Friday, September 28,
2001
|
|
|
Governor hails new energy-efficient subdivision here By CAROLYN
CARY
Fairburn Commons, a unique new subdivision, was officially opened by Georgia Gov. Roy Barnes last week. Just a block south of Fairburn City Hall, it is a development featuring the EarthCraft homes, which are built with all of the latest energy-saving techniques known today. Among benefits to the home buyer are the prevention of bugs, mold and pollutants and the savings in energy, time and money. The average 1,800-sq. ft. EarthCraft home will cost an average of only 75 cents a day to both heat and cool. Though the homes can cost as much as 3 percent more to build, the savings is soon realized. Barnes announced that the Georgia Department of Community Affairs has begun a demonstration program to offer special down payment assistance loans to first time home buyers purchasing the EarthCraft houses. He said DCA has set aside special financing for buyers in Fairburn Commons, a subdivision by Health-E-Communities in Fairburn, to help moderate-income, first-time home buyers purchase the energy-efficient homes. We can be proud, Barnes said, that Georgia is already ahead of many states with regard to home ownership. While close to 67 percent of Americans own a home, in Georgia that number reaches 70 percent, he said. Because DCA has teamed up with EarthCraft and can offer down payment loans of up to $7,500, qualified first-time buyers can use this loan for a down payment, closing costs, prepaid expenses or principal reduction. This program is good for the economy, but more importantly it will help more Georgians realize their dream of owning a home, which in turn, will strengthen our communities, Barnes said. Taking part in the program was DCA Commissioner Jim Higdon, Fairburn Mayor Betty Hannah, Jeff Rader, director and vice president, Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association, and Dennis Creech, executive director, Southface Energy Institute.
Back to South Fulton News Home Page | Back to the top of the page |