North Pointe
The North Pointe model in Frederick, Maryland will be completed by the second week of June, 20 11. Having a sixteen week building pace, it rivals that of any Maryland home-builder. The Grand Opening Event is scheduled for mid-June. The end goal for this first GeoSolar Community in Maryland, with 55 Nexus EnergyHomes, is to present a clearly defined and attractive urban, zero-energy alternative to potential home buyers. The classical, yet contemporary, interior design scheme of the model will enhance the traditional downtown exterior feel and aims to target the twenty-five to forty- five year old demographic buying market.
Osprey Pointe
Nexus EnergyHomes recently received full approvals for the development of Queen Anne’s County’s first GeoSolar Community at Osprey Pointe, overlooking a beautiful section of the Chesapeake Bay by the Narrows, on Kent Island. This will be the Nation’s first Carbon-Neutral Waterfront Community and is receiving tremendous support from both the Government and citizens. Naturally, this has created local realtor excitement for the twelve single family home lots and two duplexes, all with magnificent views of the Kent Narrows.
Marketing, Websites and NexusVision
Nexus EnergyHomes now also features three websites online. The main Nexus website address is www.nexusenergyhomes.com. The GeoSolar Communities are located at Osprey Pointe’s website address www.homesatospreypointe.com and North Pointe’s website address is www.homesatnorthpointe.com.
The Nexus EnergyHomes Custom Home Building site will be up and running in the very near future. On site, potential buyers will surf through multiple floor plans that are being added, offering a range of between 1,700 square feet to 4,000 + square feet, with broad spectrum pricing. In the near future, potential customers will have the ability to interactively build their virtual Dream Home online. This will be branded as NexusSelect.
Nexus Vision, the patented interactive home control software system is currently being installed at the Stevensville Headquarters, as well as in the North Pointe Model Home in Frederick, MD, which will monitor each home’s energy intake and output, while allowing every homeowner the ability to manage their usage depending on the time of day and area of the home, both in-house and remotely. Additionally, Nexus Vision will monitor the current customer database and store data into the future, creating a balanced CRM (Contact Relationship Management) system.
Future Projects
Nexus EnergyHomes is currently working with a prominent New Jersey Land Developer to build a 220 Home, 55+ Active Adult Development as a Nexus Net-Zero Energy Geo-Solar Community in Millville, NJ. The property is located midway between Philadelphia and Atlantic City. The site is adjacent to the Land Owner’s proposed 100 acre Solar Farm, and Nexus EnergyHomes will soon enter into negotiations with the Town of Millville for the creation of a complete SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels) Manufacturing Plant.
In downtown Philadelphia, Nexus EnergyHomes is in negotiations for multiple joint ventures to build approximately twelve Net Zero Energy Homes on various downtown sites.
In Northern Virginia, Nexus has signed a consulting agreement to re-design or “energyze”, and supervise the construction of an 8,000 square foot Custom Home. Also in Northern Virginia, near Leesburg, NEXUS is in negotiations for several joint ventures, one on two magnificently placed 8 acre lots in rolling hills – perfect for wrap around verandas to be incorporated into two existing NEXUS EnergyHomes designs.
Negotiations are also underway with the ownership of “WISP” Resorts in Garrett County (Deep Creek Lake) with regard to redesigning their “log construction” style of home, in anticipation of developing a 200 Unit Golf Course Resort, which WISP Ownership wishes to convert into a Nexus GeoSolar NetZero Community.
Near Frederick, Maryland, Nexus EnergyHomes is developing five, one acre Net Zero Homes on Oakdale Acres in Middletown, MD. Also in Frederick, across from the MARC Train Station, NEH has been contacted to develop a Net Zero, 35,000 square foot extension and Product Outlet Store to the current commercial operation, which would result in the existing roof being installed with NEXUS Solar PV Panels.
Lastly, two homebuyers have delivered deposits on two of three available lots at the NEXUS Three Creeks Subdivision on the Eastern Shore. Notably, these Lots have been on the market, with 5 different realtors, for nearly 4 years without an offer. The Nexus EnergyHomes sign went up only 3 weeks ago!
