Mitchell & Best has always held in great respect the unique features, wildlife and natural vegetation on those land parcels we have chosen to develop. It is a challenging task to balance the needs of an area's growing population seeking quality affordable housing, with a desire to retain the natural beauty of the land. Over the years, we have taken great efforts to meet those two needs simultaneously, as evidenced by the environmental awards received, and by our active participation in the Green Building movement.
Fall 2004 Mitchell & Best receives “Building with Trees” Award, recognition through The Arbor Day Foundation. Awarded for efforts at Endicott Hill and Bancroft, where we took a multi-disciplined approach to saving and planting trees, including (a) storm-water management beyond County or State requirements, (b) creation of central greens, (c) special care in streambeds and ravine areas, (d) erection of stone retaining walls with enhanced landscaping, and (e)overall reforestation. Winter 2005 Marty Mitchell is a featured speaker at the National Green Building Conference. Spring 2005 Red Maple Award, recognition through the Department of Natural Resources. Efforts included reclaiming damaged site, preserving large forested areas, maintaining wildlife corridors, expanding stream valley buffers, and creating Deed of Conservation Easement. 2003 - Present Marty Mitchell, Deputy CEO, Vice President Land and Business Development, has taken a very active role at the state and national level in the issues of green development and building:
- Member of Green Building Task Force of the State of Maryland Department of Housing Community Development
- Environmental Issues Committees of NAHB nine of last ten years
- Co-Chair of Greater Washington Builder Expo and Green Building Committee of MNCBIA for three years
- Participated on the EPA-All Appropriate Inquiry Committee for NAHB
- Served on the Smart Growth Advisory Group for NAHB
- Served as Environmental Issues Committee Chair 2003
- Served on NAHB EPA Stormwater Task Force
2009 Marty Mitchell receives designation as Certified Green Professional. 2009-2010 In 2009, Mitchell & Best places a large parcel of land in Western Loudoun County into a conservation easement with an average density of one home per 50 acres. Putting the land in conservation easement ensures that views and open space will be preserved in perpetuity, and land use will be restricted to specific agricultural or farming uses only. The successful recordation of the plat took place in 2010, and the community, Airmont Farms, now contains 14 picturesque conservation lots.
