Geneva Mulls Property Donation To Spur Affordable Housing Project

GENEVA, IL — Geneva officials could take a major step next week toward bringing more affordable housing to the city.

Alderman are expected to consider a proposal Monday for the city to donate a chunk of vacant land to the Burton Foundation, which has proposed to build 45 rental townhouse units on about 8 acres of land north of Lewis Road and east of Wood Avenue, according to a report by the Daily Herald.

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If approved, the Emma’s Landing complex would include 12 buildings with a mix of homes with two and three bedrooms, according to plans submitted to the Geneva Planning and Zoning Commission. Burton Foundation officials said there would be eight units accessible to people with disabilities, and five others that could be adapted, as well as a three-bedroom unit for sensory-impaired residents.

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The average rent for a two-bedroom unit with 950 square feet at Emma’s Landing would be $819 per month, according to the plans. Some units would be made available to families earning less than 80 percent or 60 percent of the area’s median income, according to the plans.

The project would cost about $18.1 million, with construction to start in late fall of this year or early next spring. The project would take about a year to compete, the plans show.

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The Burton Foundation can submit an application and start the development review process if aldermen vote to donate the vacant land, the report states.

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Some residents and officials have voiced concerns over the land donation, including Alderman Richard Marks, who represents Ward 2. Marks told the Daily Herald he has fielded hundreds of calls and emails about the Burton Foundation's proposal, adding the council should wait to consider the donation.