Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity will hold a groundbreaking at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 23, for the first of 17 homes in its Green Freedom subdivision on Aurora’s West Side.
The public is invited to the event at 1921 Jericho Road in Aurora.
Activities will open at 9 a.m. with a light breakfast. At 10 a.m., the future homeowner, Tlueka Chism and her family, city and Habitat officials will join volunteers and project partners and other Habitat homeowners in a groundbreaking ceremony. A drawing for a raffle basket will follow the ceremony.
Aldermen on the city Building, Zoning and Economic Development Committee approved the final plat and plan for the subdivision on Wednesday.
The project is a partnership of Montgomery-based Habitat, Nicor Gas and Commonwealth Edison Co. Carbon neutral, the project will use only as much energy as it generates by combining natural gas and electric resources.
The site is 8.5 acres between Lindenwoood Avenue and Jericho.
“Aurora is focused on IT, innovation, and ingenuity as we strive to be the smartest city in America,” said Aurora Mayor Richard C. Irvin. “The Aurora-based Nicor Gas Smart Neighborhood is a beacon of light and leadership in smart energy solutions, and its accompanying new educational exhibit will help to inform and inspire our community.”
Meena Beyers, Nicor vice president of community and business development said, “We are so pleased to announce the opening of a new educational exhibit at city hall to help tell the story of how innovation in natural gas plays a key role in our country’s overall energy strategy – and is essential in creating an affordable and sustainable future for Illinois.”
Call (630) 206-5034 for more information.
—Al Benson