Habitat For Humanity To Build Subdivision Of 17 Energy-Efficient Homes

AURORA, IL — Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity plans to build a subdivision of 17 energy-efficient homes on Aurora's far west side, officials said.

The Habitat Green Freedom SMART Community, which will be located on the northwest corner of Jericho Road and South Edgelawn Drive, will be the product of a partnership between the Montgomery-based nonprofit housing ministry and Nicor Gas. The goal is to build a net-zero, carbon-neutral, energy-efficient neighborhood, according to a news release.

The houses, ranging from 1,500 to 1,700 square feet, will include solar panels, tankless water heaters and gas heat pumps. Insulated concrete form walls and SMART panels, courtesy of Nicor, will allow homeowners to monitor and control the home's features using their phones.

The plan is to also equip the properties with accessible entrances and energy-efficient windows, doors and appliances, according to the release.

Aurora's Building, Zoning and Economic Development Committee approved a preliminary plat and plan for the subdivision at its Jan. 11 meeting before the item was handed to City Council for its approval Tuesday. Habitat purchased the 8.5-acre site in September 2021 using grants from Nicor and private donors, according to a news release.

Rev. Jeffery Barrett, CEO and executive director at Habitat and pastor at Genesis Community Church in Montgomery, said the organization hopes to break ground on the development in the spring. Since the nonprofit's inception in 1988, Habitat has built or upgraded about 70 homes in Aurora, North Aurora, Batavia and Montgomery.

"We are now on an exciting new course," Barrett said in a statement. "We are transitioning from building a few homes a year to building an entire community."

The $5.5 million project. A portion of the funding is coming from Congressman Bill Foster (D-Naperville), who secured $1.250 million in Community Project Funding for Habitat's breakthrough project. The money will be allocated toward the neighborhood's infrastructure, including water and sewer lines, streets, sidewalks and stormwater mitigation.

In total, $3 million has been pledged to the community; fundraising efforts are meant to close the gap, according to Barrett.

Community members interested in donating to the project can contact Barrett at 630-294-8575.

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