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There are a number of ways in which the entire master planned community of Viera is sustainable. It begins with The Viera Company’s ability as the master developer to plan the community well in advance. Considerations about the environment, roads, water, etc., are all addressed up front and receive a detailed review through the Development of Regional Impact (DRI) approval process.
Viera is economically sustainable. The development essentially pays for itself with nearly every aspect of infrastructure funded by The Viera Company or those who choose to live in Viera, not the taxpayers of Brevard County. For example, new roads within the community are paid for by The Viera Company. In addition, improvements to roads outside the community that are impacted by its development are also funded in part by The Viera Company. If the community were developed piecemeal as a non-DRI, taxpayers would foot the bill for off-site road improvements necessitated by the new development.
 Viera is environmentally sustainable.
The community’s development model sets aside significant open space and environmental conservation areas that are maintained either through a Community Development District or community association. The Viera Company has proposed the 5,112-acre Viera Wilderness Park in West Viera for wildlife corridors, habitat for certain threatened species and ongoing agriculture that complements the protection of habitat. We are protecting and enhancing both wetlands and uplands on this land, which encompasses almost half of the West Viera property. Additionally, within the proposed Villages in West Viera, wetlands and upland areas will be preserved, and parks and recreational lakes will be located throughout the community. The mixed-use development model, as exemplified by the proposed Villages, enables residents to “work, live and play” close to their homes. A Transportation Management Association in Viera coordinates residents and employers to minimize vehicle use and promote mass transit and car pooling. This includes a park-and-ride within Viera with another soon to come.
Viera’s water system is sustainable. Infrastructure is put in place to maximize the use of re-use water. This system has already been so successful that the County has had zero discharges of treated waste water into the St. Johns River. Viera’s comprehensive and unified storm water management system operates to treat storm water so that the community is neutral with respect to its off-site runoff. The Viera Company monitors treated storm water that is discharged off-site to ensure that it meets applicable requirements.
Viera values the benefits of “green” standards and practices by homebuilders and will promote environmentally sustainable building construction in future phases of development.
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