With the approval of sustainability guidelines by the Mansfield Downtown Partnership Planning and Design Committee , the Storrs Center project has reached a new milestone . “ They really represent a set of design and sustainability guidelines that are custom made for Storrs , ” said Macon Toledano , of Leyland Alliance , LLC , the master developer for the downtown project . Leyland Alliance developed the guidelines in conjunction with Steven Winter Associates , out of Norwalk . “ Steven Winter Associates is one of the leading experts in the LEED standards , and one of the top experts in green building guidelines , ” said Toledano . LEED for Homes , according to the Winter Assoc . Web site , is “ a voluntary rating system developed by the U . S . Green Building Council , that promotes the design and construction of a “ green ” home … that uses less energy , water , and natural resources ; creates less waste ; and is healthier and more comfortable for its occupants . ”

LEED is just one way that the project seeks to be environmentally conscious . “ Most of the site is dedicated to a conservation area , ” said Toledano , “ with only 1 / 3 dedicated to buildings , and the remainder remaining undeveloped . ” Dr . Michael Clemens , a local ecologist , was consulted regarding the protection of native flora and fauna during and after construction . “ In developing a storm water management plan , we took into consideration the ecology of the environment , and took measures to protect the wetland environment and its inhabitants , ” said Toledano . One concern particular to Mansfield is water conservation . “ We’ve dedicated a lot of time to considering the water conservation issues particular to the area , ” said Toledano . Another specific concern was night-sky pollution . “ We’re talking about a wonderful , rural area here , ” said Toledano . “ We needed to be careful to limit our night-time lighting , so as to provide a safe level of lighting for the public , while impacting the night sky view as little as possible . ”

Protecting the environment is just part of a bigger picture of sustainability . “ We are trying to create a place that will be a vital part of the community for the long term , ” said Toledano . Toward that end , the project will include commercial spaces and office spaces , as well as pedestrian access , bike access , and a town square . “ We want to connect the downtown area integrally with the life of the town , ” said Toledano . “ We want to create a pleasant space that is central to the town , where long-time residents and university students alike will want to spend time as part of the community . ”

The guidelines for Storrs Center are unique . “ There were no sustainability guidelines for entire neighborhoods , ” said Toledano . Speaking on behalf of the Mansfield Downtown Partnership , Executive Director Cynthia van Zelm said , “ Sustainability has always been a key component of the vision for Storrs Center and reflects the community’s ideals . We believe the Guidelines will be a model for projects developed in small communities all over the United States . ” To view the Storrs Center sustainability guidelines in their entirety can be found on the Mansfield Downtown Partnership Web site at www . mansfieldct . org / town / departments / downtown _ partnership .