Vermont Housing Conservation Board 2005 - Vermont Housing and ...
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<strong>2005</strong><br />
Annual Report to the General Assembly<br />
&<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> <strong>Housing</strong><br />
<strong>Conservation</strong> <strong>Board</strong>
<strong>Vermont</strong> <strong>Housing</strong> & <strong>Conservation</strong> <strong>Board</strong><br />
John T. Ewing, Chair, Burlington<br />
Sarah E. Carpenter, Executive Director, <strong>Vermont</strong> <strong>Housing</strong> Finance Agency<br />
Kevin Dorn, Secretary, Agency of Commerce <strong>and</strong> Community Development<br />
Roy Folsom, Crooked Brooks Farm, Cabot<br />
Christine Hart, Executive Director, Brattleboro <strong>Housing</strong> Authority, Brattleboro<br />
Steven Kerr, Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food <strong>and</strong> Markets<br />
G. Kenneth Perine, President, National Bank of Middlebury, Middlebury<br />
Thomas Weaver, Bartlett-Weaver Associates, Essex Junction<br />
Jonathan Wood, Commissioner, Department of Forests, Parks <strong>and</strong> Recreation<br />
John D. E. Roberts, Vice-Chair, Cornwall farmer (retired <strong>2005</strong>)<br />
Agricultural Advisory Committee<br />
Roger Allbee, USDA Farm Service Agency<br />
Cecile Branon, Fairfield Farmer<br />
Dave Hoyt, USDA Natural Resources <strong>Conservation</strong> Service<br />
Glenn Rogers, UVM Extension Service<br />
Jon Satz, Br<strong>and</strong>on farmer<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> Farm Viability Program Advisory <strong>Board</strong><br />
Jo Bradley, Manager, <strong>Vermont</strong> Economic Development Authority<br />
Jane Clifford, Starksboro farmer<br />
David Lane, Deputy Secretary for Agricultural Development,<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets<br />
Doug Lantagne, Interim Director, UVM Extension Service<br />
David Marchant, Fairfax farmer<br />
David Major, Westminster farmer<br />
Gary Braman, Loan Officer, USDA/FSA<br />
George Robson, <strong>Vermont</strong> Department of Economic Development<br />
Gus Seelig, Executive Director, <strong>Vermont</strong> <strong>Housing</strong> & <strong>Conservation</strong> <strong>Board</strong><br />
Ross Thurber, Brattleboro farmer<br />
VHCB Staff<br />
Executive Director: Gus Seelig<br />
Financial: Kathy Barrows, Kym Andrews, Cheryl Viens<br />
Administration: Larry Mires, Pam Boyd, Kathleen Dempsey, Laurie Graves, Ethan Guiles<br />
<strong>Conservation</strong>: Paul Hannan, Billy Coster, Nancy Everhart, Karen Freeman<br />
<strong>Housing</strong>: Polly Nichol, Rick DeAngelis, Nita Hanson, Patrick Shattuck, Willa Darley Chapin<br />
Lead Paint Hazard Reduction Program: Ron Rupp, Marty Bonneau, Diane Mackay, Bob Zatzke<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> Community Stewardship Program: Joan Wells, Dean Blumberg<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> Farm Viability Enhancement Program: Ethan Parke<br />
Legal: Jim Libby, Elizabeth Egan<br />
Front cover: Orndorff family, Burlington; Back cover: Y<strong>and</strong>ow Family, St. Albans. (Bob Eddy photos.)<br />
Photography: Bob Eddy, staff, grantees, <strong>and</strong> as credited<br />
Writing: Doug Wilhelm | Design: Pam Boyd | Printing: Hull Printing, Barre<br />
This report is dedicated to Kathy O’Dell, mother, friend,<br />
community activist, founding president of Revitalizing Waterbury,<br />
<strong>and</strong> inspiration behind the <strong>Vermont</strong> L<strong>and</strong> Trust L<strong>and</strong> Stewards’ Fund,<br />
assisting young people to work the l<strong>and</strong> through forestry or farming.<br />
Kathy O’Dell<br />
1947-<strong>2005</strong>
james h. douglas<br />
governor<br />
State of <strong>Vermont</strong><br />
office of the governor<br />
Montpelier, <strong>Vermont</strong> 05609<br />
January 31, 2006<br />
Dear <strong>Vermont</strong>ers,<br />
I am pleased to present the <strong>Vermont</strong> <strong>Housing</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Conservation</strong> <strong>Board</strong>’s (VHCB) Annual Report to the<br />
General Assembly <strong>and</strong> to congratulate the <strong>Board</strong> on another terrific year of service to our communities. For<br />
