Chicago Heights City Council ‘Flips’ 14 Vacant Properties to Help Launch City’s 1st Nonprofit Solar Energy Project
Chicago Heights City Council ‘Flips’ 14 Vacant Properties to Help Launch City’s 1st Nonprofit Solar Energy Project (Chicago Heights, IL) – In a special city council meeting Wednesday night, the Chicago Heights City Council approved the acquisition and resale of 14 vacant lots to Christ for Everyone Church, which will use the lots as a part of the Illinois Solar for All Project.
Illinois Solar for All helps make solar installations more affordable for income-eligible homeowners and renters, non-profit organizations and public facilities.
Christ for Everyone Church, located in the 200 block of East 16th Street, is partnering with Groundswell on the 663 kW solar project. Groundswell is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that builds community power through equitable community solar projects. The project will aid in the church’s mission of serving the community.
The service will be enhanced by Groundswell’s SharePower™ program, which will allow an estimated 125 households to each save about $160 per year. The project is expected to provide a total of more than $300,000 in savings for the 15-year timeline of the project. The solar project is also expected to provide education and job opportunities in Chicago Heights.
First Ward Alderwoman Sonia Perez said the $75,000 project will bring no tax revenue to the city, but the project will give electricity bill credits to eligible residents. Details on eligibility and how to apply are still being worked out.
In other business, the city:
- Approved a redevelopment agreement to help move the sale of city-owned property at 1025 Dixie Highway;
- Approved a proposal for street sweeping, submitted by Elgin Street Sweeping Services;
- Approved a proposal from M&J Underground for emergency repair of a collapsed sewer in the 100 block of East 22nd Street;
- Approved a proposal to replace a water pump at the Division Street water pumping station;
- Approved IDOT’s report of city MFT expenditures and appropriation of MFT funds;
- Approved an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice governing the city’s Justice Assistance Grant program.
Chicago Heights City Council ‘Flips’ 14 Vacant Properties to Help Launch City’s 1st Nonprofit Solar Energy Project
Responses