In Summary
The first quarter of 2011, has seen dramatic growth, consistent with the goals in the Nexus EnergyHomes Inc. Business Plan. Future News will cover the Grand Opening of the NEXUS EnergyHomes Headquarters, at 1000 Island Professional Park, Stevensville, Maryland, 21666 on June 2nd, 2011
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Grant Helps Build ‘Green' Homes
$70,000 From State Will Help Pay for Geothermal Heating, Other Features by Tripp Laino Gazette.net Staff Writer
A $70,000 grant from the Maryland Clean Energy Center is helping put "green" homes in Frederick's North Pointe Community, helping foot the bill for the installation of several features.
The program is one of 10 projects selected by the Maryland Clean Energy Center to receive funding assistance supplied by the U.S. Department of Energy through the Maryland Energy Administration.
The grant was called a "pass through" grant by Richard Griffin, Frederick's director of economic development, during a public meeting March 17. In effect, the city receives a $70,000 grant which it then gives to Nexus Energy for constructing the homes. After the homes are sold, the company repays the grant to the Maryland Clean Energy Center by setting aside a portion of each home sold, and the grant money is given to start another green project.
"They've already put most of the stuff into these homes. We suspect that this is going to be repaid fairly quickly, though they have provisions to pay it back over two years at a certain percent per house," Griffin said at the meeting.
According to the documents presented as background for the city's public meeting, the North Pointe area, at the intersection Bentz and Lord Nickens Streets and was originally made up of "146 public housing units which were demolished due to their poor condition and health, safety, welfare issues."
The new development will have 97 housing units, including 27 public housing units and 15 rental units, which have already been completed, according to the documents. The last 55 units are being built by Nexus Energy Homes, and will be sold to the general public.
The mission of the Maryland Clean Energy Center is promote clean energy economic development and jobs by educating consumers, assisting businesses and advising policymakers, according to a press release.
"These programs are intended to try to assist local government with projects that advance renewable energy in the community," Griffin said. "This project, being located right downtown, as an infill project, on a former public housing site, will have a lot of visibility in the community and the intent is to try to advance energy-efficient homes."
The homes have myriad environmentally friendly features, including resource conservation, such as power and water, and energy-efficient heating and cooling systems. According to a press release announcing the grant, the homes have solar and geothermal power generation, smart operating systems and energy efficient materials to generate as much or more energy than the home consumes, creating a "net-zero" demand on local energy supplies. In the case of excess energy, the power is sold back to the utility company.
The geothermal system uses a closed loop that passes a refrigerant into the ground, where the temperature is a constant 68 degrees. It is then brought through the system into the house, where it is raised to room temperature.
Green homes cost more to build, but the price of the Nexus homes are on par with average home prices in Frederick city according to Paul Zanecki, president of Nexus Energy Homes. Zanecki said the homes are within five to seven percent of their traditionally built counterparts, but that some of that cost can be made up by tax credits. He said cost estimates of green products are often inaccurate, due to the ever-decreasing costs in production.
"A lot of the energy products that are being used today are distinctly different in terms of cost and price then they were even a few years ago," Zanecki said. "If you took two-year-old costs, as many people do, and applied them today, you could be off by as much as 50 to 60 percent."
Zanecki said the builders chose Frederick because of the prime location downtown, and said it would be a great addition for the company. "It was a location that was an opportunity," he said. "...It's near the center of the city and adjacent to so many amenities like the hospital and the college. Everything combined we thought it would be a great addition to a developing portfolio."
The project is scheduled to be completed at the end of April, and that there would be a grand opening type of event in mid-May, but no date has been set.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Homes in Frederick to Receive Clean Energy Funding
1 of 10 Innovative Projects Selected in Maryland
Rockville, MD, March 15 – Governor Martin O’Malley announced today that $70,000 will become available to help leverage construction of affordable net-zero energy homes in the community of North Pointe in the City of Frederick. The development is one of 10 clean energy projects across the state selected by the Maryland Clean Energy Center to receive funding assistance supplied by the U.S. Department of Energy through the Maryland Energy Administration.
