Charlotte County community dubbed ‘City of the Future’

You’ll find solar trees throughout the heart of Babcock Ranch, and electric vehicle charging stations in every home.

It’s out-of-the box ideas like these that are helping Babcock Ranch exceed the “city of the future’s” sustainable expectations.

“We’ve accelerated past what even the original vision was,” said Babcock Ranch President Rick Severance. “I don’t think we’ve had to pull back on any of our expectations. If anything, the group has continued to challenge each other as to what is possible.”

A massive solar field will eventually power nearly 20,000 homes.

Additionally, there will be a self-driving shuttle service to transport families within the community.

“It’s like complacency is just not in anybody’s vocabulary here,” said Wes Thompson, director of development for one of Babcock Ranch’s developers.

“What you see makes a big difference in how the house lives from the front porch all the way to the rear lanai and backyard like you see here,” said Thompson.

He said homeowners could expect to save $600-$700 per year in energy costs, a big payoff for their investment in eco-technology to further Babcock Ranch’s sustainable promises.

“Being forward thinking and what a better place to do that in kind of the city that is the city of the future, that sees anything is possible,” said Severance.

http://www.nbc-2.com/story/35944203/charlotte-county-community-dubbed-city-of-the-future