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A new report states, “Policies with walkability and other environmental sustainability metrics as their primary focus run the risk of disproportionately concentrating lower-income people in high-poverty neighborhoods with relatively meager educational and job opportunities.”
Located in the D.C. Highlands Neighborhood, the Wheeler Terrace Apartments’ geothermal system has reduced energy consumption by 25%. In a ribbon cutting ceremony in late September 2010 – that could only be described as a collective, “Yes We Can!” – the project’s partners were ecstatic as they announced this lastest glory moment. After the required year of operation, the project had exceeded the criteria needed to earn the coveted U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Gold certification. Only four years ago, Wheeler Terrace was planned for demolition when its Section 8 residences decided to rescue themselves.
Concerns about the rising demand by multifamily housing for FHA mortgage insurance have pushed HUD into announcing revisions to the FHA underwriting, standards and policies. This is a brief synopsis of those changes with a link for the full mortgagee letter.
Ron Sims, Deputy Secretary of HUD, testified in support of S. 1379, the Energy Efficiency Housing Act of 2009. HUD’s newest initiatives have some perks for multi and single family housing owners.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) made an announcement June 3rd, 2010, that it will allocate $58.6 million to help homeless veterans in the form of housing vouchers.
Garfield Hills Apartments, the latest recipient of $1.5 million in Green Retrofit monies, will get more than a face lift. Residents will soon enjoy features that range from low-flow toilets to Formaldehyde-free bathroom cabinets.
The new regulations for multifamily mortgage lenders who benefit from FHA insurance guarantees will now be following similar requirements recently imposed on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac lenders.
Homeowners have been reporting corrosion or blackening of metal in or on electrical fixtures, appliances, plumbing and air conditioning coils. There have also been very extensive complaints of children and adults being sickened by suspected fumes and emissions from the defective drywall. Find the links, latest science updates and an application form to report your faulty drywall claim.
As of April 22, 2010, any employee or contractor who performs renovations, repairs and/or painting in a residential structure, child care facility or school built prior to 1978 will be required to have EPA-accredited training. Incidentally, this includes apartments.
A critical element for green property owners to consider is how to implement a comprehensive workforce development program. Even if your manager is sympathetic to your sustainability goals, he or she will need to understand – and you will need to clarify – your priorities for implementation.