“These award recipients truly represent an investment in the talents and skills of our people,” said Governor O’Malley. “I’d like to congratulate them for their hard work and recognize the Maryland Clean Energy Center for demonstrating a commitment to building our shared energy future. Together, we can continue to make Maryland a leader in clean energy by establishing vital partnerships, providing resources and incentives for our families and workforce, creating jobs and fueling innovation.”
The North Pointe community is a unique mixed-income infill neighborhood being developed in Frederick as a partnership between the City of Frederick’s housing authority and Annapolis-based Nexus EnergyHomes, with support from county, state and federal agencies. The $70,000 award will be used to satisfy minimum equity requirements and leverage additional private sector investment in building new, affordable net-zero energy homes. The investment is also expected to provide a return to the Maryland Clean Energy Center that can be used for future projects.
The affordable net-zero energy homes built by Nexus EnergyHomes utilize solar and geothermal power generation, smart operating systems and energy efficient materials to generate as much or more energy than the home consumes, creating a “net-zero” demand on local energy supplies. The project is also committed to incorporating green building techniques and will showcase the creation of green jobs and the use of cutting-edge energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies.
Among the other clean energy innovation projects selected for funding in Maryland are installation of an energy efficient wind, solar and LED lighting “Eco Pole” on the roof and associated educational display in the Maryland Science Center in Baltimore; a 20-kilowatt wind energy system to launch a Renewable Energy Education Center at the Crain Memorial Maryland State Welcome Center in Charles County; and a solar photovoltaic electric system and touch-screen display at the Clean Energy Technology Incubator at the University of Maryland – Baltimore County.
Awards were also granted to clean energy demonstration projects in public facilities across the state, including a geothermal energy system to increase heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) efficiency at the Fair Hill Nature Center in Cecil County; upgraded HVAC systems and lighting in the Riverdale Park Town Hall in Prince George’s County; retrofitting Easton traffic signals with light-emitting diodes (LED) bulbs in Talbot County; a slip-by-slip metering system for the solar energy project at Crisfield’s Somers Cove public marina in Somerset County; replacement of 92 old lighting fixtures with energy-efficient LED bulbs in the Hagerstown public parking garage in Washington County; and a hydroelectric power plant for the Frostburg public water system in Allegany County. Award funding for all projects is subject to timely fulfillment of all approvals and grant requirements.
The board of the Maryland Clean Energy Center approved 10 awards that demonstrate the incredible range of clean energy solutions and innovations that are occurring in Maryland,” noted the Center’s Executive Director I. Katherine Magruder. With just under half a million dollars in federal funding, we are helping counties and municipalities across the state implement effective, efficient clean energy solutions that show the way to a cleaner, greener future.”
The mission of the Maryland Clean Energy Center is promote clean energy economic development and jobs by educating consumers, assisting businesses and advising policymakers. More information is available at http://MDCleanEnergy.org.
Contacts: Jim Pierobon at jpierobon@mdcleanenergy.org, 301-738-6286.
Or Lauren Miller at Sandy Hillman Communications, 410-616-8944.
Rockville, MD, March 15 – Governor Martin O’Malley announced today that $70,000 will become available to help leverage construction of affordable net-zero energy homes in the community of North Pointe in the City of Frederick. The development is one of 10 clean energy projects across the state selected by the Maryland Clean Energy Center to receive funding assistance supplied by the U.S. Department of Energy through the Maryland Energy Administration.
“These award recipients truly represent an investment in the talents and skills of our people,” said Governor O’Malley. “I’d like to congratulate them for their hard work and recognize the Maryland Clean Energy Center for demonstrating a commitment to building our shared energy future. Together, we can continue to make Maryland a leader in clean energy by establishing vital partnerships, providing resources and incentives for our families and workforce, creating jobs and fueling innovation.”
The North Pointe community is a unique mixed-income infill neighborhood being developed in Frederick as a partnership between the City of Frederick’s housing authority and Annapolis-based Nexus EnergyHomes, with support from county, state and federal agencies. The $70,000 award will be used to satisfy minimum equity requirements and leverage additional private sector investment in building new, affordable net-zero energy homes. The investment is also expected to provide a return to the Maryland Clean Energy Center that can be used for future projects.
