Press Releases

LOWELL, MA – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) joined Fitchburg leaders to highlight the progress being made on NewVue Communities’ new housing project, the Fitchburg Arts Community. 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.

“Housing costs continue to be one of the biggest challenges for families and young people trying to get ahead in Massachusetts,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “Local projects like the Fitchburg Arts Community are a critical part of our statewide effort to create more affordable housing units so talented folks can continue contributing to the incredible community they call home. I am deeply grateful for the partnership of NewVue Executive Director Marc Dohan, Mayor Sam Squailia, State Senator John Cronin, and State Representative Mike Kushmerek who have been instrumental in the advancement of this initiative.”

“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 ten for every apartment that we have, demonstrating the need for more housing and more affordable housing in Massachusetts.”

“I'm excited to see the transformation of my alma mater (where I served on student council!) into 68 units of artist-preference housing,” said Fitchburg Mayor Sam Squailia. “This project not only preserves the historic essence of the building but also fosters a thriving arts community. Artists create a spark in our city – they start businesses, create, attend, and support events, and have the power to transform their surroundings. It is especially meaningful to me to see this space continue to inspire and uplift our community.”

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. The buildings will contain artist-specific amenities, including galleries, performance spaces, and shared workspaces, to build a community amongst the artists who live there. NewVue’s central goal with this project is to make the North of Main neighborhood a gateway of arts and culture. 47 of the 68 units will be affordable (14 for residents at or below 30% of area median income, 2 for residents at or below 50%, and 31 units for residents at or below 60%). The remaining 21 units will be Workforce housing serving residents between 80% and 110% of area median income. The project broke ground last Fall and is estimated to be completed in early 2025.

NewVue Communities was founded in 1979 as the Cleghorn Neighborhood Development Corporation in Fitchburg. In the decades since, the organization grew to encompass all of Fitchburg, Leominster, and since 2015, the entire North Central Massachusetts region. NewVue focuses on four economic development strategies: community building and organizing through neighborhood leadership and civic engagement, affordable housing development, supporting homeownership, and small business development. 

"The Fitchburg Arts Community is one of the most exciting projects in the state and will only continue the revitalization of Downtown Fitchburg," said State Senator John J. Cronin. "This project is proof that community members, business leaders, and government can work together to deliver results. I'm thankful to NewVue Communities for its leadership and to Congresswoman Trahan for making projects like this a priority in Washington."

“The Fitchburg Arts Community represents a crucial and anticipated housing initiative that is essential to the continued development of Downtown Fitchburg,” said State Representative Mike Kushmerek. “I am proud to have a dedicated federal partner in Congresswoman Trahan who recognizes the needs of our region, including the essential funding for new housing projects.”

Since taking office in 2018, Trahan has consistently brought federal funding back to the Third District to fund vital community projects, including many in Fitchburg. In June, Trahan delivered $2.5 million to support operating costs at Community Health Connections in Fitchburg. In May, Trahan highlighted $6 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding for the Fitchburg school district to purchase 18 new zero-emission school buses. Also in May, Trahan celebrated $400,000 in federal funding for the Boys and Girls Club of Fitchburg, Leominster, & Gardner. Earlier this year, Trahan was joined by elected officials to applaud $5.6 million in federal funding that she helped secure for LUK, Inc. to improve mental and behavioral health services in Fitchburg. In March, Trahan also highlighted $450,000 that she delivered for UMass Memorial HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital to purchase and install a new 3D mammography system.

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