Salvaging an abandoned strip of the city's core wasn't the only benefit of the Olive Street development. Designed according to the EPA's Energy Star standards, the new residents are saving as much as 40 percent on their utility bills thanks to efficiency tactics like high-grade insulation and earth-friendly appliances. The EPA noticed the urban greening; the agency just announced that it's giving Blue Hills one of just five national Energy Star awards for affordable housing.
Before her trip to the nation's capitol on March 31, BHCS executive director Joanne Bussinger was recognized by the Kansas City City Council last week. "It's a wealth-building opportunity for residents to save money on energy costs," she said of the Olive Street homes. "It's the responsible thing to be doing in the community."
Both Kansas City councilmembers from the 5th District applauded the work in their backyard.
"It's nice to have a positive housing story in Kansas City," Councilwoman Cindy Circo said, adding that Blue Hills got savvy to Energy Star even before the city got onboard.
"Maybe we should change the name of the 5th District to the green district," councilman Terry Riley added, taking the opportunity to name-drop the city's green sewer initiative in the district's Marlborough neighborhood.
Too bad Terry Riley's crown project -- the Citadel Plaza shopping center, which borders the Blue Hills neighborhood -- still looks like a landfill.
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