(WHAS11) - Suburban developments typically aren't synonymous with "Going Green."
A big suburb that continues to expand in eastern Jefferson County is all about green!
Stereotypes of strip malls and gas-guzzling SUVs come to mind, but one local community developer says his neighborhood was designed with environmental friendliness in mind.
He says that one well-planned community prevents 3 or 4 more developments of suburban sprawl.
“We know that when you have a nice tree-lined street and it’s a connected grid of streets, that people will walk for more and more of their daily needs,” David Tomes, Norton Commons co-founder
“One of the reasons we decided to move here was because of all of the shops and so forth, how you can walk to things and don't have to get in your car,” said Joyce Payne, resident of Norton Commons.
Norton Commons is an example of new urbanism, a movement by developers to create communities that celebrates local ecology and knowing your neighbor.
“I really feel at any moment I’m going to see Barney and Andy walk down the street and wave,” said Joyce Payne.
There is 150 acres of parks, stores, restaurants, and a family clinic. This is all within one square mile. Everything you might need is within walking distance from home.
“Anytime you have the ability to cut carbon, that is to not get into the car, you're making the greatest impact on green building,” said David Tomes
This philosophy is attracting green business to the neighborhood; one of Louisville’s most energy-efficient buildings is right down the block.
It's people like Joyce Payne’s grand-daughter who will reap the long-term benefits of a community like this.
“There a lot more space, you don't have to get in your car and waste a lot of gas, and the houses are smaller, it’s easier to walk around with my doggie. If we don't take care of the earth we have, it might be gone the next time,” says Rainey Payne grand-daughter
