FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 5, 2008
Contact: Harry Lassiter
(212) 688-4800
Cynthia van Zelm
(860) 429-2740
STORRS CENTER SUSTAINABILITY GUIDELINES, PROVIDING “BLUEPRINT”
FOR GREEN DEVELOPMENT, ARE APPROVED BY
MANSFIELD DOWNTOWN PARTNERSHIP BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Goal for project is to become a model for Connecticut and the country.
Storrs, CT… At a meeting today of the Mansfield Downtown Partnership Board of Directors, the Sustainability Guidelines for the Storrs Center development were approved by a unanimous vote. The Guidelines, which establish the parameters for a sustainable approach to planning and constructing the new mixed-use, “Main Street” development at Storrs, are based on the principles of responsible growth and sustainable building practices.
Presented in a comprehensive, detailed report, the Sustainability Guidelines were prepared by the Master Developer for the project, LeylandAlliance, and Steven Winter Associates , working in close association with the Partnership’s Planning and Design Committee. The Committee will be responsible for monitoring the implementation of the Guidelines throughout the life of the development.
Notably, the project has also been entered into a LEED for Neighborhood Development (LEED-ND) pilot program. The new LEED pilot program has been developed to address many of the issues associated with the development of entire neighborhoods that are comprised of numerous buildings and significant site development components. With the increased focus on smart growth practices and land use strategies, the LEED program is closely aligned with the Storrs Center Sustainability Guidelines.
The Sustainability Guidelines address all aspects of the development, from land planning strategies, ecosystem protection, and storm water management to energy conservation, water use and management, green building materials and environmentally responsible construction methods. Major goals include using land resources intelligently, improving site resource management, conserving materials and resources in the construction process, improving energy efficiency, enhancing indoor air quality, and creating healthy, desirable neighborhoods with a lasting and appealing sense of place.
The Storrs Center Master Plan, which has been thoroughly reviewed and approved by the many parties having jurisdiction over the project, is proceeding towards setting new standards for green development and smart growth. The approved Master Plan embodies many of the goals set forth in the Sustainability Guidelines. The Storrs Center development will be a compact, mixed-use neighborhood at the civic heart of Mansfield. Located on a concentrated, redeveloped site within walking distance of the University of Connecticut and
the major institutions of the Town of Mansfield, the plan focuses on pedestrian oriented activities and active public spaces for community interaction. As the project proceeds, the Sustainability Guidelines will provide standards for each aspect of the design and construction of the project.
Speaking for the Mansfield Downtown Partnership, the organization guiding the Storrs Center development, Executive Director Cynthia van Zelm stated, “Sustainability has always been a key component of the vision for Storrs Center and reflects the community’s ideals. We believe the Guidelines will be a model for projects developed in small communities all over the United States.” Macon Toledano, Vice President of Planning and Development for LeylandAlliance, adds, “It is an exceptional experience for LeylandAlliance to work in a community like Mansfield that shares with us a progressive attitude towards the principles of smart growth and environmental stewardship and a belief in the long term value of places that support active, pedestrian-oriented civic life.”