The affordable net-zero energy homes built by Nexus EnergyHomes utilize solar and geothermal power generation, smart operating systems and energy efficient materials to generate as much or more energy than the home consumes, creating a “net-zero” demand on local energy supplies. The project is also committed to incorporating green building techniques and will showcase the creation of green jobs and the use of cutting-edge energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies.
Among the other clean energy innovation projects selected for funding in Maryland are installation of an energy efficient wind, solar and LED lighting “Eco Pole” on the roof and associated educational display in the Maryland Science Center in Baltimore; a 20-kilowatt wind energy system to launch a Renewable Energy Education Center at the Crain Memorial Maryland State Welcome Center in Charles County; and a solar photovoltaic electric system and touch-screen display at the Clean Energy Technology Incubator at the University of Maryland – Baltimore County.
Awards were also granted to clean energy demonstration projects in public facilities across the state, including a geothermal energy system to increase heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) efficiency at the Fair Hill Nature Center in Cecil County; upgraded HVAC systems and lighting in the Riverdale Park Town Hall in Prince George’s County; retrofitting Easton traffic signals with light-emitting diodes (LED) bulbs in Talbot County; a slip-by-slip metering system for the solar energy project at Crisfield’s Somers Cove public marina in Somerset County; replacement of 92 old lighting fixtures with energy-efficient LED bulbs in the Hagerstown public parking garage in Washington County; and a hydroelectric power plant for the Frostburg public water system in Allegany County. Award funding for all projects is subject to timely fulfillment of all approvals and grant requirements.
The board of the Maryland Clean Energy Center approved 10 awards that demonstrate the incredible range of clean energy solutions and innovations that are occurring in Maryland,” noted the Center’s Executive Director I. Katherine Magruder. With just under half a million dollars in federal funding, we are helping counties and municipalities across the state implement effective, efficient clean energy solutions that show the way to a cleaner, greener future.”
The mission of the Maryland Clean Energy Center is promote clean energy economic development and jobs by educating consumers, assisting businesses and advising policymakers. More information is available at http://MDCleanEnergy.org.
Contacts: Jim Pierobon at jpierobon@mdcleanenergy.org, 301-738-6286.
Or Lauren Miller at Sandy Hillman Communications, 410-616-8944.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Carbon Neutral Project Set For Grasonville
CBEC praises 'environmentally responsible growth'
By SHAUNA THOMPSON Staff Writer
GRASONVILLE A new waterfront residential development in Grasonville will be the first "carbon neutral" community in Maryland according to developers Jody Schulz of Shore Land Ventures, LLC and Paul Zanecki of Nexus EnergyHomes.
Osprey Pointe at Pierson Corner Road and MD Route 18 just east of the Kent Narrows, is designed to produce as much energy as it uses creating a neutral carbon footprint for the entire project.
"We're focused on reducing the carbon footprint in the built environment and helping reduce the demand for fossil fuels and dependence on foreign oil supplies," said Zanecki, president of Nexus EnergyHomes of Annapolis.
The concept plan, approved by the county planning commission on Nov. 12, includes 11 single family homes, a duplex, open space and common areas. Zanecki explained that while the community may use energy from the grid, it will also provide energy to the grid netting a zero balance at year's end.
Although Zanecki is working on a net zero urban renewal project in Frederick County called North Pointe that will break ground before Osprey, renewable energy was not applied to common areas there, whereas Osprey Pointe is an entire net zero community including common areas, street lighting, pool area and gatehouse, he said.
The developers will use sustainable building techniques and are seeking National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Emerald certification, which is the highest level for residential green building, and Platinum certification, the highest level available from Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).
"Osprey Pointe will meet extraordinary environmental standards within its walls, and with advanced land management techniques, outside its walls," said Zanecki.
The project, entirely inside the 100 year floodplain, includes technology to manage nearly 100 percent of water runoff.
"Land and storm water runoff management will include rain harvesting, underground storm water cisterns, gray water irrigation and extensive native plantings which, combined, will manage nearly 100 percent of water runoff at the site," said Zanecki.
