Building Better Lives in Greenwich: New Kitchens and Renovations Throughout the Public Housing Units at Wilbur Peck Court

Just in time for the holidays, the low-income residents at Wilbur Peck can cook their holiday meals in their completely refurbished kitchens, with stainless steel appliances, and beautiful cabinetry plus a microwave with ventilation, which did not previously exist in each kitchen. All 110 units are freshly painted and have new bathrooms and stained wood flooring.

Wilbur Peck was originally built in 1953 with financing from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Located near downtown Greenwich, residents who live there can enjoy all of the resources Greenwich has to offer, including excellent schools, parks and recreation programs, and a wide variety of social services programs for all ages and needs. Public housing is limited to low-income families and individuals who have U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status.

Anthony Johnson, Executive Director of Greenwich Communities (formerly the Housing Authority of the Town of Greenwich), spearheaded this project, with the support of his Board of Commissioners. Johnson firmly believes it is important for the residents and the overall health of the community to invest in infrastructure. “It is important that our residents and their children live with dignity and feel like they fit in. We have worked diligently through fiscal responsible asset management of our resources and strong partnerships with state and local agencies to help strengthen family life, foster stable home environments, and promote selfsufficiency.”

With this mission in mind, Greenwich Communities partnered with Family Centers to open a health clinic in the complex a few years ago. Staffed by nurse practitioners, dentists, licensed social workers and other medical professionals, the clinic provides primary healthcare, dental and mental health services to children and adults living at Wilbur Peck and the surrounding neighborhoods.

While Greenwich Communities is part of the town government and members of its Board of Commissioners are appointed by the Board of Selectmen, the Housing Authority operates independently. The responsibility for the financing falls on the Housing Authority, not the town government. "The Housing Authority of the Town of Greenwich, unlike most housing authorities, directs and controls its projects without the need for a private development partner. This is possible because of the strength and expertise of our team," explained Johnson.

Greenwich Communities consists of 7 Commissioners, who serve for 5-year terms and are nominated. Currently, they include Chairman Sam Romeo, Vice-Chairman Abe Curdumi, Vincent De Fina, James Boutelle, Angelo Pucci, and two Tenant Commissioners Robert Simms, Jr. and Cathy Landy. "Thanks to the Commissioners and the dedicated professionals on staff, we provide high-quality service to our residents while administrating a very robust capital program and ensuring financial success, while providing quality, safe and affordable housing now and well into the future," said Johnson.

There are 837 units in 15 properties under Greenwich Communities, including home-ownership condominiums, scattered-site housing, various developments, and Parsonage Cottage. Greenwich Communities also administers 343 families through the Section 8 Program. Total residents served through all programs is 2,574. Through resident associations and with the help of professional staff and outside support agencies (e.g., CCI, Family Centers, Department of Human Services, Commission on Aging), residents are encouraged to learn, earn, manage and improve their lives. For more information, please visit their website, https://greenwichcommunity.org/ or call Greenwich Communities (203) 869-1138