Jersey City, N.J. — A housing project at the mouth of the Holland Tunnel is hardly a place that inspires thoughts of “green” planning. But, with almost $1.5 million of federal stimulus money, the Jersey City Housing Authority is planning to do just that beginning in early 2010.

Holland Gardens, a small, brick-faced, 1940s-era housing complex on the Jersey City-Hoboken border stands in the shadow of a Home Depot. But soon, it will be equipped with some environmentally friendly features typically associated with new buildings.

Brian Loughlin, the project’s chief architect, said Holland Gardens will get new faucets and other low-flow fixtures to ensure that water use is efficient. Solar panels may be installed to help heat water, and energy efficient light bulbs will become the norm.

“People here do recycle but these changes are going to be in their homes. It’s going to have a positive effect on how they view where they live,” said Carol Tyler, a manager at Holland Gardens.

The housing authority plans to work directly with residents to make sure that all the new features are used properly. That will be key to keeping costs and energy consumption down, said Loughlin. “Even with a low-flow faucet, you can’t leave the water running while you brush your teeth.”
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