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WE WERE disappointed to receive David Thomas' resignation from the Cranberry Isles Realty Trust (GIRT) board this summer. On behalf of the Directors, I extend to David and Cindy a hearty thank you for a job well done. It was no small matter for David to shepherd the construction and renovation of the houses on Great Cranberry and Islesford. Cindy was behind him all the way -- passing along messages, providing suggestions and encouragement. We wish David success as a member of the board of the Island Institute, and we are grateful to the Institute for bringing Jesse Minor into our midst as an Island Fellow. This fall we welcomed Kelly Sanborn and Chris Wriggins to the CIRT board. Two of our three houses are now occupied. The Cooks continue to live in the Rice house on Cranberry. The community is thankful to have them "on island" -- they are terrific assets to the community. |
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The Islesford house has been rented by Sonja Moser as a base while she is putting together a documentary "Driving Home-what it means to be an American." She is now helping Paul Fernald with home repairs. We look forward to her assistance with school drama projects. Sonja recently received a Master's Degree from Columbia in directing. Welcome Sonja! |
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The Kane house on Cranberry is in the throes of rehabilitation. We look forward to advertising it for occupancy soon. Particular thanks are extended to Bud Moss of Winkumpaugh Line Construction who installed our power line on Cranberry, and made a generous donation; as did Peter Eldredge, who donated the paint and materials he used refreshing the Kane house. A grant we received from the Maine Realtors Association was put towards the cost of drilling the well for the Islesford house. A grant from the Maine Community Foundation will cover a portion of the Kane House renovation expenses. |
We would not be enjoying such progress at providing affordable housing without community assistance: in-kind, financial, and via serendipitous suggestions and encouragement. Hopefully our successes and your support will continue. Again this December we are asking you for a contribution towards renovating and running the Trust's three houses. CIRT is always interested in hearing about available land or houses on our islands. Donations of money and real estate, as well as the value forgone when property is sold to us at a bargain price, are tax deductible. Thank you all. Chris White Cranberry Isles Realty Trust is a nonprofit organization of islanders dedicated to providing year-round housing to those who otherwise could not afford it. |
Islanders Share Successes and ChallengesON OCTOBER 25 and 26, CIRT board members Chris White, Barbara Stainton and Katrina Van Dusen attended a meeting for islanders hosted by the Island Institute. "The Affordable Coast," focused on property taxes, affordable housing and working waterfronts. We heard about the "Chebeague proposal," a home-grown real estate tax reform plan. This plan is a response to a recent re-assessment by the Town of Cumberland that put high values on Great Chebeague Island property, raising property taxes beyond what many longtime residents can afford. The idea is to establish a voluntary program modeled after the state's Tree Growth Tax Law that would limit the increase of land assessments for those who agree never to sell their land. Those who enter the program but later want to sell are hit with significant financial penalties that towns would use to offset the loss of property tax income. The most interesting report on island affordable housing was by Dougie Boynton from Monhegan. "Below market sales between winter residents have kept the community alive," explained Boynton, "but we felt we needed to take action to assure there will be affordable places for families and single people to live over the long-term."
The fledgling Monhegan Island Sustainable Community Association (MISCA) recently bought a building that houses the Post Office, store and two apartments. MISCA will maintain ownership of the land under this building and other property it purchases, making the price of a house or apartment alone more affordable. In addition to meeting income limits, prospective property owners need to have lived on the island for four years. Staff from the Genesis Fund in Damariscotta have provided assistance with forming the organization. MISCA combined donations from the community with a bank loan to make their initial purchase. |
Cranberry Isles Realty Trust Board of DirectorsChris White, President Owen Roberts, Treasurer Katrina Van Dusen, Secretary Dick Pierson Kelly Sanborn Janice Smith Jeri Spurling Barbara Stainton Chris Wriggins
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Newsletter
To preserve institutions vital to their community, people on Monhegan organized to buy this building.
