Aurora City Council Reviews Proposed Townhouse Development

The Aurora City Council Committee of the Whole evaluated a proposed townhouse development near Fox Valley Mall. This follows 18 months of negotiations between the developer, M/I Homes, and the city. The development, named Kingsley Row, plans to introduce 185 townhomes across 38 buildings on long-vacant land at the intersection of Ogden Avenue and 75th Street on Aurora’s East Side.

The townhouses will be a mix of two and three stories, featuring two to three bedrooms each. Sale prices are expected to range from the mid- to upper $500,000s, according to Zach Kenitzer, the manager of land planning and entitlements at M/I Homes. The initiative awaits a final vote at the upcoming City Council meeting scheduled for August 25.

City officials highlighted the development’s potential to provide necessary housing and boost property and sales tax revenue. Its location is considered desirable, residing in School District 204 and offering convenient highway access.

Challenging Negotiations

Negotiations encountered delays due to sustainability requirements and the need for increased green space. David Dibo, head of the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development, noted the intricate nature of discussions, emphasizing the effort and flexibility demonstrated to reach an agreement.

As part of the deal, M/I Homes committed to completing Commons Drive, a road currently inaccessible from both the north and south sides of the property. This includes intersection improvements at Route 34 and 75th Street, funded entirely by the developer, according to Russ Whitaker, an attorney representing M/I Homes.

A previously planned project, Melody Town Center, was never initiated. Through that plan, Aurora was expected to fund significant infrastructure work, which is now being undertaken by M/I Homes.

Infrastructure and Sustainability

Commons Drive will connect Ogden Avenue and 75th Street, with sidewalk constructions along the connection. However, sidewalks will not extend along Ogden Avenue or 75th Street. Developers will instead pay a fee to the city.

This project marks the first time M/I Homes incorporates performance-based home-efficiency standards. This move aligns with state energy efficiency requirements, adding between $8,000 to $10,000 in costs per unit to the developer. The city has agreed to cap permit fees, potentially saving the developer $2,000 to $2,500 per unit.

The developer must submit design plans to meet energy-efficiency standards for building permits and verify compliance post-construction. Alison Lindburg, Aurora’s director of sustainability, noted that while some measures are costlier, the overall expense has decreased due to the fee cap.

Future Implications

For homeowners, these energy-efficiency measures promise reduced utility costs and improved home quality, with better insulation, windows, and soundproofing. These benefits contribute to reducing utility expenses and enhancing home durability.

This experience serves as a learning opportunity for both the city and the developer, aiding future sustainability efforts. Aurora Mayor John Laesch anticipates rising demand for energy-efficient housing as climate conditions change.

Despite these efforts, Mayor Laesch expressed a desire for a sound wall inclusion, given the site’s location in a high-traffic area.