Construction Starts On 4-Unit Affordable Housing Site In Fairfield

FAIRFIELD, CT — Officials from the town and Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County broke ground Thursday on a new four-unit affordable housing development on Greenfield Street in Fairfield, the first that Habitat for Humanity is building in the town.

The duplex-style homes will cost $200,000 each to build, or a total of $800,000, for which Habitat for Humanity is raising funds.

"If everything works out, we might soon have half of the cost donated," Carolyn Vermont, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County, told Patch. She did not name the company or companies that might provide the $400,000 because the donation has not been finalized.

Each of the four new homes on Greenfield Street will have four bedrooms, two bathrooms and 1,624 square feet of living space. Construction is expected to take a year to complete.

According to First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick, the town acquired the parcel at 240 Greenfield Street for $230,000, and the town will continue to own the land. A dilapidated house that was on the property has been razed to make room for the two-building, four-unit development.

"This warms my heart," Kupchick told the crowd about the project, during the groundbreaking ceremony. She grew up near the area and reminisced about playing close by when she was a child.

"There are other properties in this town that we can do the exact same thing with," she said.

When asked whether Habitat for Humanity would consider building other affordable housing projects in town, Vermont did not hesitate with her answer. The charity has built nearly 300 homes throughout Fairfield County, with many in Bridgeport, Stratford and Stamford.

"Absolutely, yes," Vermont said. "We are looking at more projects in Fairfield. Every opportunity that opens up, we're going to apply for."

Kevin Moore, COO of the coastal Fairfield County group, said Habitat is looking at seven more properties in town for possible projects.

"We're hopeful this the first of many in Fairfield," he told Patch.