Sunday, October 19, 2008
Green work force housing in Blacksburg
New River Forum
In response to the Oct. 5 editorial on the proposed affordable housing development in Blacksburg ("Keep affordable housing close to downtown"), I would like to clarify several points on behalf of myself and three members of the Blacksburg Housing and Community Development Advisory Board: Tom Sherman and Susan Anderson, both members of Blacksburg Town Council, and Nola Elliott, board chairwoman.
Over the past two years, Community Housing Partners and the town have contacted local real estate agents and landowners in an effort to locate a viable work force housing site. Multiple sites, including the Harding Avenue location, have been considered, but we believe the Merrimac Road site is best suited to satisfy housing demands, while creating the highest quality, livable community.
While work force housing is desperately needed, we are acutely aware that the homes need to be close to employment, services, shopping, public transportation, schools, places of worship and recreation. Residents of the Merrimac site would have the convenience of having elementary, middle and (proposed) high schools; churches; parks; recreation fields; and grocery and other shopping located one mile or less from their neighborhood.
Blacksburg Transit service would be extended to the site, providing residents with public transportation and easy access to Virginia Tech, downtown Blacksburg and other locations, including Christiansburg and the Smart Way bus. A priority would be given to connecting the development to existing and future off-road walking and bicycle trails, as well as on-road bicycle lanes and sidewalks to Tech, downtown, the Huckleberry Trail and New River Valley Mall area.
The residents of the Merrimac site would have the social and environmental benefits of living in an EarthCraft designed and certified community -- the first such proposed project in Virginia.
Developed by Southface Energy Institute out of Atlanta, EarthCraft Communities is a certification program to assist land developers in identifying and implementing positive environmental practices, resulting in homes that are energy efficient, healthier, more comfortable and protect the environment.
EarthCraft certified homes include an emphasis on walkabililty and bikability, native landscaping, water conservation and quality, and preservation of green spaces and trees. They also implement integrated planning -- the process of bringing all decision-makers and stakeholders together during the design process -- and a third-party verification process, which ensures that the highest standards are met throughout the development.
The standards can also increase the energy efficiency of a home by 30 percent, resulting in a reduction of more than 1,100 pounds of greenhouse gases being introduced into the atmosphere each year.
In addition, homes integrate a systems approach to building that ensures increased comfort and improved indoor air quality in the home.
Finally, by promoting recycling and the use of durable, low-maintenance, recycled and rapidly renewable materials, EarthCraft helps ensure the development conserves natural resources and protects ecosystem biodiversity. For more information visit www.earthcrafthouse.com.
The design and development process for the project would include input from neighbors and interested citizens through charrette sessions with an emphasis on principles of smart growth, infill, anti-sprawl development and environmental stewardship.
The process ensures high quality, attractive housing compatible with the Heathwood, Stroubles Mill and Plymouth Point communities, while providing working individuals such as bank tellers, teachers and law enforcement personnel the opportunity to own their own homes and gain the benefits of wealth creation that home ownership allows.
Once these charrette sessions are scheduled, we will announce them through Blacksburg Alert, on the Community Housing Partners Web site and in mailings to neighbors and others who wish to be notified. Anyone can be added to the notification list by contacting Melissa Byrd at Community Housing Partners, 382-2002, ext. 305 or mbyrd@chpc2.org.
We are proud that there is broad support for developing work force housing in Blacksburg. As the proposed development unfolds, we hope residents will recognize the opportunities affordable housing provide for both working individuals and the entire community.
Janaka Casper is the president and CEO of Community Housing Partners in Christiansburg. Nola Elliott, Tom Sherman and Susan Anderson contributed to this piece.