While the energy consumption for the project is considered carbon neutral, Zanecki said the industry has not yet developed building techniques to establish a completely neutral impact but sustainable building techniques come close.
The concept of sustainable building incorporates a variety of strategies during the design, construction and build. The use of green building materials, water conservation and enhanced air quality are included in the considerations, according to Zanecki.
"With advanced air filtration, ventilation and energy recovery systems, the air inside the homes will be akin to a "clean room," which may be particularly important for the many people suffering from respiratory problems," said Zanecki.
The homes will operate from solar and hydrothermal technology and will be constructed of green materials, defined as renewable resources in "Green Building Materials: A Guide to Product Selection and Specification," by Spielel and Meadows, 1999.
According to the Guide, green materials are environmentally responsible due to impact considerations over the life of the product including the environment in which the product originated, was manufactured, will be used in, and its future recycling potential.
The developers said they are working with their neighbor, the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center to improve run off, choose aquatic plantings and to benefit from CBEC's expertise in sustainable building on a similar piece of property.
In January of 2008, CBEC obtained LEED Certification on their new education building and conference center which uses renewable energy and sustainable materials.
In a letter distributed at the Nov 12 meeting, CBEC Restoration Manager, Vicki Paulas highlighted Osprey Pointe's attributes and said she hopes the development will serve as a model for future standards in the county.
"This will be the first development that promotes 100 percent sustainable and environmentally responsible growth within Queen Anne's County," said Paulas.
The proposed construction showcases "green building materials/techniques, Net Zero energy consumption and gray water utilization, all of which ultimately help protect the bay while providing residents with a green living lifestyle," she said.
Jody Schulz, president of Shore Land Ventures, LLC, said he is excited to bring the project to his community and he hopes to break ground in the spring.
"With what we know today about the effects of carbon emissions, responsible development must include utilizing renewable energy and energy conservation in all our building plans," said Schultz, who noted commercial potential as well.
"I am currently working with Nexus to incorporate this technology into commercial development with the Fisherman's Village project at Kent Narrows," said Schulz. "I am also working towards a partnership that would bring a 65 person assisted living facility and child day care center to Kent Island that would also incorporate this technology."
By SHAUNA THOMPSON Staff Writer
GRASONVILLE A new waterfront residential development in Grasonville will be the first "carbon neutral" community in Maryland according to developers Jody Schulz of Shore Land Ventures, LLC and Paul Zanecki of Nexus EnergyHomes.
Osprey Pointe at Pierson Corner Road and MD Route 18 just east of the Kent Narrows, is designed to produce as much energy as it uses creating a neutral carbon footprint for the entire project.
"We're focused on reducing the carbon footprint in the built environment and helping reduce the demand for fossil fuels and dependence on foreign oil supplies," said Zanecki, president of Nexus EnergyHomes of Annapolis.
The concept plan, approved by the county planning commission on Nov. 12, includes 11 single family homes, a duplex, open space and common areas. Zanecki explained that while the community may use energy from the grid, it will also provide energy to the grid netting a zero balance at year's end.
Although Zanecki is working on a net zero urban renewal project in Frederick County called North Pointe that will break ground before Osprey, renewable energy was not applied to common areas there, whereas Osprey Pointe is an entire net zero community including common areas, street lighting, pool area and gatehouse, he said.
The developers will use sustainable building techniques and are seeking National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Emerald certification, which is the highest level for residential green building, and Platinum certification, the highest level available from Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).
"Osprey Pointe will meet extraordinary environmental standards within its walls, and with advanced land management techniques, outside its walls," said Zanecki.
The project, entirely inside the 100 year floodplain, includes technology to manage nearly 100 percent of water runoff.
"Land and storm water runoff management will include rain harvesting, underground storm water cisterns, gray water irrigation and extensive native plantings which, combined, will manage nearly 100 percent of water runoff at the site," said Zanecki.
While the energy consumption for the project is considered carbon neutral, Zanecki said the industry has not yet developed building techniques to establish a completely neutral impact but sustainable building techniques come close.
