The creation of a Selma subdivision with houses, townhouses and a community center that utilizes green spaces seems almost like something out of a dream.

Mayor James Perkins Jr., though, is a believer.

Chris Samuels, a member of the Washington Redskins, announced in June 2003 that his company, CRS Development, would build the subdivision over the next five years. Armstead W. Joyner, the engineer with CRS Development, met with Perkins on Friday to discuss aspects of the plan. Perkins said his office would announce the specific date of the site’s ground-breaking in the near future. It is tentatively set for March or April.

Joyner said preliminary plans for the development had been submitted to various city officials and utility companies. The next step is to apply for building permits.

According to Joyner, the building will be done in phases. The subdivision will include one- and two-bedroom homes as well as a community center and an assisted living facility for the elderly. A structure already sits on the site of the community center, but Joyner noted it would be incorporated into the new building. &uot;We’re saving the house that’s already on the property,&uot; he said.

The community building will feature administrative offices, classrooms, multi-purpose rooms and a kitchen. The assisted living facility will boast a community room, a medical exam room and a therapeutic pool.

Twenty townhouses and 43 single-family homes are planned for the subdivision. Each will utilize heating and cooling technology not yet seen in the South, according to Joyner.

The core exterior portions of the home will have structurally insulated panels. &uot;Just this alone will reduce the heating and cooling bill by using this particular system,&uot; Joyner said.

The panels will be complemented by a geothermal method of heating and cooling instead of conventional methods. A Volteck roofing system, which gains energy from the sun, will be used to help when electrical problems occur. &uot;We’re looking at that method,&uot; Joyner said. &uot;It’ll be a backup if you have a power outage.&uot;

Joyner emphasized that materials for the buildings’ facades would come from Henry Brick Company. &uot;We’re trying to use Selma’s businesses as much as possible,&uot; he said. The subdivision is surrounded by 20 to 25 feet of natural buffer. The perimeter will include walking trails and provide the subdivision’s green space.

Joyner said a number of cedar trees will be removed, but they may become cedar closets. The homes are expected to range in price from $90,000 to $120,000. Interested parties can learn more by contacting Town & Country Real Estate at 872-1122.