Conservation-Based Land Planning

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Pine and Swallow Environmental provides specialized land use planning services for land owners, conservation-oriented developers, and nonprofit organizations. We begin each project with an analysis of the ecology, natural resources and special features of the property and its surroundings. Our objective is to integrate development with the land in order to create land use designs that are in balance with environmental values. We have more than 20 years of design experience. Our work has ranged from sensitive siting of single family homes to the design and permitting of major multi-use developments.

Our range of technical and design expertise, our broad experience with all aspects of land development issues, and our strong environmental values result in the best solutions to the complex interrelated issues of land development and conservation.

Natural Resource Analysis

At P&S planning begins with understanding natural resources and ecological relationships.

Design and Permitting

At P&S creativity backed by engineering expertise leads to design solutions that work.

Representative Land Use Planning Projects

Mixed Use Village Design, Groton, MA
Designed a new village area including commercial and business uses, 240 single family and condominium housing units and protection measures for sensitive conservation lands on a 560 acre tract. Presented plans to a Town Meeting for Concept Plan approval. Coordinated and reviewed Environmental Impact Report and Definitive Subdivision Plan of property.

Groton Woods Subdivisions
Designed three linked, abutting subdivisions with 117 lots on 300 acre tract. Final design included construction of a pond to serve as the focal point for subdivision. The pond also provided a source of gravel for road construction and mitigated increases in runoff. Final design also included a trail system connecting all parts of the subdivision to a block of protected conservation land. P&S coordinated and reviewed engineering.

Brookfield Village
Designed 30 unit multifamily development including subsidized housing component. Design included two coordinated clusters of units with views over common areas and reclaimed pond. Coordinated and reviewed site engineering.

Maple Hill Farm Subdivision
Analyzed previously approved 20 lot subdivision obtained by bank in foreclosure. Recommended steps to be taken to protect property interests and modifications of design to lower construction costs, improve marketability of properties, and reduce environmental impacts.

McLain's Woods Subdivision
Designed 12 lot subdivision on parcel with environmentally sensitive wetland and wildlife areas. Located special house sitings and designed trail network connecting houses, common field area and conservation area.

Orchard Lane Subdivision
Designed 6 lot subdivision on hillside with spectacular views. Coordinated and reviewed engineering and wetland issues including wildlife study for brook crossing.

Boston Road Commercial Development
Designed 30,000 square foot commercial development to create village effect by organizing buildings around central common serving as the site focus. Prepared site grading plans and carried out drainage design.

Deer Run Park Professional Office Development
Designed office park for 70,000 square feet of professional office space with central outdoor courtyard. Presented Concept Plan to Town Meeting for required re-zoning.

Additional Recent Land Planning Projects
Still Meadow: cluster development to protect field and endangered species habitat
Baddacook Fields: development with views of new field area, while protecting pond and critical habitat
Mill Run Place: 60,000 SF commercial development
Deerhaven: 27 lot development protecting fields and riverfront area
40 acre property in Carlisle: protection of critical wooded habitat area
140 acre property in Groton: limited development on historic landscape area