more than a generation, <strong>Vermont</strong>’s l<strong>and</strong> use policies have promoted compact village settlements surrounded by<br />
working l<strong>and</strong>scape. The importance of these goals has never been more evident. <strong>Vermont</strong>’s economy depends<br />
upon exp<strong>and</strong>ing housing opportunities while maintaining a world-class environment. VHCB is an important<br />
tool to implement that vision.<br />
This year, I had the opportunity to visit with <strong>Vermont</strong>ers at developments funded in part by VHCB in South<br />
Burlington, Middlebury, Rutl<strong>and</strong>, Montpelier, Ferrisburgh <strong>and</strong> Williston. It is clear that investing housing<br />
resources at smart growth sites helps reduce pressure on our working l<strong>and</strong>scape. Each of these endeavors has<br />
added value to our public investment. The revitalization of Tuttle Block in Rutl<strong>and</strong> epitomizes a myriad of public<br />
policy goals that include housing, historic preservation, economic development <strong>and</strong> downtown revitalization. I<br />
enjoyed an Earth Day celebration at the Hill parcel in Williston, which provides outdoor recreation opportunities<br />
<strong>and</strong> reduces runoff of phosphorous into the Winooski River <strong>and</strong> Lake Champlain.<br />
The strong dem<strong>and</strong> for <strong>and</strong> effective use of VHCB funds by communities across <strong>Vermont</strong> verifies the value<br />
of the state’s investment. This year, HUD recognized VHCB with the ‘Doorknocker’ award for the best rural<br />
housing program in the United States <strong>and</strong> the prestigious Ash Institute at Harvard University named VHCB<br />
a finalist for its Innovations in American Government Awards. These endorsements reflect the solid involvement<br />
of community leaders in developing projects <strong>and</strong> the benefits to multiple generations from our affordable<br />
housing policy.<br />
The <strong>Board</strong>’s investment in the working l<strong>and</strong>scape has become a critical tool in our agricultural industry,<br />
spurring both farm reinvestment <strong>and</strong> intergenerational transfers of farms while drawing millions in federal<br />
matching funds. VHCB’s conservation mission also encompasses historic preservation. Peter Miller’s new book<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> Gathering Places (sponsored by the Preservation Trust of <strong>Vermont</strong>) portrays the exciting work going on<br />
in communities to rebuild <strong>and</strong> revitalize historic assets such as the Ferrisburgh <strong>and</strong> Lamoille Grange Halls.<br />
The work of the <strong>Vermont</strong> <strong>Housing</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Conservation</strong> <strong>Board</strong> <strong>and</strong> its community-based partners has enriched<br />
the lives of <strong>Vermont</strong>ers <strong>and</strong> enhanced the quality of life in our communities. Over the next several years, my<br />
administration will work with VHCB <strong>and</strong> private <strong>and</strong> public sector partners to address our housing needs. We<br />
must build upon our solid foundation <strong>and</strong> ensure that every <strong>Vermont</strong>er has the ability to realize the American<br />
Dream. The passing of Art Gibb reminds us of how hard <strong>Vermont</strong>ers have worked to protect our environment<br />
while promoting vibrant communities. I urge you to continue to support the <strong>Vermont</strong> <strong>Housing</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Conservation</strong><br />
<strong>Board</strong>, a very important resource for addressing our housing <strong>and</strong> conservation goals.<br />
Sincerely,<br />
James H. Douglas<br />
Governor
LETTER FROM THE CHAIR<br />
In FY <strong>2005</strong>, VHCB<br />
2<br />
Dear Members of the General Assembly,<br />
On behalf of the <strong>Vermont</strong> <strong>Housing</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Conservation</strong> <strong>Board</strong> <strong>and</strong> our very<br />
dedicated staff, we want to thank you for your continued support <strong>and</strong> investment<br />
