City Breaks Ground On Affordable Green Housing Subdivision

City Breaks Ground On Affordable Green Housing Subdivision

Date of Record: May 3, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 1, 2006

For additional information, contact:
Lisa Abbott, Director, Housing and Neighborhood Development Department, City of Bloomington, 349-3401
Maria K. Heslin, Communications Director, City of Bloomington, 349-3569

Bloomington, IN -- Mayor Mark Kruzan announced today that the City of Bloomington's Department of Housing and Neighborhood Development (HAND) is building a new, affordable green housing project called EverGreen Village. Kruzan made the announcement at a groundbreaking ceremony to kick off the project at 2300 S Rockport Road, Bloomington.

[image:2156,right]"This is one of the most exciting housing projects the City has yet to undertake," Kruzan said. "It fits right into our commitment to pursuing a sustainable community and providing affordable housing. We hope the development will serve as a model for other communities across the nation."

EverGreen Village is a 12-unit affordable housing subdivision built on City of Bloomington property. The subdivision will be a green-built, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) pilot project.

The LEED Green Building Rating System is a voluntary national standard for sustainable buildings. The subdivision homes will range from two to four bedrooms and will be constructed to meet LEED standards.

The project will include the following features:

• a state-of-the-art stormwater system that incorporates rain gardens and a naturalized creek;
• a walking path constructed using pervious pavement;
• photovoltaic panels that convert sunlight into direct current electricity;
• a passive solar design;
• energy star appliances; and
• limestone and cement board siding for the exterior.

The housing units will be sold to households at or below 80 percent area median income. All potential home owners will be required to successfully complete the Home Buyer's Club program offered by HAND and additional educational components regarding specific information on passive solar systems, photovoltaic panels and rain gardens.

"This project is an ideal place to demonstrate solar power because it will help lower the energy bills of those who need it most," said Duke Energy Indiana President Kay Pashos. "Here in the Midwest we primarily rely on coal to produce our power, and it's important to explore projects such as this that demonstrate alternative energy."

HAND collaborated with a number of community partners for the development of this project including Veazey, Parrott, Durkin & Shoulders, J.F. New, Duke Energy (formerly Cinergy), Bybee Stone, Lowe's, Monroe Bank, and Bledsoe Riggert & Guerrettaz. Many City departments also have contributed to this project including Planning, Public Works and Utilities.

EverGreen Village Main Page
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