A rendering of The East Parmenter Street Project was on display during the ground breaking ceremony on Wednesday, September 2, 2009. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR

Construction crews begin work at the site of the 24-house East Parmenter Street Project on Wednesday, September 2, 2009. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR

Rev. Deborah Dresser of St. George's Episcopal Church gives the Invocation for the East Parmenter Street ground breaking ceremony on Wednesday, September 2, 2009. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR

City of Newburgh Mayor Nicholas Valentine welcomes those gathered for the ground breaking ceremony of the East Parmenter Street Project on Wednesday, September 2, 2009. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR

Dan Clarino, President of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh, talks about the impact the East Parmenter Street project will have on the community during the ground breaking ceremony on Wednesday, September 2, 2009. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR

Lou Marquet of Leyland Alliance talks about the team effort of the East Parmenter Street Project during the ground breaking ceremony on Wednesday, September 2, 2009. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR

Steve Maun of Leyland Alliance discusses the foundation of a neighborhood during the ground breaking ceremony of the East Parmenter Street Project on Wednesday, September 2, 2009. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR

Deirdre Glenn, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh, gives the closing remarks at the East Parmenter Street ground breaking ceremony on Wednesday, September 2, 2009. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR

The new City of Newburgh Acting City Manager Richard Herbeck was in attendance at the ground breaking ceremony for the East Parmenter Street Project o Wednesday, September 2, 2009. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR

Construction crews begin work at the site of the 24-house East Parmenter Street Project on Wednesday, September 2, 2009. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR

More houses and a park will eventual replace this now vacant lot on East Parmenter Street in the City of Newburgh. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR