As new subdivisions continue to assimilate available land in Greater Portland, there is a growing trend toward keeping some of that land open and available for recreational use. When planning a subdivision, many developers now include in that plan a parcel of land for residents to use and to own in common with one another. I think what is driving that, in all cases, is that the homeowners associations manage the land. The benefits for the developer are clearly economical. In some instances, depending on local requirements, in exchange for setting aside land developers can reduce the lot size and frontages, allowing them to construct shorter roads.
Developers can also cluster homes on land where there are better building sites and soil conditions.
However, good land is often set aside, depending on the needs of the developer and the neighborhood. Also, in most cases, developers can avoid a Maine Department of Environmental Protection review of the project if they keep the number of lots under 15, on 30 acres of land, with some of that land set aside for open space. While it may prove economical for the developer to include common area for a subdivision, it is also becoming a requirement in some towns, such as Gorham. According to Fossum, the developer is required to design the common area for active or passive recreational use. Active recreational use would include such amenities as tennis and basketball courts and playgrounds.