The LaFayette Housing Authority celebrated its ceremonial groundbreaking Friday, Dec. 14, to kick-start the construction of 30 new duplex-style units, which will hopefully be ready for resident use by the end of July.

The project is being funded using approximately $5 million in HUD (Housing and Urban Development) funds that LHA executive director Ruth Bass wisely withheld over the past few years; instead of spending every cent she was given, Bass apportioned a bit each year for this future project and asked HUD to hold the unused funds in trust.

Although the groundbreaking was held at 690 Culberson Ave., the site of the former Hill High School of generations past, the bulk of the 15 new buildings will be on Foster Circle, where four dangerously outdated two-story buildings have already been cleared of asbestos and demolished.

In keeping with modern building practices while simultaneously preparing for the future, the new buildings are being constructed as energy-efficient and “green” as possible. Each building will be a two-unit duplex consisting of one two-bedroom and one three-bedroom residence, and plenty of light and green space will be incorporated into the new layout for a very homely feel.

The construction is being conducted by J.M. Wilkerson Construction out of Marietta, Ga. Site manager Ricky Waters said that basic ground work has already begun at both locations, and that the sites should be ready to have concrete foundations poured in a month or so.

“We’re shooting for the end of July,” to have the entire project finished, he said.

For more information on the project or to apply for a possible spot in one of the future buildings, contact the LaFayette Housing Authority at (706) 638-2733.