiveness in promoting home sales and healthy lifestyles.
taurants focused on the
farm-to-table concept healthy lifestyles. Serenbe is now recognized Chattahoochee Hill Country project. Early
• 1% transfer fee on homes as a model for agriculture-oriented develop- public design charrettes focused on creating a
ment and is a popular destination for the food- sustainable vision for the estimated 30,000
and 3% on open lots fund
loving public as well as professional designers, residential units that would eventually populate
community institute for
planners, developers and local food movement the region. These design sessions led to the
the arts and environment
advocates seeking to experience a working realization that smaller compact villages would
• Natural, indigenous and model of this type of community. allow for healthier growth in the region while
edible landscaping — no at the same time enabling the preservation of
toxins or chemicals used Land Preservation: large areas of land. The final plan allows for
• 160 acres of protected The Chattahoochee Hill Country 20% more dwelling units than would have oc-
curred with traditional development, while
open land, including farm-
saving the majority of the land for agriculture
land, with 700 acres to be Nygren’s vision for preservation in the Atlanta
and preservation.
region encompasses roughly 65,000 acres (the
protected at buildout
Transfer of development rights
40,000 listed above plus additional acreage) of
• 120-member CSA program (TDRs) help achieve the balance of protecting
open land in the Chattahoochee Hill Country,
& weekly farmers market the existing farms and the farming way of life
The Liberty Prairie Foundation: At the Intersection of Agriculture and Development
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THE LIBERTY PRAIRIE FOUNDATION
The presence of the farm and restaurants allowed the developer to reduce the advertising
budget to zero while sustaining home sales on the stream of press covering the community and
the farm. As Nygren likes to say, “People come for a cupcake and end up buying a house.”
while accommodating and controlling growth. A land bank
was established within a conservancy organization to oversee
the process of purchasing the development rights and to pro-
vide the ongoing management of the newly established TDR
system.
The Serenbe Farm Business Model
Nygren amortized the initial investment in the farming opera-
tion as part of the amenities budget for the development. This
method provided the start-up capital necessary for the farmer
to begin operations and to grow the business during the initial
four years required to reach a level of profitability. The farm
sells its produce direct through the Serenbe Farmers Market
(Saturdays, May through October), Community Supported Ag-
riculture shares and wholesale to the restaurants within the
community, plus a few Atlanta restaurants.
Food and the Community
Building a sense of community around food and farming was a
goal of the developer from the earliest phases of the design
process. Nygren set out to achieve this goal by creating a local
food production center in coordination with the restaurants
and bakery located within the community. His simple equation
for success was, “food equals community, which in turn creates
value.”
In a bold move, Nygren chose to build the town
bakeshop, The Blue Eyed Daisy, when only four homes had
been completed. His experience in the restaurant industry gave
him the confidence that this early investment would be a key
element in the future success of Serenbe. Nygren found the
combination of the farm and bakeshop created a unique mar-
The Serenbe master plan
keting tool that helped to differentiate the development from
in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and Earth Craft
others in the region. The eventual expansion of the community
certified construction, makes Serenbe a holistic model for sus-
led to the inclusion of two additional restaurants, The Hil and
tainable development.
The Farmhouse at Serenbe. Nygren estimates more than 1000
people visit the restaurants each weekend.
Lessons Learned
Landscaping and Sustainability
The inclusion of organic farming, and its coordination with
restaurants within the community, continues to be a winning
Areas of local food production are integrated throughout the
combination for Nygren in his efforts to publicize and market
community in the landscaped areas and open spaces. Almost
the community. The presence of the farm and restaurants al-
70% of the landscaping incorporated into the community’s
lowed the developer to reduce the advertising budget to zero
path system consists of edible species, including blueberry
while sustaining home sales on the stream of press covering the
bushes, fig bushes, peach trees and spotted apple trees. This
community and the farm. As Nygren likes to say, “People
unique feature, in combination with restrictions on lawns, strin-
come for a cupcake and end up buying a house.”
gent water conservation programs, and sustainable Leadership
Serenbe has three restaurants within the community, and plans to add four more. The
restaurants use produce from Serenbe’s farm, and focus on farm-to-table dining.
