Congressman Chris Smith said today that a provision in the Fiscal Year 2010 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations bill now includes $500,000 in funding for the Trenton-based nonprofit community development group Isles Inc.

The funding is specifically targeted for the solar project and other green initiatives being incorporated into Isles’ Johnston Avenue project in Hamilton Township. Design plans for the building include 8,000 square-feet of solar and thermal panels. 

“This project contains important high performance conservation initiatives that will have a positive impact on the environment and economy of the area,” Smith said. “Mill One’s renewable energy plan tapping solar power is a good example of the environmentally-friendly building practices we need to see more of in new construction. This federal funding helps advance those conservation principles. We need more projects like Mill One in the world.”

The Mill One development, initiated by Isles several years ago, is aimed at transforming a 100-year old defunct factory on Johnston Avenue between East State Street and Nottingham Way into a mixed-use development. Plans for the factory located in Hamilton’s Bromley section call for a multi-use, sustainable urban village which will eventually serve as Isles headquarters.   

“These Federal funds will enable Isles to maximize cutting edge technologies to make our ‘Mill One’ conversion a model nationwide for green, adaptive re-use,” said Linda Revelle, board chair of Isles, Inc. “The Federal support, which we thank our elected representatives for helping to secure, is a great testament to the growing national commitment to the sustainable redevelopment of historic buildings.”

            The $500,000 in this year’s appropriations bill is in addition to $238,000 obtained by Smith in Fiscal Year 2009 federal appropriations, funding that has also been designated for green initiatives at Isles’ Mill One project. When completed, Mill One is expected to include about 45 residential lofts, commercial and retail space, a businesses incubator, art studios, classrooms, and space for Isles’ offices. While incorporating modern and energy efficient initiatives, the building’s design preserves its historic, industrial look.