Akron donates North Hill parcel to Habitat for Humanity for 16-house development, new park

Derek Kreider, Akron Beacon Journal
·2 min read
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Akron City Council approved the donation of a parcel of land to Habitat for Humanity of Summit County at its meeting Monday night.

The organization will construct 16 affordable, single-family homes in a development called Silver Maple Ridge on the two-acre vacant lot in North Hill over the course of two years. The western part of the lot will be developed into the first city park in 40 years. The land is at Hollibaugh Avenue and Dan Street.

Habitat for Humanity broke ground on the project in late October. According to a release issued by the organization, nine of the 16 homes in the development have been chosen by families already, and other families in the program are making their lot selections.

Speaking before City Council during its afternoon committee meetings, Habitat for Humanity of Summit County President and CEO Rochelle Sibbio said she expects each home to be appraised at about $200,000.

"Habitat Ohio received a $25 million allocation of ARPA funds to be distributed throughout the state," said Sibbio. "Our share for this project is $805,000."

The homes will be sold to qualified families on a 30-year, zero interest mortgage.

Silver Maple Ridge is now the largest development undertaken by the Summit County Habitat for Humanity, surpassing its 2020 eight-home development on East Avenue.

Carpenters from Akron's Steel Academy will help construct the homes, said Ward 10 Councilwoman Sharon Connor.

Sibbio said Towpath Trail High School will be helping as well.

"They have two $30,000 federal YouthBuild grants that will be divided between two homes," she said. Sibbio is also working on finding out how students from Ellet CLC students can help.

"We are ready to get started," Sibbio said, inviting council members to join volunteers constructing the development.

"Come out and build a house with us," she said. "It's an experience like you've never had before."

Contact reporter Derek Kreider at DKreider@Gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron City Council OKs North Hill land donation for Habitat homes