DuPage panel supports affordable housing plan
DuPage Habitat for Humanity has resurrected a proposal to bring affordable homes to the Glen Ellyn area.
The group is seeking permission from DuPage County to construct a 12-unit townhouse development near the northwest corner of Butterfield Road and Route 53.
“We know that it’s very challenging for families on limited incomes to buy now in DuPage County, even though (home) prices have been lowered,” Executive Director Sarah Brachle said.
Several years ago, Community Housing Association of DuPage received county approval to build a 16-unit development on the vacant parcel along Route 53. But when the nonprofit agency decided it was unable to do the project, DuPage Habitat bought the property from CHAD.
“It’s a good location that fits our purposes,” Brachle said. “We’ve been working on this project for about 18 months now, and we’ve evaluated a number of sites.
“This will allow us to provide a housing alternative that families can afford,” she added.
The county board’s development committee Tuesday recommended that DuPage Habitat’s proposal be approved by the full board, which is expected to vote next week.
If approved, DuPage Habitat is planning to start building the $3.3 million project next year. All the townhouses would be completed by the end of 2013.
Families selected to participate in the Habitat program are required to assist with the construction of their homes. How much they pay for the townhouse unit is based on their family income.
Brachle said residents’ yearly housing payments will equal 25 percent of their income.