The concept of sustainable building incorporates a variety of strategies during the design, construction and build. The use of green building materials, water conservation and enhanced air quality are included in the considerations, according to Zanecki.
"With advanced air filtration, ventilation and energy recovery systems, the air inside the homes will be akin to a "clean room," which may be particularly important for the many people suffering from respiratory problems," said Zanecki.
The homes will operate from solar and hydrothermal technology and will be constructed of green materials, defined as renewable resources in "Green Building Materials: A Guide to Product Selection and Specification," by Spielel and Meadows, 1999.
According to the Guide, green materials are environmentally responsible due to impact considerations over the life of the product including the environment in which the product originated, was manufactured, will be used in, and its future recycling potential.
The developers said they are working with their neighbor, the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center to improve run off, choose aquatic plantings and to benefit from CBEC's expertise in sustainable building on a similar piece of property.
In January of 2008, CBEC obtained LEED Certification on their new education building and conference center which uses renewable energy and sustainable materials.
In a letter distributed at the Nov 12 meeting, CBEC Restoration Manager, Vicki Paulas highlighted Osprey Pointe's attributes and said she hopes the development will serve as a model for future standards in the county.
"This will be the first development that promotes 100 percent sustainable and environmentally responsible growth within Queen Anne's County," said Paulas.
The proposed construction showcases "green building materials/techniques, Net Zero energy consumption and gray water utilization, all of which ultimately help protect the bay while providing residents with a green living lifestyle," she said.
Jody Schulz, president of Shore Land Ventures, LLC, said he is excited to bring the project to his community and he hopes to break ground in the spring.
"With what we know today about the effects of carbon emissions, responsible development must include utilizing renewable energy and energy conservation in all our building plans," said Schultz, who noted commercial potential as well.
"I am currently working with Nexus to incorporate this technology into commercial development with the Fisherman's Village project at Kent Narrows," said Schulz. "I am also working towards a partnership that would bring a 65 person assisted living facility and child day care center to Kent Island that would also incorporate this technology."
Friday, August 27, 2010
‘Green Village' Project Begins at Former Public Housing Complex
Duplex homes planned for downtown Frederick are part of federal HOPE VI program
by Katherine Heerbrandt Staff Writer
Touting itself as the first "net zero energy infill community in the nation," Frederick city's North Pointe development has already attracted four potential buyers, even though the homes won't be built until later next year.
The 55 duplex homes are part of the federally funded HOPE VI redevelopment of a former public housing complex on Frederick's North Bentz Street that was razed in 2006. Net zero refers to the home's ability to produce as much energy as it uses, resulting in significant energy savings over time.
"They are so excited about it," said Mike Murphy of Nexus Energy Homes. "They have been waiting in the wings for this to come to fruition. We had people jumping at it the first week we said we were going to take reservation deposits."
Reservation deposits are $1,000, and buyers can choose carpeting and other features. Selling a home site unseen is not easy, said Mike Muren of Mackintosh Realtors. He and a team of three are working to market the green village. While people are fascinated by the concept of a net zero home, he said, "it's difficult to sell a home you can't walk through." A model home will be available for viewing in spring 2011.
The market rate home prices range from $299,000 to $343,000. Twelve of them are earmarked for qualified public housing residents, with mortgage assistance from the Frederick Housing Authority to lower the monthly payments. Mike Muren of Mackintosh Realtors is selling the homes. Buyers can qualify for more than $16,000 in green tax credits. The homes feature geothermal heating and cooling systems and solar panels and are designed to produce as much energy as they use, thus the "net zero" moniker. But the amount of savings depends on the homeowner, Murphy said.
"We would love to say you will save $400 a month, but we can't guarantee it because we can't control people's usage. We give homeowners the tools to go to net zero," he said. Maryland is one of the biggest importers of energy in the country, Murphy said, and there are no solid plans to increase energy production in state. Investing in a net zero home has the potential for exponential savings in the coming years as energy costs increase, he said.
