Totally Tamsen: Intervale Green Brings Eco-Friendly Conscious Living The Bronx
PIX's Tamsen Fadal visits Intervale Green, Women's Housing and Economic Development Corporation's (WHEDCo) newest, green affordable housing complex. It will become home to 400 low-income and formerly homeless New Yorkers.
Built on a devastated lot in the South Bronx at the site of President Jimmy Carter’s historic visit in 1977, WHEDCo’s design standards for Intervale Green reflect the organization’s belief that living somewhere beautiful can have a profound impact on a family’s mental and physical health.
The complex brings half an acre of vegetation and new street level commercial activity to the community. Residents will enjoy two courtyards and green roofs for vegetables and gardens, and the neighborhood will enjoy a dramatic public sculpture garden.
READ MORE AFTER THE JUMP...
Built with environmentally friendly and healthy materials, Intervale Green will be the largest high rise affordable housing building in the country to achieve the ENERGY STAR certification, using 33% less energy than an already efficient building. Easing the burden on low income families already bearing the brunt of a jobless economy, tenants at Intervale Green will save up to 30% in annual utility bills.
WHEDCo recently launched www.movingday.org, an interactive website to help furnish each apartment, and will provide on-going services to help families settle into their new community.
For more information, visit www.whedco.org.
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Comments: 2
Why place such a building in a crime and drug related area. It should be placed in a area where it is safe for women and children. People really need to do their research about the neighborhoods they are about to embark on. The idea is great for people who are trying to re-live their lives. But I would not live that neighborhood.
Ms. Johnson, thank you very much for your comment.
WHEDCo recognizes that the neighborhoods we work in--like so many others across the City, still have challenges to overcome. That's exactly why we choose to work there--to help provide services that residents would otherwise not be able to access, like healthy affordable housing.
But we're not just building 'green' affordable housing in the neighborhood around Intervale Green: we're also promoting overall community development.
WHEDCo is working with area businesses to help improve the commercial areas and create a more vibrant neighborhood that people feel comfortable shopping in.
By increasing the neighborhood's population, we help put more 'eyes on the street', which can help deter crime. A desolate area with few residents invites crime.
We are also working with the local police precinct, area non-profits and residents to plan ways to improve safety and combat crime in the neighborhood.
WHEDCo advocates for services on behalf of residents, including lobbying elected officials in Albany and New York City to stop dangerous budget cuts to health, education and social services; opposing the MTA's proposed elimination of Station Agents at three stations in the neighborhood; and requesting that the DOT survey additional street lighting needs along Southern Boulevard.
We're constantly collaborating with area organizations, residents, business owners, and NYC agencies on neighborhood planning that encourages youth development, education, crime prevention, employment, community greening, entrepreneurship and business attraction.
You seem familiar with the area. Perhaps you know of an organization that might also want to participate? We welcome your suggestions. Please visit our website at www.whedco.org for more information on our services.