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Thornbury is another example where Conservation Develop-ment practices reduce overall construction and maintenance costs to the developer and the community at large due to the compact siting of homes. Located in Solon, Cuyahoga County, Thornbury consists of 311 acres with 115 acres, or 36%, set aside as protected open space. A total of 250 units are on lots ranging from one-quarter to one acre in size. An evaluation conducted by the developer, Forest City Land Group, showed that total improvement costs per lot for the conservation development approach resulted in 10,000 dollars in savings per lot when compared with conventional design approach. Projected revenues from lot sales for Thornbury were $2.3 million greater than revenues for an equivalent subdivision project built according to conventional standards.

But the developer is not the only one who benefits from the down-sizing of infrastructure. Communities that are experiencing accelerated growth are finding that supporting new infrastructure places financial burdens on residents that may be prohibitive. Conservation development practices not only conserve natural resources but public dollars as well.