in the <strong>Board</strong>’s programs. This has been a banner year for the <strong>Board</strong>, as external<br />
entities have recognized the excellent work that is being done by citizens<br />
<strong>and</strong> community organizations across the state, in partnership with the <strong>Board</strong>, to<br />
enhance the quality of life in our communities.<br />
In FY <strong>2005</strong>, VHCB investments will result in 436 affordable homes, the conservation<br />
of 19 farms <strong>and</strong> 3,383 acres of agricultural l<strong>and</strong>, the conservation of 15<br />
parcels <strong>and</strong> 847 acres for open space, recreation, wildlife habitat <strong>and</strong> the revitalization<br />
of seven historic buildings for community use.<br />
Today, as we write this report, work funded by VHCB is underway in downtown<br />
St. Albans, Winooski, Brattleboro <strong>and</strong> recently completed in Rutl<strong>and</strong>.<br />
Many of our small rural communities, like Groton <strong>and</strong> Whitingham, are re-investing<br />
in their village centers, <strong>and</strong> growing communities, like South Burlington,<br />
Dorset <strong>and</strong> Middlebury, are welcoming new neighbors.<br />
The <strong>Board</strong>’s agricultural programs continue to attract <strong>and</strong> leverage federal<br />
dollars <strong>and</strong> private funding. Last year’s investment of 2.1 million was matched<br />
by 1.9 million in federal funds, while private foundations, particularly the<br />
Freeman Foundation, invested 2.5 million in our agricultural communities.<br />
The <strong>Board</strong> has also seen steady growth in our Farm Viability Program. Administration<br />
of that program will transition to the Agency of Agriculture next year.<br />
Through the help of Senator Leahy, matching federal earmarks have been appropriated.<br />
Private funding has been secured, <strong>and</strong> VHCB received a foundation<br />
grant for the Farm-to-School Initiative, spearheaded by Shelburne Farms, which<br />
is now active in 53 communities.<br />
While VHCB’s most visible roles are in housing <strong>and</strong> agriculture, our statutory<br />
mission also encompasses the protection of natural areas, recreation l<strong>and</strong>s<br />
<strong>and</strong> historic sites. The impact from investments in these areas, though less<br />
apparent, is tremendously important to our quality of life. A diverse array of<br />
conservation projects is described in this report. The Nature Conservancy is<br />
acquiring l<strong>and</strong> for addition to areas of biological richness targeted for protection<br />
in Bridport, North Pawlet <strong>and</strong> Fair Haven. Residents in Jericho <strong>and</strong> Underhill<br />
conserved Casey’s Hill—a treasured spot where families enjoy sledding in the<br />
winter <strong>and</strong> picnicking in the spring, summer <strong>and</strong> fall. Municipalities <strong>and</strong> community<br />
groups are revitalizing historic l<strong>and</strong>marks in Roxbury, Ferrisburgh, <strong>and</strong><br />
Morrisville.<br />
We continue to see dual goal projects, such as the new Otter View Park in<br />
Middlebury that will create a new 17-acre town park with a boardwalk for birdwatching<br />
<strong>and</strong> three building sites including one affordable home to be built by<br />
Habitat for Humanity.<br />
A key part of the <strong>Board</strong>’s job is to assure the accountability of the VHCB<br />
for wise use of public funds. Each project is evaluated carefully by our staff <strong>and</strong><br />
then reviewed by the <strong>Board</strong> to make sure we investing consistent with VHCB’s<br />
investments will result<br />
in 436 affordable<br />
homes, the conservation<br />
of 19 farms <strong>and</strong><br />
3,383 acres of agricultural<br />
l<strong>and</strong>, the conservation<br />
of 15 parcels<br />
<strong>and</strong> 847 acres for open<br />
space, recreation, wildlife<br />
habitat <strong>and</strong> the<br />
revitalization of seven<br />
historic buildings for<br />
community use.<br />
The American Precision Museum<br />
in Windsor: birthplace of modern<br />
manufacturing. Story on page 36.<br />
Bob Eddy
