Press Releases

"Going Green" — ULI Panel Visits Tradition; Helps Update Master Plan

With the vision of a truly sustainable community — environmentally, socially, and economically, Tradition Developer Joseph C. Canizaro and his development team welcomed 15 of the country's top planners and designers from the Urban Land Institute (ULI) in January. During the week long visit, Tradition announced plans to become a "carbon-neutral" community, expanding its "green-friendly" building and design practices. The ULI team also recommended enhancements to the community's master plan including a wide diversity of housing options, an Audubon-certified golf course, resort hotel & conference center, charter elementary school, and a focus on eco-tourism assets including the adjacent DeSoto National Forest.

"Tradition will be a place that is built green. And built to last," said Gerald Blessey, President of Tradition Properties, Inc. "Since we are building a community designed to stand the test of time, it is our responsibility to make sure that it is strikes a proper balance between man and nature."

Recommended "green" practices include maximizing the use of renewable and indigenous resources; restoring and enhancing existing natural ecosystems, placing a priority on preventing rather than controlling pollution, and reusing, rather than replacing, existing facilities over time thus creating a link to history and eliminating wasted building materials. In addition, the impact on the environment will be lessened by lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and utility bills, through energy conservation in Village homes with technology and building materials selected, employing LEED certified principles whenever possible, instituting recycling programs, and preserving green space, native plants, and animal habitats.

The Tradition development team has already established a reputation for upholding these principles, working closely with The Nature Conservancy and Fish & Wildlife Service to protect the natural habitats of the gopher tortoise and gopher frog, and control the spread of invasive vegetation like cogan grass.