The Shelburne Housing Authority (SHA) operated Highland Village between the years 1977-2023 as a public housing project for seniors and people with disabilities. The original SHA Board members were Ben New, Beatrice Cross, Francis Wheeler, Douglas Packard, and John Phillips. Roger Seward of the Franklin County Regional Housing & Redevelopment Authority (HRA) served as the founding SHA board secretary. The attorney for the sale of the Field estate land, John Richardson, as well as the above named individuals were responsible for creating Highland Village.
Throughout the years SHA contracted day-to-day operations to HRA whose dedicated service maintained the property. State Representative Natalie Blais and State Senator Joanne Comerford co-sponsored legislation that lead to the merger between the authorities based on the work of Gina Govoni, SHA/HRA executive director; and members, Margaret Payne and Rita Maccini who lead the steering committee.
Acknowledgment is given for the hard work and contributions of the local community who provided valuable support over the years including—Shelburne Police and Fire Departments and Senior Center members. They will continue to be invaluable in maintaining and improving the operation of Highland Village.
Thanks to the current and past Shelburne Selectboard members for their funding of capital improvements to Highland Village, including significant modernization of the facility. Their support as well as the support of all the groups mentioned are required for continuing efforts to increase affordable public housing in Shelburne and throughout the county. The final SHA Board members, Roger Bowen Weld, chairperson; Kim Levitch, vice-chair; Susan Flaccus, secretary; and Rita Maccini, treasurer are deeply grateful for the dedication and support of all those involved and wish the new administration under HRA great success.
HRA’s Shelburne board members are:
Faith Williams, 120 Frank Williams Road, Shelburne (413) 834-2362 or (413) 625-2479
Contact: Franklin County Regional Housing & Redevelopment Authority (HRA)
Central Office
241 Millers Falls Road
Turners Falls, MA 01376
Phone: Central Office: (413) 863-9781
FAX: Central Office: (413) 863-9289