statutory m<strong>and</strong>ates that require permanent<br />
affordability <strong>and</strong> permanent<br />
protection of l<strong>and</strong> resources in order<br />
to provide benefit to multiple generations.<br />
The system has checks <strong>and</strong> measures<br />
for accountability, monitoring<br />
<strong>and</strong> stewardship to protect the state’s<br />
investment.<br />
A key reason we are successful is<br />
that projects are driven as much by a<br />
community’s vision of what is important<br />
to them as it is by statewide<br />
priorities. The <strong>Board</strong> is able to make<br />
funding decisions knowing there is a<br />
high degree of community support for<br />
these initiatives.<br />
We also appreciate the valuable<br />
feedback you, as legislators, give us.<br />
Two years ago, it was suggested that<br />
we focus on the need for transitional<br />
housing. Since that time, eight communities<br />
have successfully used a new<br />
VHCB fund creating 45 units of transitional<br />
housing with services.<br />
Governor Douglas has highlighted<br />
the need for affordable homes as<br />
a high priority issue for the state’s<br />
economy <strong>and</strong> for our hard working<br />
families. We will combine efforts with<br />
the Administration, creating new<br />
homes in response to the dem<strong>and</strong>.<br />
The <strong>Board</strong> will continue to seek every<br />
opportunity to leverage the state’s<br />
investment of transfer tax revenue to<br />
maximize the return to <strong>Vermont</strong>ers,<br />
today <strong>and</strong> in the future. Please contact<br />
our staff if we can be of assistance to<br />
you or your constituents.<br />
Sincerely,<br />
John T. Ewing<br />
VHCB Chair<br />
John Churchman/brickhousestudios.com<br />
In the shadow of Mount Mansfield, Casey's Hill is a popular winter sledding hill<br />
conserved for public recreational use by the Jericho Underhill L<strong>and</strong> Trust.<br />
<strong>2005</strong> Awards <strong>and</strong> Recognition<br />
• VHCB was a finalist for an Innovations in American<br />
Government Award presented by the Ash Institute at the John F.<br />
Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. VHCB was one<br />
of three finalists for a Fannie Mae Foundation Innovation Award in<br />
Affordable <strong>Housing</strong>.<br />
• VHCB was presented with a national HOME Doorknocker<br />
Award from the Department of <strong>Housing</strong> <strong>and</strong> Urban Development<br />
for outst<strong>and</strong>ing work in providing affordable housing to low-income <strong>and</strong><br />
underserved people in a rural state.<br />
• Waterfront <strong>Housing</strong> in Burlington, 40 new apartments<br />
completed in <strong>2005</strong>, won first prize in the rental category of The<br />
Home Depot Foundation’s Inaugural Awards of Excellence For<br />
Affordable <strong>Housing</strong> Built Responsibly.<br />
• Gus Seelig, VHCB Executive Director, won an honorable mention for<br />
the <strong>2005</strong> NeighborWorks ® America Government Service Award.<br />
• Stonebridge Inn in Poultney won a <strong>2005</strong> Preservation<br />
Award from the Preservation Trust of <strong>Vermont</strong> for preserving <strong>Vermont</strong>’s<br />
historic architecture.<br />
• Brenda Torpy, Burlington Community L<strong>and</strong> Trust Executive<br />
Director, was presented with a Pioneer in Excellence Award<br />
by the Local Initiatives Support Corporation in Monterey California for<br />
outst<strong>and</strong>ing leadership in community development.<br />
3
VHCB HOUSING PROGRAMS<br />
During <strong>2005</strong> the <strong>Board</strong> continued to focus on increasing the supply of<br />
housing <strong>and</strong> supporting opportunities for homeownership. In addition,<br />
the <strong>Board</strong> funded several key downtown developments that renovated important<br />
buildings, created additional apartments, or rebuilt after major fires. The<br />
<strong>Board</strong>’s transitional housing fund provided capital grants to house people who<br />
need housing with supportive services before they can live independently. As in<br />
the past, the <strong>Board</strong> supported preservation of existing subsidized housing <strong>and</strong><br />