13

BUILDING COMMUNITIES WITH FARMS
III. South Village
South Burlington, Vermont
David Scheuer & Will Raap, Developers www.southvillage.com
South Village: T
he master planning process for the
Community Facts
community of South Village began in
2001 with an initial design charrette
• 220-acre site focused on principles of agriculture and New
• New Urban master plan Urbanism. The design team identified alterna-
tive development models to conventional
• 334 proposed units includ-
sprawl that would allow for the continued op-
ing affordable housing
eration of the farm that existed on the site.
• 13-acre farm This early focus was guided by developer
• Storm water swale system David Scheuer and Will Raap, the CEO of
Gardener’s Supply Company and founder of
• Effort to eradicate non-
the Intervale Farm Center. Their ideas eventu-
native species ally expanded to include preservation of open
• Currently completing space and restoration of the site’s ecosystem.
phase I
The Farm
Raap estimates the The farm at South Village currently has three
of its 13 acres of land under production. Two
CSA will require
part-time employees lease and operate the
approximately 130
business using a Community Supported Agri-
members to reach a culture program (CSA) as their primary distri-
bution channel. The CSA program started in
level of sales capable
2008 with 30 members and expanded to 65
of supporting one members during the 2010 season.
The process of starting and operating
part-time farmer.
the farm at South Village required both deter- A view of South Village homes from the
Despite these mination and skill on the part of the develop- community’s organic farm, which occupies
challenges, the ers. Early obstacles included difficult soils, bad 13 acres within the community
drainage, high winds and inadequate irrigation.
developers are still emphasizes the challenges of overcoming the
Raap’s network in the Burlington region
enthusiastic about proved to be a valuable asset, helping the farm major expenses of infrastructure and the ongo-
ing cost of operations in establishing a profita-
to procure free manure from University of
the farm.
ble working farm at South Village.
Vermont to build the soil. Nonetheless, Raap
Will Raap
Will is the founder and past Chairman of the Board for the Intervale Center
( www.intervale.org ). The mission of the Intervale Center is to develop farm and land-
based enterprises that generate economic and social opportunity while protecting natu-
ral resources. The Intervale family of businesses includes Intervale Compost Products,
Intervale Conservation Nursery, Intervale Agricultural Development Consulting Ser-
vices, and Intervale Food Enterprise Center, plus 13 private farms developed in the
Center’s farm incubator program.
Raap is also the founder and chairman of the Gardener's Supply (GS) family of
companies. Founded in 1983 in Burlington, Vermont, GS employs more than 250 peo-
ple and is one of the largest online and catalog gardening companies in the country.
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In hindsight, the only regret that Scheuer identifies was their failure to implement the farm
earlier in the development process, as their early projections underestimated the power that the
farm would have on establishing and promoting the community.
South Village master plan
Lessons Learned
Sustained efforts and resources will be required for the farm to
South Village
reach a level of profitability. Raap estimates the CSA will
Founding Principles
require approximately 130 members to reach a level of sales
capable of supporting just one part-time farmer. Despite these
• Environmental stewardship
challenges, the developers are still enthusiastic about the farm
and the potential it holds for the community. Scheuer is clear
• Design integration
in his belief in the farm and its power to generate interest in the
development. He also identifies the essential role of the CSA
• Community creation through civic institutions
program and its ability to strengthen the connection between
• Mix of housing types and prices South Village and the surrounding communities. These bene-
fits provided the developers with the incentive to continue ex-
• Promotion of sustainable agriculture panding the farm business regardless of the early capital and
time expenditures. In hindsight, the only regret that Scheuer
• Recreation and lifelong learning identifies was their failure to implement the farm earlier in the
development process, as their early projections underestimated
• Commitment to quality the power that the farm would have on establishing and pro-
moting the community.
T he Farm Business Development Center at Prairie Crossing was modeled after Will Raap’s
Program at Intervale Center in Burlington, Vermont.
