With only a slight change in plans courtesy of New England Summer weather patterns, our Smart Growth Tour of Munjoy Heights was held on an absolutely stunning afternoon on June 24th.
Highlights from the tour included an inspiring collaboration with Portland Trails that connects Jacks Path with the property via easement. Installation of what seemed like hundreds of blueberry bushes alongside the trail replaced what was formerly an overgrown grove of non-native invasive Norway Maples. Now path-goers can enjoy the beauty of this path uninterrupted.
We witnessed the only “woonerf” in the state of Maine. A woonerf is a living street implemented in the Netherlands and in Flanders. Techniques include shared space, traffic calming, and low speed limits. The word literally translates as “living yard.” How cool is that?! Throughout the woonerf we observed rain gardens positioned near runoff sources to capture stormwater and stop or slow the water from reaching the sewer system.
The buildings are impeccable, demonstrating super-efficient building envelopes with the latest in heating, air conditioning, and ventilation systems. Of course the views of Back Cove, Downtown Portland, and Mt Washington were breathtaking.
Special thank you to:
Jonathan & Catherine Culley, Developers, Redfern Properties
Ryan Senatore, Architect, Ryan Senatore Architecture
Soren Deniord, Landscape Architect, Soren Deniord Design Studio
Will Savage, Project Manager, Acorn Engineering
Aaron Jones, Structural Engineer, Aaron Jones Structural Engineering
Paul Collins, Androscoggin Bank
If you haven’t walked through Munjoy heights yet we encourage you to check it out. This project is leading by example as a smart growth development!
