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Galen Terrace in Washington, D.C. Breaking New Ground By Going Green 
| Photo Credit: Lloyd Wolf
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Wendy Hursey's home, Galen Terrace Apartments, was once identified as one of the most troubled properties in Washington, D.C due to high criminal activity and physical deterioration. But she was determined not to be forced from her home. Led by Wendy and two other courageous residents, Yashonia Mallory and Robin Farewell, the Galen Terrace Tenants Association exercised its right of first purchase under D.C. law to acquire their Section 8 property and make substantial improvements. The Tenants Association chose National Housing Trust/Enterprise Preservation Corporation and Somerset Development Company as their development partners. NHT/Enterprise helped the tenant association purchase the property while making substantial renovations. These renovations, coupled with new management and resident services, have turned GalenTerrace from a trouble spot into a neighborhood asset.
Breaking New Ground Galen Terrace was the first rehabilitated property in D.C. to meet all of the "green" criteria under the Enterprise Green Communities Initiative. Moreover, it's the first Section 8 building to be rehabilitated under Enterprise's Green Communities program. Environmentally friendly features include low volatile organic compound paints, primers, sealants, and adhesives, Energy Star appliances and lighting, solar reflective roofing material, double-paned windows, and water barrels to collect and reuse rain water for landscaping.
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| Rain barrels at Galen Terrace to collect and reuse rain water. |
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Safeguarding Affordable Homes and Residents’ HealthThe U.S. Attorney’s office had identified Galen Terrace as among the top nuisance properties in the city, reporting significant drug and criminal activity. In consultation with HUD, the US Attorney, residents and security consultants, we integrated technology, building and site improvements, on-site management and on the ground patrols to bring a real sense of security back to the property. The property renovation includes better lighting, secure key card building entry systems, and surveillance cameras. |
