Prichard receives grant for going green

PRICHARD, Ala. (WALA) - The Housing Authority of the City of Prichard (HACP) was awarded $1,103,100 by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the “Creation of an Energy Efficient, Green Community”.

The funds were appropriated in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Capital Fund Competitive Grant. HACP has constructed six replacement housing units for dwelling units previously demolished at Bessemer Avenue Apartments in the HOPE VI Revitalization Program. These units represent green building design and construction technologies that will effectively demonstrate increased energy efficiency, healthy, safe living environments, lower utility costs, utilization of renewable energy resources and conservation of energy, water, materials and natural resources.

This program incorporates renewable energy sources, green design and green construction technologies to produce a benchmark project of affordable housing.

The HOPE VI Family Green Community includes the following green and sustainable design and construction elements:

• Smart Site Location (new construction in an existing development/ use of passive solar heating/cooling)
• Installation of PV panels that provide at least 10% of each units estimated electricity demand
• Ventilation System
• Implementing a Construction Waste Management Plan
• 25% recycled and salvaged building materials where appropriate
• Energy Star modeling and integration including appliances and lighting
• Green Label certified healthy flooring materials (non-carpet and non-vinyl flooring)
• Low-VOC paints, sealants, and adhesives
• Enhanced insulation
• Energy efficient windows
• Energy Star-compliant and high emissive roofing
• Water-conserving appliances and fixtures
• Compact, basic housing design, offering free flow of air and natural lighting
• Sustainable landscaping using native plants that require minimal care and yield savings in water
• Energy efficient landscaping by locating trees and plants to provide shade in the summer and allow for heat gain in the winter.
• Occupant’s manual outlining green building features and encouraging green activities

HACP’s development team includes the program architect, Major L. Holland, the general contractor, Ladas Construction, LLC., Program Consultant, John Helm, Program Coordinator, Charles Hall and Executive Director, Charles Pharr.

Reverend Michael Howard, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners, summarized the Green initiative by stating, “Focusing on housing authority’s mission to produce safe, decent affordable housing and embracing HUD’s directives to become more energy efficient.

This compact durable new development will help protect and conserve environmental resources, while ensuring residents a healthy and energy efficient lifestyle."

Prichard plans an open house to show off the HOPE VI Family Green Community Wednesday, May 11th, at 11 a.m. The community is located at the intersection of Main and Ossia Edwards Streets.