Sorry for the late notice--just found out.
Jeanne
The community is invited to join officials from the City, TCAction and
CHI at an open house on Thursday January 28th, from 3:30 to 5:00 PM at
638 Spencer Road, Ithaca, NY.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 25, 2010
Contact: Lee Dillon
Tompkins Community
Action
701 Spencer Road
Ithaca, NY
(607) 273-8816
[email protected]
Tompkins Community Action’s City Solar Project
This fall, Tompkins Community Action (TCAction) participated in an
exciting project that pairs affordable housing and renewable energy for
the first time in Ithaca. The project offers a successful, positive
example of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds.
The Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency, acting on behalf of the City,
allocated the City’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)
funds to Community Housing of Ithaca for the construction of a new
duplex, including the renewable and energy efficiency portion completed
by TCAction. “This project is a result of a successful partnership
between CHI, TCAction, and the City, combining federal Recovery Act
funds, local talent and technical expertise to advance the goal of
affordable housing and a more sustainable community,” says Sue Kittel
of the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency.
The new duplex meets Energy Star standards, complete with high degrees
of insulation, a 95% efficient heating system, and a domestic water
system that will be heated by solar panels on the roof. Together,
these measures should mean very low utility bills for the tenants, even
in the winter.
Each of the 3-bedroom units is being rented to families at or below 80%
of the area median income. Rent limits are set by HUD as well, with
each spacious apartment renting for less than $933.00. “Including
these properties, Community Housing of Ithaca, Inc. (CHI) has built or
renovated 12 units of affordable housing in the City of Ithaca since
2003 as well as the development of the Homeless Shelter and Friendship
Center on State Street” explains Charles Guttman, one of CHI’s Board
Members.
TCAction has provided energy efficiency to low-income households for
over thirty years, first through the federally-funded Weatherization
Assistance Program. Several years ago the agency began providing
services through NYSERDA-funded programs as well as to people just
wanting energy audits or home repairs that would make a home more
efficient.
For this project, the TCAction building technicians researched and
installed the solar components, the boiler system, and high density
insulation to the walls and attic. One estimate, based on HERS rating
calculations, indicates the building could cost less than $250 per unit
for heat and hot water – for an entire year.
“Like other Community Action Partnerships around the country, TCAction
is interested in becoming a part of the move toward renewable energy”,
says TCAction Executive Director Lee Dillon. “It’s a big part of our
world’s future and the new technologies go hand in hand with energy
efficiency. Together, long-term sustainable, affordable communities
are possible, especially with the talent and interest we have here in
Ithaca”.
The community is invited to join officials from the City, TCAction and
CHI at an open house on Thursday January 28th, from 3:30 to 5:00 PM at
638 Spencer Road, Ithaca, NY.
Cindy Martin
Professional Development Director
Tompkins Community Action
701 Spencer Road
Ithaca, NY 14850
Phone: 607-273-8816
Fax: 607-273-3293
_______________________________________________
For more information about sustainability in the Tompkins County area, please
visit: http://www.sustainabletompkins.org/
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