The colonial style homes are three stories high, and range from three to four bedrooms. They feature Energy Star appliances, insulated doors and double pane windows, and will be rated LEED Platinum by the U.S. Green Building Council. The green village is the first to be built by Nexus Energy Homes, who have partnered with The Frederick Housing Authority and the Department of Housing and Urban Development developer TGC/V.
Nexus is also partnering with Frederick Community College's construction management program. Murphy, a builder by trade, said the North Pointe construction will serve as a learning center for FCC students. "We're going to have a lot of fun with the students, bringing them in and teaching them methods that are so much better for the environment."
The project also has a few local investors and is working with Sandy Spring Bank to do construction financing. "We want to keep it as local as possible," Murphy said.
The City of Frederick obtained a HOPE VI grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development in 2002 under then-mayor Jennifer Dougherty. The city had tried twice previously but was unsuccessful in securing the grant. Dougherty credits Sen. Barbara Milkuski (D) with providing the necessary assistance to secure the grant, which was designed to rid the country of the worst of its aging public housing developments.
Residents of the former Hanson-Taney complex were relocated through Section 8 vouchers; others went to other city public housing developments. Only one family of the 146 displaced has returned to the rental housing that's been built so far on the site.
by Katherine Heerbrandt Staff Writer
Touting itself as the first "net zero energy infill community in the nation," Frederick city's North Pointe development has already attracted four potential buyers, even though the homes won't be built until later next year.
The 55 duplex homes are part of the federally funded HOPE VI redevelopment of a former public housing complex on Frederick's North Bentz Street that was razed in 2006. Net zero refers to the home's ability to produce as much energy as it uses, resulting in significant energy savings over time.
"They are so excited about it," said Mike Murphy of Nexus Energy Homes. "They have been waiting in the wings for this to come to fruition. We had people jumping at it the first week we said we were going to take reservation deposits."
Reservation deposits are $1,000, and buyers can choose carpeting and other features. Selling a home site unseen is not easy, said Mike Muren of Mackintosh Realtors. He and a team of three are working to market the green village. While people are fascinated by the concept of a net zero home, he said, "it's difficult to sell a home you can't walk through." A model home will be available for viewing in spring 2011.
The market rate home prices range from $299,000 to $343,000. Twelve of them are earmarked for qualified public housing residents, with mortgage assistance from the Frederick Housing Authority to lower the monthly payments. Mike Muren of Mackintosh Realtors is selling the homes. Buyers can qualify for more than $16,000 in green tax credits. The homes feature geothermal heating and cooling systems and solar panels and are designed to produce as much energy as they use, thus the "net zero" moniker. But the amount of savings depends on the homeowner, Murphy said.
"We would love to say you will save $400 a month, but we can't guarantee it because we can't control people's usage. We give homeowners the tools to go to net zero," he said. Maryland is one of the biggest importers of energy in the country, Murphy said, and there are no solid plans to increase energy production in state. Investing in a net zero home has the potential for exponential savings in the coming years as energy costs increase, he said.
The colonial style homes are three stories high, and range from three to four bedrooms. They feature Energy Star appliances, insulated doors and double pane windows, and will be rated LEED Platinum by the U.S. Green Building Council. The green village is the first to be built by Nexus Energy Homes, who have partnered with The Frederick Housing Authority and the Department of Housing and Urban Development developer TGC/V.
Nexus is also partnering with Frederick Community College's construction management program. Murphy, a builder by trade, said the North Pointe construction will serve as a learning center for FCC students. "We're going to have a lot of fun with the students, bringing them in and teaching them methods that are so much better for the environment."
The project also has a few local investors and is working with Sandy Spring Bank to do construction financing. "We want to keep it as local as possible," Murphy said.
The City of Frederick obtained a HOPE VI grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development in 2002 under then-mayor Jennifer Dougherty. The city had tried twice previously but was unsuccessful in securing the grant. Dougherty credits Sen. Barbara Milkuski (D) with providing the necessary assistance to secure the grant, which was designed to rid the country of the worst of its aging public housing developments.
Residents of the former Hanson-Taney complex were relocated through Section 8 vouchers; others went to other city public housing developments. Only one family of the 146 displaced has returned to the rental housing that's been built so far on the site.
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