People and Property: Real Estate and Construction News From Around NH

Among the wastewater and stormwater accommodations made at Tuscan Village was the creation of the 2.5-acre Tuscan Lake.

The New England Water Environment Association has presented Tuscan Village, the multi-use development in Salem, with its Green Steps Award in recognition of innovation and sustainability in its approach to wastewater and stormwater. The engineering firm of Tighe & Bond led the floodplain improvement phase of the project, which addresses environmental, stormwater, and floodplain accommodation needs across the entire property, the association said.

Among the accommodations was turning an existing irrigation pond into the 2.5-acre Tuscan Lake, with the attached greenspace of Lake Park, allowing for public access to greenspaces for the first time. A series of underperforming culverts were daylighted to restore 3,000-linear feet of a Policy Brook on the property, which reshaped the floodplain to help alleviate flooding concerns during large storm events and at the same time created a habitat for aquatic and terrestrial species. In addition, rain gardens were strategically placed throughout the property to continue with the aid of controlled stormwater runoff. Max Faro, project manager at Tuscan Village Master Development LLC, accepted the award at NEWEA’s annual conference in January.

Nominations sought for Construction Ethics Award

Nominations are currently being sought for the 27^th annual New Hampshire Construction Industry Ethics Award, which is presented to “the individual, business or organization that, through words and deeds, best demonstrates a commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards in construction.” The award carries with it a $1,000 cash contribution to the recipient’s charity of choice. Nominations will be accepted through Tuesday, Feb. 21, with the recipient to be announced in the spring. Guidelines for nominating deserving individuals and companies can be found on the website of Plan NH, sponsor of the award, under Programs, or by contacting the award’s steward via phone at 603-452-7526, or e-mail at info@plannh.org.

Water infrastructure grants distributed

Ten drinking water and wastewater projects are receiving grants and loans totaling $14.5 million from state and federal sources. The funding is provided through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. Receiving funding in this latest round of awards are drinking water projects in Allenstown, Claremont, Danville, Epping, Hooksett, Lebanon, North Conway and Plymouth. The town of Swanzey will be receiving funding for a stormwater infrastructure project.

Family Promise of named Bank of America Champion

Family Promise of New Hampshire, which provides transitional housing and support services to families experiencing homelessness, has received a $50,000 grant from Bank of America. As part of the award, Family Promise will also receive an opportunity for engagement in virtual leadership training delivered by experts in the nonprofit sector on topics such as human capital management, increasing financial sustainability, and storytelling. The grant will be used to help sustain the organization’s programming for residents and for operating expenses.

New energy codes publication released

The International Code Council has announced the publication of a new resource on building performance standards and energy codes. Entitled “Energy Codes and Building Performance Standards: Supporting Energy Use and Emissions Reductions in Buildings,” the publication is the latest in a series of energy-efficiency and greenhouse gas resources that the code council has published to help communities achieve their sustainability and resilience goals.

Energy experts, including designers, engineers, trade associations, research organizations and government officials participated in the development of the publication.

Energy-saving improvements made at Easterseals facility

Liberty, in partnership with the other statewide utilities of NHSaves, recently teamed up with Easterseals New Hampshire to make major efficiency upgrades at the nonprofit’s Gammon Academy on Zachary Road Manchester. Improvements made to the facility included adding 27,300 square feet of insulation to existing attic space and knee wall, and air sealing all plumbing and wire openings to reduce conditioned air loss. The 65,000-square-foot academy serves about 120 children and youth of all genders between the ages of 5 and 21 years old whose needs are complex and cannot be met within family homes or less intensive residential settings.

The improvements made are estimated to save Easterseals 975 MMBtus of natural gas annually.

170 townhouse development proposed in Rochester

Rochester development planned

A 174-unit townhouse development has been proposed for a 31-acre site in Rochester’s Gonic neighborhood. The development, proposed by Green and Company of North Hampton, calls for 174 three-story townhouses, each with three bedrooms and a two-car garage.

Before the project is approved, however, the city will require that some upgrades be made, including to water and sewer infrastructure.

Old Navy plans early February opening in Keene

Clothing and accessories retailer Old Navy plans to open its Keene location the second week of February. A soft launch for the new location in the Monadnock Marketplace shopping center, is scheduled from Feb. 8-10, The Keene Sentinel reported, with the official grand opening set for Feb. 11.