USGBC Selects LEED Neighborhood Development Pilot

Hollywood, FL, September 12, 2007--Sheridan Stationside Village has been selected for a new nationwide pilot program designed to foster smart growth principles and environmentally friendly design.

The mixed-use transit-oriented development (TOD) in Hollywood is one of six projects across Florida registered for the U.S. Green Building Council’s new Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design - Neighborhood Development (LEED ND) certification program.

“We are committed to meeting these high national standards,  which also mirror key Broward County priorities,” said Michael Wohl, partner, Stationside Village Associates, LLC, an affiliate of Pinnacle Housing Group of Miami, in partnership with Ram Development Company of Fort Lauderdale.

 “Our development team is focusing on four key areas that mirror pressing county issues: transportation, workforce housing, sustainability and preservation.”

The LEED for Neighborhood Development pilot rating system was launched jointly by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Congress for New Urbanism.  According to Rick Fedrizzi, USGBC president, CEO & founding chair, “The LEED for Neighborhood Development program goes beyond individual green buildings and focuses on community-wide design and development.” 

A total of 238 developments in 39 states and six other countries are participating in the pilot program, which will be the first national certification system for sustainable neighborhood design and development.

 LEED for Neighborhood Development will integrate the principles of smart growth, new urbanism, and green building into the design and development of communities. Through the LEED ND program, the U.S Green Building Council’s goal is to encourage developers to revitalize existing urban areas, reduce automobile dependence, promote pedestrian activity, improve air quality, decrease polluted stormwater runoff, and build more livable, sustainable communities for people of all income levels.

As envisioned in the city of Hollywood’s masterplan, Sheridan Stationside Village will be a pedestrian-friendly urban community centered around the Sheridan Street Tri-Rail station. With flexibility to meet changing market conditions for the project’s buildout, Sheridan Stationside plans call for up to 1,050 residential units; up to 299,000 square feet of office space and 300,000 square feet of retail space; a hotel with up to 150 rooms; plus a 793-space parking structure for Tri-Rail riders.