STORRS CENTER PROJECT REACHES NEW MILESTONE
Author: Melanie Savage, Reminder News
08/22/2008
Website: http://www.remindernews.com/node/7/&town=windhammansfield&url=BROADN-2008-08-22-7-Ar00700
MANSFIELD, Conn. (August 22, 2008) - With the approval of sustainability guidelines by the Mansfield Downtown Partnership Planning and Design Committee, the Storrs Center project has reached a new milestone. “They really represent a set of design and sustainability guidelines that are custom made for Storrs,” said Macon Toledano, of Leyland Alliance , LLC, the master developer for the downtown project. Leyland Alliance developed the guidelines in conjunction with Steven Winter Associates, out of Norwalk. “Steven Winter Associates is one of the leading experts in the LEED standards, and one of the top experts in green building guidelines,” said Toledano . LEED for Homes, according to the Winter Assoc. Web site, is “a voluntary rating system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, that promotes the design and construction of a “green” home … that uses less energy, water, and natural resources; creates less waste; and is healthier and more comfortable for its occupants.”
LEED is just one way that the project seeks to be environmentally conscious. “Most of the site is dedicated to a conservation area,” said Toledano, “with only 1/3 dedicated to buildings, and the remainder remaining undeveloped.” Dr. Michael Clemens, a local ecologist, was consulted regarding the protection of native flora and fauna during and after construction . “In developing a storm water management plan, we took into consideration the ecology of the environment, and took measures to protect the wetland environment and its inhabitants,” said Toledano . One concern particular to Mansfield is water conservation. “We’ve dedicated a lot of time to considering the water conservation issues particular to the area,” said Toledano. Another specific concern was night-sky pollution. “We’re talking about a wonderful, rural area here,” said Toledano. “We needed to be careful to limit our night-time lighting, so as to provide a safe level of lighting for the public, while impacting the night sky view as little as possible.”
Protecting the environment is just part of a bigger picture of sustainability. “We are trying to create a place that will be a vital part of the community for the long term,” said Toledano. Toward that end, the project will include commercial spaces and office spaces, as well as pedestrian access, bike access, and a town square. “We want to connect the downtown area integrally with the life of the town,” said Toledano. “ We want to create a pleasant space that is central to the town, where long-time residents and university students alike will want to spend time as part of the community.”
The guidelines for Storrs Center are unique. “There were no sustainability guidelines for entire neighborhoods,” said Toledano. Speaking on behalf of the Mansfield Downtown Partnership, Executive Director Cynthia van Zelm said, “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.” To view the Storrs Center sustainability guidelines in their entirety can be found on the Mansfield Downtown Partnership Web site at www.mansfieldct.org/town/departments /downtown_partnership.
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