Assessing Modular Village Strategies for Balancing Growth and Farm Protection

As metropolitan edges expand, thoughtfully directing compatible uses within working lands benefits long-term viability. Washington’s Snohomish County commissioned studies assessing clustered modular villages as land preservation incentives compatible with cultivation. Researchers evaluated localized impacts reconciling multifamily housing with ongoing farming.

The Darrington Agricultural Infill Trial

Through community workshops, planners mapped 64 modular homes across 8 acres within a 500-acre blueberry farm, accommodating seasonal laborers and their families.

Village Impacts on Farming
Centralized sewer serving homes eliminated septic infiltration optimizing crop irrigation. Small footprints clustered residential densities without constraining equipment access.

Farmland Preservation
Granting infill approval leveraged preservation easements sheltering 200+ acres from future rezoning supporting more intensive incomes. Affordable prices aided recruitment.

Social Integration
A shared laundry and childcare center within walking distance supported worker families year-round without vehicular dependencies compromising cultivation. Nearby employment strengthened connectivity.

Preliminary findings evidenced modular village densification:

– Bolstered ongoing agro-industry recruitment through concentrated yet empathetic permanent housing support services near jobs.

– Upholds working lands viability through high-density offsets negotiation greater easement commitments from landowners.

– Optimized design minimized impacts on agricultural operations through focused footprints and centralized infrastructure.

If rigorously piloted across various markets, targeted infill paired with modular densities shows promise promoting compatible growth that safeguards working lands and agricultural economies through balanced policy partnerships.

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