EPA and HUD Recognize HRHA for Energy Efficiency

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have awarded Hampton Redevelopment and Housing Authority (HRHA) the 2009 Regional ENERGY STAR Award for Excellence in Affordable Housing in recognition of its efforts to provide energy-efficient housing for low-income residents. HRHA was recognized at an awards ceremony on April 14^th at 1:30 pm at one of the energy–efficient homes located at 320 Union Street, Hampton. 

“I am very pleased that our staff members are being recognized for their efforts to build energy efficient homes,” said Frank Lofurno, Executive Director of the Hampton Redevelopment and Housing Authority (HRHA).  “In addition to these efforts, we have supported HUD's initiative to utilize ENERGY STAR products in all of our renovations and improvements to our residential communities.” 

Since 2001, HRHA built 58 single-family homes for low and moderate income families and has incorporated energy efficiency including Energy Star features of effective insulation, high performance windows and doors, air sealing, efficient duct systems, efficient heating and cooling systems, qualified appliances, advanced lighting packages and water saving water closets, shower heads, faucets, and aerators which exceed the federal utility conservation measures.  While the additional construction expense of $4,644 per unit increases the cost per unit by 3%, the homebuyer saves $657 annually resulting in a break-even point of slightly more than seven years. 

“The Green Initiative has been a priority for our Board of Commissioners here in Hampton, added Bill Lockard, Director of Construction for the Housing Authority.  “As HRHA explores the possibilities of expanding energy conservation measures in our homes, we will continue to emphasize that ‘a green home begins with Energy Star blue’.”

BLENDING OLD AND NEW IN
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD

Hampton Redevelopment and Housing Authority is in the midst of a downtown neighborhood revitalization.  For the past few years, HRHA has worked with the City of Hampton to acquire vacant lots and substandard structures in Olde Hampton and Pasture Point.  We recently began construction of five new homes and two of these homes are in the final stages of completion.   

The architecture of the new homes is designed to blend with the historical significance of the existing homes and are located in one of the oldest neighborhoods in Hampton. The new homes represent the largest influx of residential construction to come to this up and coming neighborhood for years. The sale of the new homes is another step toward the revitalization of two Downtown neighborhoods targeted by HRHA and the Hampton Housing Venture.

 

Each home has over 1,500 SF of living space and at least three bedrooms and two baths.  The first phase of homes will offer a homeownership opportunity for a low to moderate income homebuyer.  The home’s were appraised and priced in the mid $170’s and can be made substantially lower through incentives and programs assisting qualified homebuyers with down payment, closing costs and mortgage rate reductions. 

The next phase of development will be a mixture of affordable housing and market rate housing in Olde Hampton.  This will include construction of additional single family homes in late Spring.  We will also begin renovation of two existing homes on Union Street.  One of these homes has been toured by staff from the State Historic Preservation Office to give insight on historical features that should be preserved.