GROUND BREAKING… Numerous Individuals attended the Ground Breaking of the housing project ‘Grass Roots 1’ in Montpelier, including members of the Williams County Port Authority.
By: Jacob Kessler
The Williams County Port Authority held a ground breaking ceremony at 503 Ohio Street in Montpelier on Wednesday, October 5th.
The property, first put forth as Grass Roots 1, is a ranch style home with three bedrooms and a full bath and will also feature an attached garage.
The project was discussed at the board meeting back on July 27th of 2022. At that time the board moved to accept the property from the Williams County Land Bank in order to begin planning the work needed to put a home there.
The Land Bank donated the property to the Port Authority to help with the project.
Moving forward to August 18th, the project was moving forward even more to the point that a design of the building was put forth.
The house is the first step in many to bring affordable housing to Williams County.
“Today is about more than getting shovels in the ground at 503 Ohio Street. We’re opening a new chapter in the story of Williams County.”
“This redevelopment will create newly constructed affordable housing for people who need it, attract new investment, and deliver clean, safe places for our children to grow,” said Sean Rupp.
Following this ground breaking, construction is expected to begin by the end of this year.
The hope is that this project will go well and that it will lead to more opportunities for development in other neighborhoods.
“The redevelopment of the space sets a new precedent for housing across the country.”
“The redevelopment will not only provide additional units amid a housing crisis and prevent blue collar families from falling into homelessness, but also integrate spaces to create a healthy and thriving community,” said Dawn Fitzcharles.
Jacob can be reached at jacob@thevillagereporter.com