Congresswoman Trahan Tours FAC with Local Officials

As NewVue continues to work toward the completion of the Fitchburg Arts Community, we were honored to join local officials in welcoming U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan for a tour of the construction site downtown.

The housing project’s creation was made possible in part by federal American Rescue Plan Act funding and federal tax credits that support the creation of affordable housing.

“This transformative project for downtown Fitchburg wouldn’t be possible without the unwavering support from Congresswoman Trahan,” said NewVue Communities Executive Director Marc Dohan. “The Fitchburg Arts Community is a powerful example of how federal partnerships help us tackle challenges like affordable housing and build stronger communities. We had an overwhelming response to the lottery last month with over 700 applicants applying for the lottery, more than 10 for every apartment that we have, demonstrating the need for more housing and more affordable housing in Massachusetts.”

The Fitchburg Arts Community will provide 68 mixed-income, artist-preference apartments in three former historic municipal buildings: the former B.F. Brown Middle School, the former City Stables, and the former High School Annex, all located across the street from one of the project’s main partners, the Fitchburg Art Museum.

Among those joining us for the tour were Fitchburg Mayor Sam Squailia, State Rep. Mike Kushmerek, State Rep. Natalie Higgins, Ward 4 City Councilor Andy Van Hazinga as well as Nolan King, aide for Representative Jon Zlotnik from Gardner. Rebecca Wright, representing the Fitchburg Art Museum, a key FAC partner, and Meagan Donoghue, Executive Director, Fitchburg Redevelopment Authority, also a strong project supporter, took part in the morning discussion and briefing.

The project is expected to be finished in December, with residents moving in January/February 2025.