Ground Broken for Towson Green Townhouses near Baltimore

Towson, Md.–Bozzuto Homes has broken ground for Towson Green, a new sustainable townhome development in Baltimore County. The project is on a nine-acre site in unincorporated Towson and will offer 121 new residences.

More than a year ago, Bozzuto Homes, a subsidiary of the Bozzuto Group, began working with the Chesapeake Fund to determine the environmental impact of the storm-water runoff and energy usage of the proposed development. The Chesapeake Fund was able to offer recommendations for ways to reduce the development’s environmental impact on the Chesapeake Bay, which Bozzuto is now implementing.

These steps include the installation of underground sand filters that will treat storm water to reduce its phosphorous and nitrogen loads; creation of a rain garden, a bio-retention area consisting of aquatic plantings that will also treat storm water run-off, complete with walkways and benches; and the implementation of sustainable design, construction and finishes for the project, as well as the inclusion of Energy Star appliances. The developers will also create an eco-friendly landscape maintenance manual for homeowners, as well as optional electric-vehicle charging stations.

The sustainability of the project will enable it to achieve the NAHB National Green Building Standard silver level. According to Michael Luzier, president and CEO of the NAHB Research Center, buyers don’t have to take the builder’s word for the green aspects of Towson Green. “The homes are designed and  constructed to meet the standard, and every one will be twice-inspected” to ensure that the homes deliver on these green promises, he says.

“We anticipate that Towson Green’s eco-friendly features and options–and it will be one of the most environmentally-conscious communities in Maryland–will appeal to the growing number of residents who want a lifestyle that has minimal impact on the environment,” a spokeswoman for Bozzuto tells MHN. “Given the community’s close proximity to restaurants, shops and entertainment destinations, residents will also be more inclined to walk, bike or take mass transit rather than driving their car.”