Ground broken at new Habitat for Humanity property

Aug 3, 2019

MATTAPOISETT — The Buzzards Bay Habitat for Humanity branch started work on its first home in the town and first home with solar panels after breaking ground on the construction on Aug. 3. 

Once built, the three bedroom, two bathroom Cape Cod style home will be sold with a low-interest mortgage to a family that may otherwise struggle to pay rent or mortgage costs in the community. Executive Director Christine Lacourse said that applications to live in the home will be available within the next couple weeks, and the exact sales price will be listed on the application. The home will be located at 153 Fairhaven Road.

The home build has been named the “David and Jessica Nicolosi Family Build” in honor of the site’s land donors. David Nicolosi said that the home will benefit the town because “it’s going to enable a lower income family to have the opportunity to go to a better school system, and live in a nice community.”

Massachusetts Representative and Mattapoisett resident William Straus took part in the ground breaking ceremony to show his support for the new home build.

Straus said that he supports the build because every town should be able to accommodate a diverse community, and Habitat for Humanity represents that sentiment.

The newest project will be Buzzards Bay Area Habitat for Humanity’s 11th home build, and the first to include solar panels. President Kara Lees said that the panels will be donated by Bluewave solar, and will most likely be placed on the roof of the home facing south to harness as much of the sun’s energy as possible.

Roger Williams University Professor Michael Emmer showed his support for the project as well. Emmer said that he has considered enlisting students from his Construction Management program to help build the home. Emmer also said that he donates money to Habitat for Humanity because he believes in the importance of affordable housing. 

“You can have a good job, and access to healthcare, but affordable housing is one of the biggest issues we face,” Emmer said.

Lacourse said that she always tries to incorporate local vocational students in the home building process. Students at Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School designed the plans for this home.

She said that she hopes to have the building’s foundation installed by the end of August, and the building finished in March or April 2020.