15

BUILDING COMMUNITIES WITH FARMS
IV. Bundoran Farm
Charlottesville, Virginia
Robert Baldwin, Jr. www.bundoranfarm.com
overview
Bundoran Farm: B
undoran Farm inte-
Community Facts
grates residential devel-
opment with existing
• 2,300 acres of pasture, or- farmland and pastures, perma-
chard and forest nently securing working lands
• 10 minutes south of Char- within a flexible, privately
lottesville, Virginia funded structure that allows
• 108 parcels ranging from 2 for changes to agricultural
to 98 acres, each with practices. The master plan
1 to 2-acre home sites combines traditional single-
• About 12 parcels closed family, large-lot residences
with 5 completed homes with a high percentage of per-
• Construction not required manently protected and pro-
for lot purchase fessionally managed orchards,
• Outside the homesites, forests and pasture land. It is a
over 90% of the land is suburban model of agriculture-
preserved by agricultural- based development that pre- Bundoran Farm
forestry easement serves farmland, ecological
• 175-acre commercial assets and the farming way of life while accom- with Celebration Associates, developers of
modating single-use residential development Traditional Neighborhood Developments and
orchard
• 700-acre commercial cow- and a sustainable, healthy lifestyle. resort-oriented Conservation Developments in
the Southeast.
calf operation (200-head)
• 300-acre grass-fed Bundoran Farm is located on a histor-
beef operation Bundoran Farm is a suburban ic property most associated with its owners
since World War II, the Scott Family. When
• 40-acre vineyard under model of agriculture-based
the time came to sell Bundoran Farm, owner
development
development that preserves Fred Scott sought a solution which would
• Small-scale experimental
meet the family’s economic objectives, while
ag operation farmland, ecological assets and
maintaining most farm operations. As a result,
• 1,000 acres of managed
the farming way of life while the project has received support from neigh-
forest and 20-mile trail
accommodating high-value, bors, public officials and the environmental
system
and farming communities. Mr. Scott has re-
• Infrastructure includes single-use residential
mained a resident of the farm throughout its
low-impact access roads
development and a sustainable, development.
with minimum clearing
and grading, natural storm- healthy lifestyle.
Community Design
water management, and
improvements to sustain
and improve active farm- The Qroe model typically does not rely on
ing such as fencing, water Background government or charitable easement programs.
distribution, wetland en- Instead, all land is divided into lots of 2 to 98
hancement and restoration Robert Baldwin, Jr. is the managing principal acres for sale. Within each lot, a 1 to 2-acre
• Homes must be built to of Qroe Farm (pronounced “crow”), which homesite is reserved and permitted for a home,
Earthcraft standards. specializes in the integration of conservation subject to design review. The remaining acre-
• Community/Farm Educa- land and residential development. Qroe has age, totaling over 90% of the property, is re-
tional Center honed its approach over more than ten conser- served by easement for agriculture, forestry,
vation development projects, mostly in New ecological functions or recreational uses.
England. For Bundoran Farm, Qroe partnered
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Qroe Farm recently established the Baldwin Center at Bundoran Farm. This non-profit
foundation was created to showcase innovative practices in agricultural preservation,
environmental stewardship and sustainable growth.
Landscape, Productivity and
Sustainability
All easement areas of Bundoran Farm are
managed in common by a committee em-
powered by the Community Association,
with a community-sponsored environ-
mental quality monitoring program.
Management appointments must include
agricultural and environmental experts.
Pasture and orchard lands are leased to
professional farmers at favorable terms,
but with no direct subsidy. It is anticipat-
ed that the community, once fully built
out, will comprise a sufficient household
population to make CSA operations via-
ble, and the developer has designated
land and a lease structure to facilitate fu-
ture farming initiatives; residents current-
ly participate in several CSA opportuni-
ties already functioning in the region.
Owners retain control of individ-
ual homesites, but all construction is sub-
ject to design review and minimum sus-
tainability requirements under the Earth-
craft certification program. The primary
goals are to reduce land impacts and to
retain the visual character of this working
landscape. Bundoran Farm provides sup-
port to homeowners who wish to go be-
yond the minimum, offering owners and
builders expertise in green building, na-
tive landscaping and other approaches to
an improved built environment.
