As Castle Hayne begins to see an influx of growth and development, one name consistently stands out for his commitment to thoughtful, sustainable community planning: Burrows Smith. As the community developer behind River Bluffs, Smith has been instrumental in shaping the future of Castle Hayne by bringing his vision of low-impact development to life. In a recent interview with StarNews, Smith discussed the challenges and successes of developing in a rapidly growing region while staying true to his environmental values.
A Commitment to Low-Impact Development
When Burrows Smith began working on the River Bluffs Community, his goal was clear: to create a neighborhood that blended seamlessly into the natural environment while offering modern conveniences to residents. Low-impact development is at the core of Smith’s philosophy, and River Bluffs stands as a testament to how communities can grow responsibly without compromising the land they’re built on.
Smith’s approach focuses on preserving the natural beauty of Castle Hayne while allowing for thoughtfully planned growth. The River Bluffs Community incorporates innovative design features that minimize environmental disruption, from strategic stormwater management systems to conserving green space for the enjoyment of residents. For Smith, ensuring that the community remains connected to its natural surroundings is key to providing a high quality of life.
Overcoming Challenges as a Local Developer
In his interview with StarNews, Smith touched on the challenges that local developers often face when competing with larger, national homebuilders who have the resources to self-finance large projects. “It can be harder for local developers to get financing from banks,” Smith said to StarNews, emphasizing how larger corporations have an advantage in securing and developing large tracts of land. Despite these challenges, Smith’s dedication to low-impact development sets River Bluffs apart from more traditional development projects in the area.
While Castle Hayne is now attracting more attention from national developers, Smith’s work at River Bluffs proves that smaller, local developers can succeed by focusing on creating sustainable communities. Smith’s vision has not only attracted residents who value a more serene and natural setting but also positioned River Bluffs as a model for future developments in Castle Hayne.
River Bluffs: A Model for Sustainable Growth
As Castle Hayne’s infrastructure expands, including a $39.6 million water and sewer project known as the “Last Frontier Project,” Smith believes that responsible growth is essential to maintaining the character of the area. River Bluffs, which has benefitted from modern infrastructure, stands as an example of how future developments can achieve a balance between progress and preservation.
“With the expansion of water and sewer access, growth is inevitable,” Smith noted to StarNews. “But it’s important that we develop in a way that enhances the community without losing the natural beauty that makes Castle Hayne special.” By leading the charge on low-impact development, Smith has ensured that River Bluffs remains a quiet, tranquil space where residents can enjoy both modern amenities and the beauty of their natural surroundings.
Future Projects and a Vision for Castle Hayne
Looking ahead, Smith continues to focus on projects that will benefit Castle Hayne while staying true to his principles of thoughtful development. His newest venture, Moore’s Crossing, promises to bring a blend of residential and commercial spaces to the area. This mixed-use development will provide much-needed amenities like grocery stores and retail spaces, further enriching the Castle Hayne community.
For Smith, projects like Moore’s Crossing are an extension of the work he began with River Bluffs. “Creating communities that people want to live in is about more than just building homes,” he explained to StarNews. “It’s about developing spaces that enhance the quality of life while respecting the environment around them.”
River Bluffs has set the standard for sustainable, low-impact development in Castle Hayne. By staying true to the vision of preserving the natural environment while providing modern infrastructure, the community has successfully created an atmosphere that appeals to those seeking a peaceful, nature-connected lifestyle. Smith’s and the River Bluffs team’s commitment to responsible growth is paving the way for future developments in Castle Hayne, and we hope their leadership in low-impact community development will continue to shape the area for years to come.
Acknowledgment
A special thank you to Wilmington StarNews and Madison Lipe for reaching out to Burrows Smith and allowing him to share his insights into the future of development in Castle Hayne. Their coverage plays an important role in highlighting the thoughtful planning and leadership that continue to shape the community. To read the full article, visit the StarNews website.
Credit: Information referenced from an interview with Burrows Smith in the Wilmington StarNews, published on September 23, 2024.