While the longstanding battle between New Yorkers who live in New York and those who live in New Jersey continues, a new development in the Garden State is presenting a strong case for the latter.
Demand, says developer Dean R. Mon, president and CEO of D.R. Mon Group, has spurred the need for residential development in New Jersey. It’s a densely populated state situated next to one of the largest and most vibrant cities in the world—a city that is a hub of financial activity as well as an entry point to the United States for immigrants seeking better employment opportunities.
In building Jaclyn Heights, a development located in West New York, New Jersey, Mon hoped to satisfy the need for housing in the New York metropolitan area and offer an example of green urban living. “We believe in striking a balance between the environment and need of people to have affordable and healthy housing,” says Karolina Alvarez, green project manager for D.R. Mon Group.
Jaclyn Heights, which has 55 condominiums in two buildings, will be certified under LEED for Homes, NAHB Green, and Energy Star programs. “It’s one of the few condominium communities in New Jersey that meets the standards for all three certifications,” Alvarez says.
The units were designed with sustainable elements that aren’t readily available in today’s market. High-efficiency, split-system heat pumps from Goodman were used in the building’s HVAC system because of their SEER 15 rating. Combined with energy-saving programmable thermostats and leak-free ductwork, the HVAC system operates at peak efficiency.
Energy use is further reduced with Energy Star-rated GeoSpring hybrid hot-water heaters, which use up to 62 percent less energy than standard water heaters and can save tenants up to $325 a year, and Energy Star-rated Whisper ceiling-mounted ventilation fans controlled by AireTrak bathroom fan controllers that set fans to operate intermittently or continuously at variable speeds as needed. The kitchen cabinets were certified by the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association Environmental Stewardship Program, which addresses recycled content, air quality, and recyclability among other features. And Guardian fiberglass insulation and the building’s paints, adhesives, and carpets are all VOC-free.
The final significant feature is the development’s walkability. “It’s close to shops, restaurants, offices—everything a resident needs—and also has easy access to public transportation,” Alvarez says. Given its urban setting, ease of access, and sustainable features, Jaclyn Heights in West New York offers a green lifestyle to a growing population.
