When a new community is planned, there is a large impact on the existing community around it. Schools will see a new batch of children enrolling, roads will have more traffic, and the concern for the environment has become a major issue in the last few decades. All of these subjects must pass the local government before any building permits will be issued, so many development firms now have engineers do studies before they will even consider buying the land.
The work of the engineers is to inform both the developer and the local community what impact their new community will have on the area, and it is a useful tool when seeking permits. Many companies have found it is best to offer to improve roads, add additions to local schools and even work with environmentalists to ensure the community is welcomed by locals. The project might still be relatively unpopular, but improving the community as a whole will help drive sales as well as garner the permits to begin construction.