By DON CUDDY
doncuddy@s-t.com
June 10, 2010 12:00 AM

MARION — The first phase of construction of new affordable housing units at Marion's Little Neck Village was marked Wednesday with a ceremonial ground-breaking attended by Sen. Mark R. Pacheco and Rep. William Straus, town officials, residents and project team members.

Construction on the $5.3 million project, which began in March, is expected to take 12 months. When complete, the 48-unit development will replace the existing housing, which dates back to 1978. It will also expand the number of available units from 12 to 48, spread over four buildings, and includes a fifth building designed for community use.

"This is a testimony to what the people of Marion wanted and we're here today to celebrate it," said Edward Fish of EA Fish Associates, which put the project together. The project is ahead of schedule and on budget, he said.

Project manager Greg Ferrelli of Dellbrook Construction praised the existing tenants for their understanding as the project developed. "It's not easy for them living next to a construction site," he said.

The project overcame many hurdles before coming to fruition, according to Marion Selectman and Affordable Housing Trust member Jon Henry.

"When I first got involved with this, I had black hair and was 6 inches taller," he quipped.

The majority of funding came from the Department of Housing and Community Development, with the town's contribution put at $250,000.

Suzanne Peterson, a resident of the current units, is looking forward to her new digs.

"We have to move twice though. That's a little disruptive," she said.

Current residents, who were granted first pick of the new units, will first move into the new two-story building while awaiting completion of the smaller building that replaces their existing units.

By: 2010-06-10

Press Contact: Peabody Properties, Inc. Tel: 781-794-1000