Back in August of 2017, the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners agreed, in principle, to sell a county-owned parcel of land in Ann Arbor for a development to be known as, "Verdian at County Farm." In this week's "Issues of the Environment," WEMU's Patrick Campion speaks to Washtenaw County Commissioner Conan Smith about how this project will affect Washtenaw County's overall sustainability.
Overview
- The Washtenaw County Commission considered six development proposals for a county-owned parcel of land on Platt Road that is adjacent to County Farm Park. The “Veridian at County Farm” project was selected as being most favorable, despite offering less cash for the land.
- The Veridian community will be powered by a combination of environmentally conscious practices including a micro grid, a district-wide geothermal system, and solar panels. Additionally, 30 percent of the community will be edible landscape, and no fossil fuels or combustion appliances can be used. (quoted)
- Several Washtenaw County Commissions have voiced their support of the project, including Conan Smith, and there was just one dissenting vote when it was selected in August. County Administrator Gregory Dillis being asked to bring the negotiated terms back to the board for approval by November 30., and construction could begin in 2018.
Resources:
Veridian at County Farm Facebook page
Veridian at County Farm Website
THRIVE Collaborative Facebook Page
M-Live Article on Veridian at County Farm
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— Patrick Campion is the WEMU Program Director. You can contact Patrick at734.487.3363, on twitter @WEMUPC, or email him at pcampion@emich.edu
