Affordable Housing Goes Green

Local, state, and federal officials joined residents of the Stony Brook Apartments to celebrate its $33 million green renovation on Thursday, the county's first renovation of affordable garden apartments.

The Community Preservation and Development Corporation (CPDC) joined forces with the Virginia Housing Development Authority (VDHA) and Capital One Bank to fund the project.

"HUD is very pleased to see nonprofit developers like CPDC take a leadership role in using green building techniques to preserve affordable housing, create good jobs, and bring aging properties up to today's green standards," remarked Carol Galante, Acting Federal Housing Administration Commissioner.

Stony Brook Apartments consists of five mid-rise brick apartment buildings and 204 apartments that now meet EarthCraft House Virginia Multifamily Standards. A new community center was constructed with a green roof. A solar hot water system reduces electricity consumption by 15 percent, and all apartments have new kitchens and bathrooms with energy efficient appliances and lighting.

Additionally, CPDC developed an education program to help residents lower utility costs and reduce their carbon footprint. The "Teens Going Green at Stony Brook" encourages teens to take a leadership role in teaching other residents good environmental habits. CPDC also helps Stony Brook residents prepare for higher-paying jobs through ESL classes, computer training classes, and a career skills class.

"CPDC has always been committed to not only preserving the community's all-important stock of affordable housing, but also to offering the services that will help residents succeed and be part of the economic mainstream," said CPDC President and CEO J. Michael Pitchford. "It's gratifying to see our efforts here are already transforming lives, particularly when you see the positive impact on the youth of the community."