Capital South Laundry Opens to Praise and Customers

News Release

The grand opening of the South End’s brand new Capital South Laundry establishes an important amenity in the revitalization of the area as a community of positive choices. The sparkling clean, new facility at 344 South Pearl Street is open to everyone and will feature a community bulletin board. Water for washers is heated by a solar system, with roof-mounted collectors, and will be demonstrated at the event. A grant from the New York State Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) made acquisition of the solar system possible, and will reduce operational costs for years to come while helping to protect the environment.

Solar system’s power production and environmental benefits:

• This solar thermal system will offset 14,689 kilowatt hours of electricity, which is equivalent to 46.3 million BTUs or approximately 562 therms per year according to             the Solar Pathfinder Report.
• Assuming the New York state historical increases in utilities at approximately 5% per year, with the cost at $1.10/therm this solar system will produce a savings of about $618 in the first year and $41,072 over the course of its 30 year life span.
• This system will prevent 212,317 lbs. of CO2 from entering the Earth’s atmosphere, or is the equivalent of planting 38,603 trees.
• The estimated return on investment of this system before inflation is about three to four years.

Omni Housing Development LLC and the Albany Housing Authority, acting as co-developers — with extensive experience in energy efficient, affordable housing — are leading the Phase 3 project team for revitalization of the South End Albany neighborhood, plus meeting all guidelines of the City of Albany Historic Resource Commission, and NYS Homes and Community Renewal Green Building Initiative. The Construction Manager is AOW Associates, Inc.  Phase 3 of the South End Revitalization initiative consists 56 residential units in eight new and rehabilitated buildings scattered throughout the historic South End neighborhood.  Cumulatively, the initiative has resulted in a $36 million investment in the community and 151 units of modern affordable housing.

Solar collectors mounted on the roof of the Capital South Laundry.

New Capital South Laundry at 344 South Pearl Street.

Quote from Mayor Sheehan: “I commend the vision of the Albany Housing Authority and Omni Development in turning this project into a reality. This facility is a great example of public and private organizations working together to better the lives of our city’s residents. Capital South Laundry will enhance the livability and sustainability of Albany while encouraging further business investment in the South End.”

Quote from Assembly member McDonald: “I am excited to see the continuation of the revitalization in the South End of Albany with this additional investment.   In my short time in the NYS assembly representing this area the level of investment in this neighborhood is impressive and signals a continued renewal that bodes well I. The Capital city of Albany.”

NYSERDA’s Solar Thermal Program is funded by New York State’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) to displace electric hot water with solar. Incentives are granted first-come, first served, and applications will be accepted until Dec. 31, 2015 or until the funds are fully committed. The program provides incentives of up to $4,000 per site for eligible residential customers and up to $25,000 per site for non-residential customers. “As the South End revitalization continues, I commend the developers for incorporating clean, renewable energy into their planning of Capital South Laundry,” said John B. Rhodes, president and CEO, NYSERDA. “Solar hot water technology, which supports Governor Cuomo’s clean-energy agenda, allows businesses and homeowners to reduce their carbon footprint and decrease their energy costs. This project is a good example of how a community at large can benefit from this technology.”

MAC-GRAY The Laundry Room Experts sees this as new and exciting venture to be partnering with AHA on a public laundry facility, and they see a lot of potential in Albany’s South End. They would encourage other businesses to take a look at the South End, and they praise AHA, The City of Albany and NYS Home and Community Renewal for supporting the initiative. Matthew Gilbert, District Sales Manager said, “Mac-Gray is extremely excited to enter into this new partnership with Albany Housing Authority and the revitalization of the South End.  Not only is this a new venture for AHA but Mac-Gray as well.  Our core partnership with AHA is to provide laundry solutions for residents of AHA.  AHA and Mac-Gray are now branching off to service the local community in the South End of Albany.”