Archive: Around Town

Tompkins Community Action (TCAction) participated this fall in a project that pairs affordable housing and renewable energy for the first time in Ithaca.   The project offers a successful, positive example of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds.

The Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency, acting on behalf of the City, allocated the City’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds to Community Housing of Ithaca for the construction of a new duplex, including the renewable and energy efficiency portion completed by TCAction.  “This project is a result of a successful partnership between CHI, TCAction, and the City, combining federal Recovery Act funds, local talent and technical expertise to advance the goal of affordable housing and a more sustainable community,” says Sue Kittel of the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency.

The new duplex meets Energy Star standards, complete with high degrees of insulation, a 95% efficient heating system, and a domestic water system that will be heated by solar panels on the roof.  Together, these measures should mean very low utility bills for the tenants, even in the winter.

Each of the 3-bedroom units is being rented to families at or below 80% of the area median income.  Rent limits are set by HUD as well, with each spacious apartment renting for less than $933.00.  “Including these properties, Community Housing of Ithaca, Inc. (CHI) has built or renovated 12 units of affordable housing in the City of Ithaca since 2003 as well as the development of the Homeless Shelter and Friendship Center on State Street” explains Charles Guttman, one of CHI’s Board Members.

TCAction has provided energy efficiency to low-income households for over thirty years, first through the federally-funded Weatherization Assistance Program. Several years ago the agency began providing services through NYSERDA-funded programs as well as to people just wanting energy audits or home repairs that would make a home more efficient.

For this project, the TCAction building technicians researched and installed the solar components, the boiler system, and high density insulation to the walls and attic.  One estimate, based on HERS rating calculations, indicates the building could cost less than $250 per unit for heat and hot water – for an entire year.

“Like other Community Action Partnerships around the country, TCAction is interested in becoming a part of the move toward renewable energy”, says TCAction Executive Director Lee Dillon.  “It’s a big part of our world’s future and the new technologies go hand in hand with energy efficiency.  Together, long-term sustainable, affordable communities are possible, especially with the talent and interest we have here in Ithaca”.

Community members joined officials from the City, TCAction and CHI at an open house yesterday.

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