Green Haven Wants New Housing District for Bethany

An application to create a new zone in Bethany — the Open Space Housing District — will be the subject of a public hearing in the gymnasium at Bethany Town Hall at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 3.

The application has been brought forth by Green Haven, Inc., a group of area residents. The proposed amendment to the town's zoning regulations is attached to this article as a PDF.

Green Haven recently published a press release on its website, and also made it available to Bethwood Patch.

The release follows:

"The proposed regulation is consistent with the Bethany Town Plan of Conservation and Development. It provides for flexibility in development of residential property in order to preserve and protect open space and other valuable natural, scenic, historical and man-­made resources; to reduce taxpayer-­supported infrastructure costs; to reduce the extent of impervious surfaces; and to promote development that is environmentally responsible, energy efficient, compatible with surrounding areas and in harmony with natural site features."

"The proposal would enable development of parcels between 20 and 35 acres in such a way that at least half of the land remains open for conservation and agricultural use. It applies low-­impact standards with respect to water management and encourages sustainable practices, energy-efficient design, and the use of renewable energy resources."

"The proposal is sponsored by Green Haven Cohousing, an organization planning a small neighborhood of approximately 25 to 35 homes on a portion of the former Elsie Halter farm at the corner of Old Amity Road and Meyers Road. Green Haven members, some of whom are long-­time Bethany residents, plan to live in the community. They have been working closely with Centerbrook Architects and Appleseed Permaculture to design the development in keeping with Bethany’s rural character and community values."

"Green Haven plans to reestablish agricultural activity at the farm and renovate the Treat Clark farmhouse. A small-­scale diversified organic farming operation on the property will increase biodiversity and help restore the soil, fields and forest to a healthy state, contributing to the health of the West River watershed. Green Haven also intends to work with the Bethany Land Trust to provide public access to the adjacent Spykman Preserve."

"The property was previously approved for a 48-­unit senior affordable housing development that would have filled the entire site with suburban-­style homes, lawns, and driveways. Green Haven’s vision is for a multigenerational community featuring fewer, smaller units clustered around a common building that will house shared amenities, with plenty of open space for community gardens and recreation. The Green Haven group’s intention is to live as sustainably as possible, with a low carbon footprint and low-­impact design."