The Christian Activities Council has recently been selected by the
State of Connecticut, City of Hartford and Connecticut Housing
Investment Fund to continue and finalize the
development of the Earle Street "Net-Zero Energy" Homes project,
originally begun by South Arsenal Neighborhood Development Corp
(SAND).
What is a "Net-Zero
Energy" Home? Is a home that produces on site about as much energy
as it uses. This means that the electricity the home needs to heat,
cool, and light itself as well as run appliances is reduced through
energy-efficient design and strategies, which reduces the utility
bills for the house. Photovoltaic panels on the roof generate
electricity as well as geo thermal technology which
captures the heat and cool of the soil at three hundred feet depths.
Earle Street is located in the North End of Hartford, which consists
of primarily lower-income households. The area housing stock tends
to be older, and there is a high demand for both homeownership and
rental opportunities at affordable levels and with the amenities of
new construction. The proposed development is proximate to bus
lines, schools, recreational facilities, and shopping, as well as
Interstate 91.
The six units will each contain 1,576 square feet of living area,
with three bedrooms and two bathrooms, and share a front porch and
fenced-in yard. Each unit will have a back deck, 2 parking
spaces, and laundry within the unit.
The successful completion of this project will improve the quality
of the housing stock in the neighborhood, and will provide
lower-income families with the opportunity to own their homes at an
affordable cost. The reduced utility bills will increase the
likelihood of a successful ownership experience for these families.
The rental unit for each property will provide an additional source
of income for the buyer. In addition, the reduced utility costs will
make the rental units more affordable for tenants, and therefore
make them less likely to default. . The CAC will also provide
homeownership training and assist in educating buyers and tenants in
the operation and maintenance of utility systems.
Funding for this project is provided by Department of Economic
Community Development, City HOME, Energy Rebates, City Appraisal Gap
and Ct. Housing Investment Fund.
