Last week developers broke ground in Essex Junction on what will become Village Haven, the state's first designated "neighborhood" under the new Vermont Neighborhoods law passed last spring.

Dousevicz Inc. of South Burlington plans to build 18 two- or three-bedroom single-family homes and six duplex homes on the property.

The houses will sell for $258,000 to $320,000.

Vermont Neighborhoods exempts certain neighborhoods from Act 250, the state's land use law. Eligible neighborhoods must be built in or adjacent to designated downtown areas meeting VHFA affordability requirements.

After a couple weeks (mostly) off, Housing Matters is catching up with what happened recently in housing-related news.

Champlain Housing Trust (CHT) turns 25
Our friends at Champlain Housing Trust — formerly the Burlington Community Land Trust — were featured in the Burlington Free Press for their 25th anniversary. Congratulations!

You can read the CHT article online.

Land use, development report covered
The Barre-Montpelier Times Argus reported on the release of the 107-page "Imagining Vermont: Values and Vision for the Future" by the non-profit, non-partisan Council on the Future of Vermont.

VHFA Assistant Director of Multifamily Programs Kim Roy (left) reached a milestone last week: 20 years on the job at the Agency.

Staff joined her in a little celebration, including presentation of the traditional VHFA captain chair.

Kim's pictured here with VHFA Executive Director Sarah Carpenter.

Congratulations, Kim!

Housing Matters missed the chance last week to bid a more timely farewell to VHFA Staff Accountant Ashley Lamell.

Ashley finished up her two-year tenure with the Agency last Thursday to take an accounting position with Marsh.

We're currently hiring to fill her position. Read a full job description on our Web site.

Good luck, Ashley!