Going green, with a purpose

Published: October 26, 2009

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Photo: N/A, License: N/A, Created: 2009:10:23 15:09:55

Larry Deklinski/Staff Photo The home at 441 and 443 E. Water St., Mount Carmel, is the target of this unique project.

Photo: N/A, License: N/A, Created: 2009:10:23 14:09:54

Rob Wheary/Staff Photo Michael Magee, a student at Drexel University in Philadelphia, shows a prototype drawing of a green home that will be built in Mount Carmel. He was speaking at a press conference Friday.

Appalachian leaders are meeting in Cincinnati this week, seeking ways to use alternative energy to spark the 13-state region's economy.

Sound familiar?

KETEC - Keystone Energy Technology Enterprise Center - has been working toward the same goal for the past year for the lower anthracite region.

While we're told the finishing touches are near on several projects that will result in local jobs - the result we seek from any economic-development effort - KETEC on Friday announced an interesting initiative that further makes this region attractive to alternative-energy developers.

The local nonprofit has teamed with Drexel University to rehabilitate a Mount Carmel eyesore and make it a working example of green energy in residential living. Two students from the Philadelphia university will not only bring new life to this home, they will create a residence where future students taking part in the project will live.

There are so many positives associated with such an endeavor:

- KETEC continues to set the pace toward building this region's reputation for alternative-energy projects.

- It returns a dilapidated property - which was purchased by Mount Carmel Downtown Inc. at the recent. Northumberland County judicial sale - to livable condition, where it doesn't harm neighboring property values.

- Mount Carmel and the region build a relationship with a top university.

- Young, talented, energetic students become part of the community.

- Those locally and from afar see the region as progressive and serious about a better future.

We wish KETEC, Drexel, the students and others involved success, and congratulate them on this inspiring project.

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