The Baldwin Center at
Bundoran Farm
In an effort to educate other developers
and design professionals, the company Bundoran Farm master plan
established the Baldwin Center at Bun-
place for conferences and educational attracted fifty participants from around
doran Farm. This non-profit foundation
programs directed by the foundation, as the country to a two-day program on
was created to showcase innovative prac-
well as a center for farm operations and farmland economics, conservation pro-
tices in agricultural preservation, environ-
community gatherings. The Center’s in- grams and regulation, and the practical
mental stewardship and sustainable
augural symposium, “Residential Devel- integration of increasing residential use in
growth. A facility within the Bundoran
opment and the Working Landscape,” rural areas.
Farm development provides a gathering
Ea sement areas of Bundoran Farm are managed by a committee empowered by the Community
Association, with a community-sponsored environmental quality monitoring program.
17

BUILDING COMMUNITIES WITH FARMS
V. Hidden Springs
Boise, Idaho
Frank Martin, Developer www.hiddensprings.com
H idden Springs: H
idden Springs, a
Community Facts
planned community
• 1,756 acres total of 850 homes, rests
• 850 residences completed on 1,756 acres in the Dry
Creek Valley 20 minutes north
• 1,000 acres of protected
of downtown Boise, Idaho.
open space
Conceived as a model for sus-
• 4-acre organic farm
tainable development in the
(15 more acres reserved) West, Hidden Springs was
• Amenities include several built around the site of a 145-
miles of trails, community year-old farmstead, integrating
barn, Dry Creek Mercan- the rural character of the area Above: A view of the mercantile store at
tile, bed and breakfast, with an environmentally re- Hidden Springs
sponsible land plan and organ-
clubhouse, library, com-
ic farming. More than 1,000
munity fitness center
acres of open space give ex-
• K-6 community school
pansive views of the foothills.
with farm collaboration
Paths within the community
Dry Creek Mercantile located in the downtown area of
• Reclaimed wastewater irri- connect to regional trails.
Hidden Springs.
gation system Homes emphasize resource
efficiency and aesthetic de-
Conceived as a model for sustainable development in the West,
Hidden Springs was built around the site of a 145-year-old
farmstead, integrating the rural character of the area with an
environmentally responsible land plan and organic farming.
signs and vary in size and price to foster a di- wastewater system is owned by the Town As-
verse community. In the semi-arid high desert, sociation (HOA) thereby ensuring a cost effec-
an innovative wastewater system utilizes re- tive supply of irrigation water for these facili-
claimed water for irrigation on the farm, play- ties.
fields, and landscaped common areas. The
Frank Martin
Frank Martin is the managing principal of Martin Community Development, LLC in Boise,
Idaho, and a senior advisor to Greenstreet Ltd. For more than 35 years, Frank has been a
community developer and home builder, known nationally as one of the pioneers in conser-
vation-based approaches to community development. As the president of Shaw Homes,
Frank provided leadership to the Prairie Crossing development team prior to the Hidden
Springs project.
A long-time member of the Urban Land Institute, Frank was a founding member
of the Institute’s Environmental Committee in the mid-1990’s and served as chairman of
ULI’s Sustainable Development Council and chairman of ULI’s Idaho District Council. He
has been an advisor to nine communities in the United States through ULI’s Advisory Ser-
vices program.
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The farm at Hidden Springs is currently producing on 4 of its 19 acres of agricultural land. Its
farmstead is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Farm
The farm at Hidden Springs is currently producing on
4 of its 19 acres of agricultural land. Its 145-year-old
farmstead is listed on the National Register of Historic
Places. Residents established the Dry Creek Historical
Society to restore the farmstead and operate it as a
living history museum. The property was donated to
Ada County by the developer, and the County leases it
to the Dry Creek Historical Society. Its land is perma-
nently protected by a conservation easement.
The Hidden Springs Community Farm
Inc. was organized by residents with
support from the developer and the
Town Association, and was structured as
a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit.
