Long Island Apartment Communities to Earn Green Distinction

By Jeffrey Steele, Contributing Writer

Nassau County, N.Y.—Two Nassau County developments, West 130 and Metro 303, are on track to earn LEED for Homes Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). When that certification is awarded, the properties, both from multifamily developer Mill Creek Residential Trust, will be the first mid-rise multifamily buildings on Long Island to be thus recognized.

A key priority in the design and construction of 130 West and Metro 303 was reducing the development’s impact on human and environmental health in the areas of site development, water savings and efficiency, energy efficiency, construction materials and resources and indoor air quality.

Sustainable elements contributing to the anticipated LEED Gold status for both communities are locations within easy walking distance to mass transit alternatives, smoke-free living throughout the communities, landscaping using drought-resident and indigenous plants, EnergyStar appliances and ventilation fans, high-efficiency air filtration system, high-reflectivity roof material to reduce energy costs and electric car charging stations.

“The resident experience in these buildings is quite similar to living in any other luxury apartment building,” Maria Rigopoulos, MCRT’s managing director, tells MHN.

“However, residents will notice the convenient proximity to Long Island Railroad stations and lower utility costs compared with typical housing options. [Those economies] result from the use of highly efficient appliances and heating, cooling and ventilating systems, as well as other features that minimize energy costs.”

Located on the north edge of the Village of Hempstead in the heart of Nassau County, Metro 303 offers 166 upscale apartments, with a choice of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom floor plans. The four-story building also features two levels of enclosed resident parking. It is a transit-oriented development within easy walking distance to the Country Life Press Long Island Railroad station to the north, as well as to the multi-modal Hempstead LIRR and bus terminal.

West 130, located in West Hempstead, within the Town of Hempstead, N.Y., is a four-story building of 150 apartments featuring one-, two- and three-bedroom upscale floor plans. It also offers private underground parking for residents. A transit-oriented community, it is adjacent to the West Hempstead LIRR station, from which residents can reach New York City’s Penn Station in 50 minutes.

Both buildings feature modern, high-end kitchens.

Luxury common-area amenities offered at both properties include a resident lounge with fireplaces, game area, Wi-Fi, and multiple flat-screen TVs, outdoor pool and sundeck, advanced fitness studio with cardio theater and beautifully manicured courtyards featuring fountains and outside fireside seating.

The most significant challenges the company faced came during the planning and design stages for the two projects, Rigopoulos reports.

“The design and construction teams successfully identified the LEED design elements that had coordination, budgetary and schedule impacts, to ensure seamless execution in the field,” she says.

Metro 303 received the 2012 Award for Housing Choices by Vision Long Island. The award recognized its role in advancing the diversification of much-needed Long Island housing options.

Vision Long Island had earlier bestowed upon West 130 a Smart Growth Award for the development’s role in revitalizing the West Hempstead neighborhood.

Both communities’ convenient locations allow residents to easily access the county’s primary job centers, as well as recreational, retail and entertainment venues. A number of educational institutions, among them Adelphi, Hofstra and Long Island Universities, are short commutes away.

Rigopoulos reports company officials are delighted to deliver the first multifamily developments designed to meet energy standards set by the LEED rating system. “Our decision to make the additional investment in ‘green’ building was driven by the opportunity to provide more sustainable living environments for our residents, and energy savings through efficient appliances and building systems,” she adds.