the <strong>Vermont</strong> Center for Independent Living’s Home Access Program, which<br />
provides accessibility modifications to homes <strong>and</strong> apartments statewide.<br />
Increasing the Supply<br />
Sixty-nine percent of the developments funded by the <strong>Board</strong> will add new housing<br />
to the market. These developments will add 368 new apartments, condominiums<br />
<strong>and</strong> single family homes either through new construction or adaptive<br />
reuse of existing buildings. As in the past, many of the new units are in the<br />
northwestern part of the state where the housing market has been extremely<br />
tight in recent years. Virtually all the new housing is located in downtowns or<br />
neighborhoods <strong>and</strong> serves the dual purpose of providing affordable housing<br />
while strengthening <strong>and</strong> revitalizing neighborhoods.<br />
Increasing Homeownership Opportunities<br />
This year, the <strong>Board</strong> significantly increased the amount of money dedicated to<br />
homeownership <strong>and</strong> also raised the amount of subsidy available per home to<br />
help lower-income <strong>Vermont</strong>ers break into a rapidly escalating housing market.<br />
Homeownership funds were provided to develop single family homes <strong>and</strong> condominiums,<br />
for the Homel<strong>and</strong> program in which buyers select homes available<br />
Fiscal Year <strong>2005</strong><br />
HOUSING<br />
State Funding Commitments<br />
$6, 293, 909<br />
436 units<br />
20 projects<br />
Homeownership 133 units<br />
Rental <strong>Housing</strong> 303 units<br />
Federal Funding Commitments<br />
HOME Program<br />
$4,450,694<br />
Lead-Based Paint<br />
Hazard Reduction Program<br />
$ 837,340<br />
4<br />
Groton Community <strong>Housing</strong><br />
VHCB is contributing to extensive<br />
community development efforts in<br />
the village of Groton. Renovations<br />
are underway in 19 units of mixedincome<br />
rental housing developed<br />
by the Gilman <strong>Housing</strong> Trust in<br />
partnership with <strong>Housing</strong> <strong>Vermont</strong>.<br />
There will also be a new, exp<strong>and</strong>ed<br />
home for the Groton Free Public<br />
Library, a renovated general store,<br />
three business incubator spaces<br />
<strong>and</strong> streetscape improvements<br />
along Groton’s Main Street.
in the marketplace, <strong>and</strong> for homes<br />
built by Habitat for Humanity, high<br />
school vocational building trades programs,<br />
<strong>and</strong> incarcerated women. In<br />
addition to grants that provide equity<br />
<strong>and</strong> thereby lower the household’s<br />
mortgage amount, VHCB loans help<br />
pay for closing costs.<br />
Strategic Investments in Downtowns<br />
<strong>and</strong> Village Centers<br />
VHCB made awards that will help to<br />
rebuild after disastrous fires, bring new<br />
life to vacant buildings, <strong>and</strong> renovate<br />
dilapidated structures in key downtown<br />
or village center locations. In the<br />
wake of fires that struck downtown<br />
Enosburg <strong>and</strong> Brattleboro, VHCB<br />
committed funds to rebuild, combining<br />
first floor commercial with upstairs<br />
residential space designed in keeping<br />
with the historic character of those<br />
town centers. Vacant buildings in the<br />
heart of Richford <strong>and</strong> Whitingham<br />
will be brought back to life through<br />
the creation of new apartments while<br />
key buildings on South Main Street<br />
in Bradford will undergo thorough<br />
renovation. Senior apartments were<br />
funded in the village centers of Glover<br />
<strong>and</strong> Waitsfield, adding to the vitality<br />
of those communities <strong>and</strong> securing<br />
rental assistance for very low-income<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> elders.<br />
VHCB <strong>Housing</strong> Programs<br />
Under the following programs, the <strong>Board</strong> funds the acquisition,<br />
rehabilitation <strong>and</strong> construction of affordable housing by nonprofit<br />
housing organizations. Private developers are eligible to apply for federal<br />