Martin discussed the challenges associated
with finding farmers for their operation. The commu-
nity has hosted a number of different farmers on the
land while seeing a steady rate of turnover since the
farm’s founding in 1997.
The farmers distribute and sell their produce
primarily through a CSA program. This business
model allows them to sustain their operations with a
$1 per year land lease from the Hidden Springs Town
Association (HOA).
The Hidden Springs Community Farm Inc.
was organized by residents with support from the
developer and the Town Association, and was struc- Hidden Springs master plan
tured as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit. This structure
gave the farmers a level of independence not available
through HOA governance. The Benefits of Organic Farming to Developers
Some of the expenses incurred for the
maintenance of the community and farm are subsi- • Well-known federal (USDA) standard
dized by a .25% transfer fee on all home sales and
• 3rd-party certifier takes burden of quality assurance off the de-
resales. This fee provides the funding necessary for
veloper
the HOA’s continued support of the community and
• Produces healthy food, attracting health-conscious homeowners
farm. Martin identifies the farm as a key community
builder and believes it will be sustained by the com- • Appropriate form of farming next to high-quality natural areas
munity.
• Does not release toxins into environment
• Promotes healthy soils, clean water and air
A .25% transfer fee on all home sales and resales provides the funding necessary for the
HOA’s continued support of the community and farm at Hidden Springs.
19

BUILDING COMMUNITIES WITH FARMS
Part III: Round Table Discussion
Round Table Communities with Farms Workshop
Prairie Crossing, Grayslake, Illinois
Overview
T
he round table focused on the future
Developers speak of communities with farms and ways
in which the concept could grow in
about the future of
the development marketplace.
building Robert Baldwin framed the conver-
communities with sation with a list of big-picture questions:
agriculture • What are possible objectives?
• Food?
• Aesthetic amenities?
• Profit?
• What do you need for the farms to work?
• Land – How much? Cattle grazing at Bundoran Farm near
• Does it need to be legally protected? Charlottesville, Virginia
• Knowledgeable farmers – How do
you get them and keep them? and suggested that government subsidies
• Capital and profitable business plans might expand local food production programs.
• What type of farming will it be? He cited the Vermont public school system’s
• Organic? program for purchasing local food for their
• Food or livestock production? cafeterias, in which two-thirds of the schools
in the state participate. Other examples in-
• What is the potential of the market?
clude several universities that are introducing
local food production systems into their cam-
Will Raap pointed to the growing
puses. Raap said government policies are cur-
movement behind conservation-based devel-
rently encouraging local food farming, provid-
opment and communities with farms. He
ing positive reinforcement for communities
explored the macro issues that promote this
with farms. In response, Vicky Ranney cited
concept, such as environmental change and
the Illinois Local Food, Farms, and Jobs Act
the importance of effectively using soils to
of 2009, which established a goal for State in-
sequester greenhouse gases. He asked whether
stitutions to procure 20% of all food and food
local agriculture can sustain our population,
products from local farms or manufacturers by
Frank Starkey, Developer, Longleaf, Odessa, Florida
Frank Starkey identified communities currently operating with farms, including Hammond's Ferry in North Augusta, South
Carolina, developed by Steve J. Maun. He also spoke of the design by Duany Plater-Zyberk for the proposed community of
Southlands, outside Vancouver, British Columbia, which incorporates a spectrum of agricultural features. He addressed the
role of local food production in establishing strong food security systems in the United States.
As the chair of the National Town Builders Association (NTBA) and the Seaside Institute, Starkey is in a key posi-
tion to collaborate with other developers around the country who are interested in New Urbanism, Traditional Neighbor-
hood Development, and communities with farms. As landowners and co-developers, he and his brother Trey are research-
ing opportunities to incorporate food farming into Longleaf, their 568-acre traditional neighborhood development begun in
1999, and potentially into Starkey Ranch, the 2,500-acre remainder of their family's holdings, where a number of "farmstead"
lots are contemplated. They are seriously exploring agriculture as a long-term, if not permanent activity on their land. One
option is a commercial blueberry operation, which could be very profitable because Florida's blueberries are high-quality in
sweetness and size, and are ready for market about six weeks before those in Georgia. He also explained how agriculture
might help developers in stalled projects to minimize their taxes by rezoning their land for temporary agricultural use.
