Kellett says there are more desirable patterns of development. Some cities have reduced water pollution by retaining natural waterways and incorporating them into neighborhoods. The publication also examines the costs and benefits of each approach. The guidelines compare two alternative plans with a traditional approach to neighborhood design. Both alternatives provide more residences, more open land and create less pollution than the traditional approach.
Professionals working on neighborhood and environmental design have high praise for the guide.
The City of Eugene is applying many of the techniques in the UO guide to a proposed new development in the Bethel area. The Oregon Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects awarded the publication an Honor Award for Research the only one awarded to a project from the public sector. The US Department of Agriculture's National Urban and Community Forest Advisory Council also will feature the guide in a report.