North Hempstead’s “Yes We Can” Community Center was recognized as an example of an environmentally sustainable structure at last week’s gala of the US Green Building Council—Long Island Chapter.
The sixth annual gala was held at the Oheka Castle on June 10 and spotlighted Long Island honorees that have played a role in improving the region’s quality of life.
North Hempstead’s “Yes We Can” Community Center received an award for being the first such facility in the region to attain the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Platinum certification. LEED is the preeminent program for determining sustainable developments in the United States.
“I’m very proud that this Community Center, the anchor for New Cassel’s massive revitalization effort, has become a regional icon for environmental innovation,” said Supervisor Kaiman, who was unable to attend the gala due to a death in his family.
Congressman Steve Israel was honored for his leadership in helping reduce the nation’s dependence on foreign oil, lowering energy costs and championing a clean technology economy.
“We are at a moment in time when we should be making critical decisions about our environment,” said Congressman Israel. “I am very proud that we have leaders and innovators who say “Yes We Can” and move forward.”
North Hempstead Town Councilwoman Viviana Russell, whose district encompasses the New Cassel area, thanked the US Green Building Council for its advocacy and leadership in helping create sustainable communities. “How we build the structures where we live, work and play has never before been so critical,” she said.
Nassau County Legislator Robert Troiano, who also represents the New Cassel area said, “The creation of the ‘Yes We Can’ Center serves a dual purpose of fulfilling a decades-long mission for the community while preserving the environment for future generations to come.”