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Raap felt the interest in local food production was poised to grow in popularity as negative
economic and environmental factors increased. These factors would provide advantages to
communities capable of feeding themselves.
2020, as an example of state-led policy.
Raap addressed the importance of developing farm
operations beyond subsidies to a level of self-sufficiency. He
felt the interest in local food production was poised to grow in
popularity as negative economic and environmental factors in-
creased. These factors would provide advantages to communi-
ties capable of feeding themselves as well as those located in
proximity to navigable waterways and rail networks. For Raap,
it is essential to find the correct business model that will allow
for the growth of the local food movement and its inclusion in
new and existing communities. He suggested that marketing
should be focused on those concerned about the issues of sus-
tainability while being careful to create a sense of hope in the
efforts of the movement. His vision includes a marriage of
agriculture and design that encourages forms of farming that
can be successfully used in modern planning.
A view of residences inspired by classical New England
architecture at South Village in South Burlington, VT
rediscover what was once second nature to societies.
Davis also discussed the importance of a long-term
vision and low carrying costs for the successful development of
any master-planned community. This was the process by
which he successfully built Seaside, and a model for surviving
the fluctuating real estate market. As a final piece of advice, he
suggested that all the participants assume that oil prices will one
day reach $200+ per barrel, and to use this assumption as a
basis for future development and progressive, forward-thinking
design.
Robert Davis, the founder of Seaside, Florida,
stressed the significant global changes that lie ahead. He be- Allies and Progress
lieves that rising oil prices are an inevitable fact and that society
has to change for future generations to flourish. He posed the
Important recent work on building communities with farms has
question: How do we stay ahead of this curve? His answer in-
been done by several new or established organizations: the
volved the Florida master-planned community known as “Sky,”
Baldwin Center for Preservation Development, the Congress
designed by Duany Plater-Zyberk upon principles of agriculture
for New Urbanism and the Urban Land Institute (ULI). The
and energy efficiency. He also asked: How can one promote
ULI recently published an excellent book, Conservation Communi-
hope rather than fear of changes that lie ahead? He identified
ties: Creating Value with Nature, Open Space, and Agriculture,
the current support of the ideas of local food production and
by Edward T. McMahon.
sustainability by younger generations as a key element for suc-
In May of 2010, the Congress for New Urbanism fea-
cess and a tool to shape the future of the movement. He stated
tured “Agricultural Urbanism” in a well-attended two-day track
that it is essential to take advantage of this energy while it ex-
at its annual Congress in Atlanta. Andres Duany, Steve Ny-
ists. He pointed to Serenbe as a model for future growth and
gren, Vicky Ranney and James Kunstler were among the speak-
cited Cuba as an example of what happens when oil runs out:
ers. Next year’s CNU Congress, entitled “Growing Local” will
every quarter acre becomes a plot for food. For Davis, the
be held on June 1-4, 2011 in Madison, Wisconsin, a city known
workshop was reminiscent of the early meetings of the
for its well-developed local food system.
Congress for New Urbanism and the organization of efforts to
A few of the other organizations that have natural
Davis cited the current support of the ideas of local food production and sustainability by
younger generations as a key element for success and a tool to shape future progress.
21
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Vicky Ranney cited the Illinois Local Food,
Farms, and Jobs Act of 2009, which
established a goal for State institutions to
procure 20% of all food and food products
from local farms or manufacturers by 2020,
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BUILDING COMMUNITIES WITH FARMS
In May 2010, the Congress for New Urbanism featured “Agricultural Urbanism” in a two-day
track at its annual Congress in Atlanta. Andres Duany, Steve Nygren, Vicky Ranney and James
Kunstler spoke at the conference.
affinities with this subject include the American Farmland views agriculture and development. As interest continues to
Trust (AFT) with its focus on “new ruralism,” the National grow, we hope that together we can shape our future landscape
Town Builders Association (NTBA) and the American Plan- upon the principles of sustainable agriculture and responsible
ning Association (APA). development.
