Katie Cordrey
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The Babcock Ranch in Florida will be developed on 17,000 acres, include 19,500 residential units, 6 million SF commercial space, and aspires to be a net-zero emissions solar-powered city. The development is just a portion of a 91,000-acre parent property that was purchased by Syd Kitson and Morgan Stanley in 2006. According to Hemisphere Real Estate, “Among the property’s assets are: an active rock mine with permits to mine until the year 2030; a 10,000-acre watershed that can pump 70 million gallons of freshwater per day; and a wilderness tour facility with approximately 50,000 visitors per year.” Developers hope to make this a demonstration model for future developments throughout the country. Babcock Ranch will have an integrated ‘smart grid’ that lets power users monitor and control their energy consumption. Subject to approvals, ground-breaking will take place in late 2009. See the Jocks as Eco Activists article for more information about the people behind the purchase of this property.  In settlement negotiations, ''we developed very strong rules on how they should operate,'' said Jackalone, including the use of renewable energy, water restrictions and open space.
But Thursday's announcement went far beyond the agreement worked out with the Sierra Club. ''That was a very pleasant surprise,'' said Jackalone. ``We were thrilled. It provides a model for the country -- a high benchmark for others to try to reach.''
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