Trenton 'entire home' pilot to enhance well being, security in low-income properties – New Jersey 101.5 FM

TRENTON — The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities is rolling out what it says is a first-in-the-nation pilot program, within the state’s capital metropolis, to alleviate sure obstacles that may forestall low-income properties from maximizing their vitality effectivity.

Stacy Richardson, deputy director of NJBPU’s division of fresh vitality, mentioned the “Complete Home” title of this system refers back to the holistic method the state is taking to remediate these dwellings’ well being and security hazards.

Many states have vitality effectivity initiatives in place for low-income neighborhoods, she mentioned, together with New Jersey’s Consolation Companions program, for which NJBPU assists in offering vitality upgrades.

However Complete Home intends to take the method not less than a step additional.

“What’s groundbreaking about this program is that plenty of vitality effectivity applications don’t additionally embody well being and security work, so this program is designed to mainly leverage different assets,” Richardson mentioned. “This program is designed to create kind of a one-stop store expertise for residents.”

Based on Richardson, the presence of lead, mildew, asbestos, or structural issues in a house could hold wanted work from being performed, whereas persevering with to hazard residents.

“There’s plenty of want to cut back the vitality consumption in properties, make them extra environment friendly, however generally, and infrequently, properties are turned away from getting that work performed as a result of there are well being and security obstacles,” she mentioned.

In a press launch, NJBPU mentioned Trenton was chosen first, partially, due to excessive childhood lead poisoning and bronchial asthma emergency room go to charges.

Greater than 31,000 of town’s 34,000-plus housing items have been constructed previous to 1980, the board mentioned, with over 24,000 constructed earlier than 1950.

Richardson mentioned if the Trenton pilot proves profitable, it will not simply be different particular person cities that get singled out for consideration subsequent.

“It could be obtainable all through the state, not simply even neighboring cities or cities close to Trenton, however all through the state of New Jersey,” she mentioned.

Trenton residents excited about collaborating within the “Complete Home” program, which is a partnership with The Inexperienced & Wholesome Properties Initiative, can name 410-534-6447 or electronic mail [email protected].

Patrick Lavery is a reporter and anchor for New Jersey 101.5. You may attain him at [email protected]

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