Last week developers broke ground in Essex Junction on what will become Village Haven, the state's first designated "neighborhood" under the new Vermont Neighborhoods law passed last spring.
Dousevicz Inc. of South Burlington plans to build 18 two- or three-bedroom single-family homes and six duplex homes on the property.
The houses will sell for $258,000 to $320,000.
Vermont Neighborhoods exempts certain neighborhoods from Act 250, the state's land use law. Eligible neighborhoods must be built in or adjacent to designated downtown areas meeting VHFA affordability requirements.