By Al Benson
Montgomery-based Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity plans a 17-home subdivision for West Side Aurora. Barbara Zegiel, Habitat funds development director, reviewed plans for Habitat’s Green Freedom project at Aurora Noon Lions Club meeting Thursday, Feb. 16 at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Aurora.
Zegiel, who said she was a Habitat homeowner before becoming an employee, was accompanied by Julie Clark, Habitat volunteer coordinator.
Zegiel stressed that Habitat to partners with families in need of affordable shelter as a hand up, not a hand out.
Families who qualify to be partners with Habitat must make monthly mortgage payments and contribute up to 500 hours of sweat equity volunteer labor on their future homes or other Habitat homes Zegiel explained.
According to Zegiel, Habitat plans to break ground this summer for the first homes in the $5,500,000 development at 1921 Jericho Road in Aurora.
January 24, Aurora City Council aldermen approved the subdivision’s preliminary plat.
The City Council Building, Zoning and Economic Development committee approved the plat January 11.
Zegiel said Green Freedom is a unique partnership with NICOR GAS to build a net-zero, carbon-neutral energy-efficient SMART neighborhood.
Homes will range from 1,500 to 1,700 square feet.
Heated with natural gas, the homes will include solar panels, tankless water heaters, gas heat pumps, Insulated Concrete Form walls, and SMART panels allowing homeowners to monitor and control the features of the home through their phones. The energy efficient smart features are being provided by NICOR.
Zegiel added that the homes will include energy-efficient windows, doors, appliances, and zero level entrances for accessibility as families age in place.
The 8.5 acre site was purchased in September 2021 through grants from Nicor and private donors.
A $1.25 million federal Housing and Urban Development grant Habitat was obtained with help of U.S. Rep. Bill Foster, D-Naperville.
It will be used to provide the infrastructure for the neighborhood, including water and sewer lines, utilities, streets, sidewalks and stormwater mitigation.
Zegiel said $3 million has been pledged to the project.
Habitat has kicked off a fundraising campaign to complete the project.
Contact Rev. Jeff Barrett, Habitat executive director and pastor at Genesis Community Church in Montgomery, at (630) 294-8575 to donate or for more information.