Jackson outlined his policy at the annual conference of the non-profit group Enterprise Community Partners, held this week in Cleveland. The plan incorporates standards from several sources: state recommendations, federal certification standards known as LEED -- for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, and Enterprise Community Partners. Jackson says his proposal will make life better for everyone.
Frank Jackson: We want to ensure that everyone has the ability to live healthier. To be able to live in their homes and have it more affordable.
So for instance, if you rehab a house, you'll need to make sure the house is well-insulated and windows properly sealed during the winter and summer. It would also have to have an up-to-date heating and ventilation system. New housing would require reduced water flow faucets and recycled building materials, and be close to public transportation. Those are just a few of numerous dictates in the policy, not all of which are mandatory.
Councilman Joe Cimperman says he supports Jackson's proposal but worries that the homeowners and buyers who need tax breaks the most will lose out.
Joe Cimperman: You know if it does cost a little bit more, how are we going to ask people to pay for that? And, if they are getting abatement that's fine, but it still doesn't take away from the fact that a lot of the people who are on the lower and middle income bracket benefit from abatement.
Nate Coffman, President of The Home Builders Association of Greater Cleveland that represents area builders, says city officials need to exercise flexibility when instituting a green building code. He's concerned that a blanket code could potentially stall growth and housing improvements in the city.
Nate Coffman: Whatever that standard may be could turn out to have negative consequences for buyers and the industry. There are costs associated with it. Let the market grow in its demand for green building.
Councilman Zachary Reed, who represents a ward with some of the highest foreclosure rates in Cuyahoga County, agrees.
Zachary Reed: Is that going to hinder a builder now to say because of this regulation, I'm not going to be able to build a product in the city of Cleveland? Which would not only mean that we won't get that product, we won't get the jobs that are associated with building that product.
Jackson says he is concerned about costs to builders and affordability for future buyers, but he contends everyone will benefit in the long run.
Frank Jackson: Does that imply only those who can afford to be healthier should be healthy and those who can afford the standard to reduce their energy costs should be able to save the money? What we're saying is that the amount of money that it would cost extra will be more than made up in the reduced energy bills.
Jackson first suggested tying a green policy to tax breaks last spring as City Council prepared to renew the city's residential tax abatement policy. Council kept the existing 15-year, 100-percent tax break, but pushed back considering the proposal for energy efficiency and green building designs.
In January, Jackson plans to lobby council again.
Tasha Flournoy, 90.3.