Father Stephen Panik successful secured federal finances of $6.5 million to start the first public housing in Connecticut.

[3] Father Panik Village was spread across 40 acres of land, with parking lots for the people's mules to travel to work and church.

The 40 acres of land and mule parking abutted Saints Cyril & Methodius Parish | Diocese of Bridgeport on the northwest, with Crescent Avenue which the Greater Bridgeport Transit Authority contracted to have a bus arrive and leave on Crescent Avenue every fifteen minutes to ensure the residences of Father Panik Village had transportation to employment, school, shopping and healthcare appointments.

Businesses within the local district of 40 acres of land were Singer Machine Manufacturer Co., Lace Manufacture, Carpenter Steel, Stanley Works, Bridgeport-Lycoming, Bridgeport Brass, General Electric Company, Jenkin Brothers, Skydale Department Store, hundreds of diversities restaurants, and small businesses.

The 1939 groundbreaking was attended by Congressman Albert E. Austin and Governor Wilbur L. Cross, both of whom gave speeches to mark the occasion.

Bridgeport's Mayor Thomas W. Bucci stated at that time that "Father Panik Village was in fact one of the worst-managed housing complexes in the nation.