We are optimistic that the future growth of
these ideas will lead to a fundamental shift in the way America
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The following list of resources and contacts is not intend-
ed to be comprehensive, but rather is an attempt to stimu-
late further research and exploration.
Organizations: Related Websites:
The American Planning Association www.agriculturalurbanism.com
The Baldwin Center for Preservation Development www.breakingthroughconcrete.com
The Congress for New Urbanism
The Hampstead Institute
Regional Master Plans:
The Liberty Prairie Foundation
The Liberty Prairie Conservancy
Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP)
The National Town Builders Association
GO TO 2040: Metropolitan Chicago’s Official Compre-
The Seaside Institute
hensive Regional Plan (2010)
The Serenbe Institute
The Urban Land Institute
Farm Business Development Centers: University Research:
Intervale Center Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario
Prairie Crossing Farm Business Development Center Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Surrey, B.C.
New Books:
Agricultural Urbanism: Handbook for Building Sustainable
Food & Agriculture Systems in 21st Century Cities,
by Janine de la Salle & Mark Holland with contributors.
Green Frigate Books, 2010.
Conservation Communities: Creating Value with Nature,
Open Space, and Agriculture,
by Edward T. McMahon, Urban Land Institute, 2010.

THE LIBERTY PRAIRIE FOUNDATION
Organizers & Participants
Workshop & Report Organizers
The Building Communities with Farms workshop was organized by the co-developers of Prairie Crossing, Vicky and George Ranney,
in collaboration with Linda Wiens, Executive Director of the Prairie Crossing Institute, and Michael Sands, the Environmental
Team Leader of Prairie Crossing and Executive Director of the Liberty Prairie Foundation. Keith Kirley of the University of
Notre Dame School of Architecture assembled the minutes and coordinated this report.
Robert Baldwin, Jr. Ben Ranney
Developer, Bundoran Farm Principal, Terra Firma Development
Charlottesville, Virginia Chicago, Illinois
bbaldwin@qroefarm.com gbenranney@terrafirma-co.com
Robert Davis Vicky Ranney
Partner, Arcadia Land Company Co-Developer, Prairie Crossing
Co-founder and Developer, Seaside Chairman, Liberty Prairie Foundation
Seaside, Florida Grayslake, Illinois
rdavis@arcadialand.com vranney@prairiecrossing.com
rdavis@seasidefl.com
Michael Sands, Ph.D.
Keith Kirley Environmental Team Leader, Prairie Crossing
M. Arch candidate Executive Director, Liberty Prairie Foundation
University of Notre Dame School of Architecture Grayslake, Illinois
South Bend, Indiana msands@prairiecrossing.com
keithkirley@gmail.com
David Scheuer
Bradley Leibov Developer, South Village
Principal, Terra Firma Development South Burlington, Vermont
Chicago, Illinois ds@retrovest.com
brad@terrafirma-co.com
Matt and Peg Sheaffer
Frank Martin Owners, Sandhill Organics at Prairie Crossing Farm
Developer, Hidden Springs Grayslake, Illinois
Boise, Idaho sandhillorganics@prairiecrossing.com
frank@greenstreetltd.com
Frank Starkey
Steve Nygren Developer, Longleaf
Founder and Developer, Serenbe Odessa, Florida
Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia starkey.f@gmail.com
steve@serenbe.com
Linda Wiens
Will Raap Executive Director, Prairie Crossing Institute
Founder & CEO, Gardener's Supply Company Grayslake, Illinois
Founder, Intervale Center lwiens@prairiecrossing.com
Investor, South Village
South Burlington, Vermont
willr@gardeners.com
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The farmers market at Serenbe in Georgia
Liberty Prairie Foundation
32400 North Harris Road
Grayslake, Illinois 60030
vranney@prairiecrossing.com
Tel (847) 548-4062 ex.21
msands@prairiecrossing.com
Tel (847) 548-4062 ex.10
www.prairiecrossing.com
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