Ground was broken Monday to make way for six new public housing units off of Seventh Avenue in Picayune.
Picayune Housing Authority Executive Director Toni Watts said construction of the units is being supported through HUD funding combined with a match from the housing authority.
Former Executive Director Mary Davison was present for the ground-breaking ceremonies and gave a brief history of their development. Watts said Davison served on the Housing Authority for more than 60 years.
Currently there are 276 units within Picayune, 60 of which were constructed in 1952. About every 15 years the Housing Authority has been able to fund modernization improvements, such as adding electrical connections for washers and dryers and central air and heat, Davison said.
Now construction is set to take place on six more units, Watts said. Four of the units will be two bedroom apartments, while the remaining two will have one bedroom. Two of the six units will cater to residents with disabilities.
“We’re looking forward to a bright future with the Picayune Public Housing and continuing the legacy that has been created thus far,” Watts said.
Construction of the units should begin within the week, and be completed by April 2015.
All six units will be constructed on a green space in between Seventh and Eighth Avenue.