City explores ways to save energy, funds
Committee looking at energy-efficient options in operations, projects
BY CHRISTINE VARNO
Staff Writer

LONG BRANCH - City officials are currently exploring environmentally friendly options to conserve energy and, ultimately, save money.

Mayor Adam Schneider formed a Long Branch Energy Review Committee about two months ago to discuss energy-efficient measures in current city operations and future construction.

"As we started to meet, we saw different things the city could do," Schneider said at the June 26 City Council workshop

meeting.

"We are looking at some short-term and some long-term solutions," he said. "It's about saving energy. It is about saving money.

"And it might mean putting money up front, to do it right the first time. There are things we can do it on a local level that address energy concerns and cost savings," he added.

In addition to Schneider, the committee is made up of representatives from the city departments, including public works, health, planning and zoning, police and administrative.

The group has been meeting on a biweekly basis and is studying incorporating energy conservation methods in two city projects - construction of Manahassett Creek Park and a new firehouse.

The Manahassett Creek Park is to be constructed on roughly 21 acres of land in the northern part of the city. The park site is bordered to the north by the Manahassett Creek, to the south by Hairsdale Avenue, on the east by Long Branch Avenue, and on the west by Narragansett Avenue.

The park will include a pavilion-type structure with storage and meeting space.

To conserve energy, the committee is proposing to use solar shingles on the roof of the structure and to install a gray water sprinkler system to irrigate the fields.

Gray water is wastewater recycled from baths and showers, sinks and washing machine water.

"We can get gray water for free," Schneider said. "It is tested and perfectly adequate for everything other than drinking.

"It will be expensive up front," he said about installing the irrigation system, "but we will save money in the end."

The city is also discussing acquiring land to build a new firehouse that would combine all the current firehouses into one building, according to Schneider.

"If we are going to do a new building, we have to do it with [energy conservation] in mind," Schneider said.

He explained that such conservation methods would include water-efficient toilets, solar panels and energy-efficient roofing materials and windows.

The committee is now gathering information on the projected costs of the measures, Schneider said.

"Hopefully in the next month, we will be able to say gray water would cost this much," Schneider said.

In addition to the two city projects, Schneider said the committee is also looking into other cost-saving measures, such as vehicle purchases.

"I am not convinced yet if it is appropriate to buy hybrid cars," Schneider said at the meeting. "If I can buy a truck [for less], do I want to buy a more energy-efficient car for $22,000? I am not quite there yet," he said.

In an interview after the meeting, Schneider emphasized that the initiative is still in the beginning phases.

"We have to see what is practical and what is not," he said. "We are not going to buy SUVs [sport-utility vehicles]. If you are going to buy a big car, you have to justify the need."

The city is taking a proactive approach to what Schneider said is an issue that affects everybody.

"Global warming is not a political issue," he said. "These issues are real.

"Setting an example is important, and ultimately I think there will be money for projects like these in the future," he said.

"We are not saying we are going to produce 100 percent energy savings. If you save 20 percent, that is important."

Eventually, the city will incorporate energy-efficient guidelines in its master plan, according to Schneider.

He added that the city has already equipped its street lights with more energy-efficient bulbs.

The committee is also looking into incorporating energy-efficient methods in its comfort stations along the beach, libraries, into redevelopment projects and a new city hall building.

"We have to do a cost-benefit analysis," he said.

"If [something] will cost $1 million and then we will end up saving $60,000, is it worth it?" he asked. Maybe. We don't know yet."