Background
For the past several months Oak Tree Construction has been working with Glenn County Human Resource Agency (HRA) staff, 3CORE staff, consultants, and the Glenn County Planning and Public Works Agency on the Sensible Solar Home: A Green Build Project. The purpose of the project is to build a modest home utilizing standard construction techniques, combined with simple and practical upgrades in energy efficiency, along with cutting edge green technology. This approach to construction is designed to minimize the impact on the environment, reduce energy and water use, and create a more comfortable and healthy indoor environment. The goal is to provide a home that combines extraordinary energy performance with affordability.
Progress to Date
The project team is composed of 3CORE staff, who have arranged for low interest construction financing; Glenn County HRA Housing Program staff who have prepared the necessary documentation for amending the existing Program Income Reuse Plan to include a First Time Homebuyers revolving account; Glenn County HRA Job Training staff, who are arranging subsidized training for youth and adults to build the home; David Provine of Oak Tree Construction, who has designed the home, will build the home, and train employees in green building practices; Glenn County Planning and Public Works Agency staff, who helped find an appropriate parcel for the home site and are working to further develop green construction best practices; and the Glenn County Community Action Agency staff and consultants who are facilitating the overall effort.
For the past several months Oak Tree Construction has been working with Glenn County Human Resource Agency (HRA) staff, 3CORE staff, consultants, and the Glenn County Planning and Public Works Agency on the Sensible Solar Home: A Green Build Project. The purpose of the project is to build a modest home utilizing standard construction techniques, combined with simple and practical upgrades in energy efficiency, along with cutting edge green technology. This approach to construction is designed to minimize the impact on the environment, reduce energy and water use, and create a more comfortable and healthy indoor environment. The goal is to provide a home that combines extraordinary energy performance with affordability.
Progress to Date
The project team is composed of 3CORE staff, who have arranged for low interest construction financing; Glenn County HRA Housing Program staff who have prepared the necessary documentation for amending the existing Program Income Reuse Plan to include a First Time Homebuyers revolving account; Glenn County HRA Job Training staff, who are arranging subsidized training for youth and adults to build the home; David Provine of Oak Tree Construction, who has designed the home, will build the home, and train employees in green building practices; Glenn County Planning and Public Works Agency staff, who helped find an appropriate parcel for the home site and are working to further develop green construction best practices; and the Glenn County Community Action Agency staff and consultants who are facilitating the overall effort.
A project site has been selected in Willows, CA (unincorporated area), an offer has been made, and the property is in escrow with closing scheduled for October 30th. (Sewer, water, and power are already stubbed to the parcel). The construction loan has been approved. The agreements between the contractor/builder and the HRA Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Job Training programs are in process with youth and adults being interviewed for selection and employment. The draft update to the Glenn County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Income Reuse Plan has been prepared for consideration. (CDBG funds work as a silent second with a local participating bank).
As construction and job training proceeds, HRA will work with the pool of interested home buyer applicants and participating banks, so that the buyer is ready to move in upon completion of the home and receipt of a Certificate of Occupancy. This approach reduces risk to the builder and provides a home for a first time home buyer. The home will also provide a demonstration model for future Sensible Solar Home: Green Build Projects.
Meet the Organizations Involved...
For more information on participating organizations, please click on the links below to be redirected to their websites.
David Provine, Oak Tree Construction
http://www.oaktreesolarenergy.com/
"Cultivating Healthy Businesses Because People Matter"
Colusa, Glenn, & Trinity
"People Helping People Help Themselves"
Important Dates to Remember:
Important Dates to Remember:
- Ground Breaking/Ribbon Cutting Ceremony tentatively set for October 30, 2009.
- More information to be posted next week.
