Low Impact Development Manual for Michigan - OSEH - University ...

Case Study: Longmeadow Development
Niles, MI
Longmeadow is 400 acres of rolling land divided by ponds, meadows, clusters
of trees, wetlands, and horse paddocks in Niles, MI. The development
was picked by The Conservation Fund as a demonstration project in the
State of Michigan for watershed protection.
The design was dictated by the land, resulting in separate areas for a variety
of housing types and lot sizes. It also resulted in the preservation of 50 acres
of open space, providing opportunities for fishing, community gardens,
walking trails, private roads for biking and hiking. The design accounted
for the need to preserve habitat for wildlife. This includes eliminating street
lighting and maintaining animal corridors.
The wetland areas on site were not disturbed, and are maintained by a vegetated
buffer greater than 75 feet wide. The site design also incorporated long
vistas of seeded upland prairie meadows and homes tied in with miles of
white horse fence.
Most of the trees on site were preserved and extra care was taken to preserve
a very old, large oak tree at the entrance to the development. Visual separation
of housing types was designed using existing fence rows of trees. In
addition, bioswales were installed to provide infiltration along the roads and
between homes.
View of existing wetland
Source: Longmeadow Development, Owner: Jane Tenney
Case Study Site Considerations
Project Type Bioswale, preservation of sensitive areas
Soil Conditions
Estimated Total
Project Cost
Maintenance
Responsibility
Well drained soils on ridgetops, knolls, and plains. Permeability
is moderate to moderately rapid. Suited well for most building
and septic tank absorption. Main issue to address is maintaining
slope and erosion control
N/A
Longmeadow Homeowners Association
Project Contact Jane Tenney: janetenney@comcast.net
LID Manual for Michigan – Chapter 6 Page 76