$2 million project has received Gold LEED certification
CHARLEVOIX CO., MI -- A new two-million dollar housing project in Northern Charlevoix County will put a roof over the heads of many.
It's also green for the future.
The project is being called a phenomenal accomplishment and leaders say it'll be a model for future projects.
The housing unit is an Odawa project, it's funded by stimulus money, and 7&4 news got the first look.
There was a lot of anticipation for this new two-million dollar, 10 unit project, and Friday, the ribbon was cut.
And with that, the new families that will occupy these units had a smile from ear to ear.
"I think it's fantastic, it's a new chapter in my life, and I think it's great too for the elders, for anyone that's got family, anyone to have a place to live," said Petchiese Carol King, a new resident of one of the units.
The Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians say they're proud of this new project that's already receiving praise, and probably for the right reason.
"This is the very first, gold certified, multi-family housing project in our jurisdiction," said Kevin Fitzgibbons.
Kevin Fitzgibbons is the administrator of the Eastern Woodlands Office of Native American Programs, and he says the gold status in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating system means this project is "green" so to speak, equipped with high-performance units that improve energy savings, water efficiency, Carbon Dioxide omissions, and indoor environmental quality.
“It's quite the accomplishment, and again, the long-term impact of a LEED developed housing project is very significant in terms of having such a positive impact on the environment," said Fitzgibbons.
The families were selected by the Odawa tribe, and they'll pay rent based on their income.
"I’m so excited, I'm all packed up, my house looks like a warehouse right now," laughed Beth Kiogima, a new resident.
"It's finally a light at the end of the tunnel, we've been struggling for three or four years now, and now, we get to live comfortably," said Isaac Dillard, who was next to his wife Bobbie and their son.
"Everything going green, with the geo-thermal heating system they have, it's definitely going to pay for itself in the next ten years," said Holly Anthony, who was with her family.
The Eastern Woodlands Office of Native American Programs hopes to use this development as a model for other Native American tribes across the country.
