Groundbreaking for the final phase of the City of Farrell's homeownership program took place at 2:00 p.m. on Friday at 420 Fruit Ave.

The project will be completed by Farrell native, Donna Pyles and her husband John Pyles. The couple owns DC Construction & Services based out of North Carolina.

The groundbreaking was followed by a light reception at a home that was recently renovated by the company in Farrell located on Shenango Boulevard.

Farrell City Manager, John Prescott says Donna's passion to contribute to the city is "incredible" and adds that the home program she will be completing is funded through the Affordable Housing Program acquired via the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh.

"These homes help stabilize neighborhoods and create family housing that attracts more people to the community and in turn supports the surrounding area," Prescott said.

Donna is a 1984 alumna of Farrell High School, and she has fond memories of growing up in Farrell, so she's excited to give back to her home community.

"It's bigger than just a project, it's a mission. I want people to want to live in Farrell. I want businesses to come and represent in Farrell, increase employment opportunities, raise the tax base and property values, which means Farrell can do even more for the community," she said.

Donna connected with Farrell Mayor, Kim Doss in 2021 to share her vision for her hometown. From there, Mayor Doss connected with Prescott.

"Donna is from Farrell, with family here and is someone wanting to give back to their hometown, not forgetting where they came from, which was very important to me," Mayor Doss said.

"This program will help build up our tax base and give people of low income a step up into homeownership," she continued.

The homes are currently valued at $200,000, but the final price will be reduced. That price is still to be determined but is expected to be under $100,000. 

The city has built six homes since money for the grant has been received, with the first one being built in 2016 and the most recent one being completed during the spring of 2022 by Meander Construction, who built four out of the six homes.

DC Construction plans to complete the last two homes between the end of 2022 and the spring of 2023 for a total of eight homes built for the city with the funding program.