HOME funds to increase the affordability of rental housing. All housing<br />
funded must serve households earning less than 100% of median income as<br />
defined by HUD. The majority of the units funded by VHCB serve households<br />
with incomes between 30% <strong>and</strong> 80% of median income. Private l<strong>and</strong>lords<br />
<strong>and</strong> homeowners can apply for Lead-Paint Hazard Abatement funds.<br />
Feasibility Funds Grants of up to $15,000 pay for predevelopment<br />
costs such as appraisals, engineering <strong>and</strong> environmental studies, energy audits,<br />
options, preliminary architectural <strong>and</strong> title work <strong>and</strong> marketing analysis.<br />
Multi-Family Rental <strong>Housing</strong> The <strong>Board</strong> funds acquisition <strong>and</strong><br />
rehabilitation or new construction of rental housing <strong>and</strong> rental <strong>and</strong> ownership<br />
cooperatives in multi-unit buildings.<br />
Service-Supported <strong>Housing</strong> <strong>Housing</strong> development organizations<br />
work with social service agencies to provide housing with support services<br />
for residents. Projects address special needs such as housing for elders, for<br />
battered women, or for physically, developmentally, or mentally disabled<br />
persons.<br />
Homeownership Programs<br />
• Homel<strong>and</strong> Grant funds subsidize the cost of single family homes,<br />
duplexes <strong>and</strong> condominiums, increasing affordability <strong>and</strong> guaranteeing<br />
perpetual affordability upon resale. Appreciation is limited by an<br />
agreement between the nonprofit <strong>and</strong> the homeowner. In return, the<br />
purchase price of the home is reduced significantly.<br />
• Single Family Assistance Program Participating nonprofit<br />
housing organizations administer grants of up to $2000 to assist<br />
homebuyers with downpayment <strong>and</strong> closing costs.<br />
• Habitat for Humanity & Vocational Education Grants help<br />
pay for l<strong>and</strong> or lower the costs of construction. The resulting savings are<br />
passed on to first-time home buyers.<br />
• Mobile Home Parks VHCB funds assist with the purchase <strong>and</strong><br />
upgrading of mobile home parks by nonprofit housing organizations.<br />
• Purchase Subsidy Program VHCB funds assist low-income<br />
households to purchase mobile homes in nonprofit-owned mobile<br />
home parks. Funds are provided for down payment assistance, to<br />
prevent foreclosure, or to upgrade or replace deteriorated homes.<br />
Transitional <strong>Housing</strong> Fund assists organizations working to develop<br />
housing for <strong>Vermont</strong>'s homeless <strong>and</strong> marginally housed population.<br />
<strong>Housing</strong> for Persons Living with HIV/AIDS Federal funds from<br />
the U.S. Department of <strong>Housing</strong> <strong>and</strong> Urban Development subsidize housing<br />
<strong>and</strong> meals for persons living with these diseases.<br />
Lead Paint Hazard Abatement Funds provide homeowners, l<strong>and</strong>lords<br />
<strong>and</strong> nonprofit organizations funds <strong>and</strong> services to reduce lead hazards.<br />
5
VHCB CONSERVATION PROGRAMS<br />
The <strong>Vermont</strong>ers who come before our <strong>Board</strong> seeking funding for conservation<br />
projects share a common trait: foresight. The American Heritage Dictionary<br />
offers a definition of that trait: “concern or prudence with respect to the future.”<br />
When the American Farml<strong>and</strong> Trust polled our grantee farmers several years<br />
ago, it was the desire to see their l<strong>and</strong> continue in agriculture for generations to<br />
come that topped the list of reasons for conserving their farml<strong>and</strong>. We know volunteers<br />
active in perpetuating hiking opportunities who are unable to hike because<br />
their knees have failed them. The elderly tend to be among the most enthusiastic<br />
supporters of local historic restoration projects, believing that our treasured historic<br />
buildings are one of the most important legacies we can leave our children. It’s<br />
foresight that binds these people in the common purpose of conserving the historic<br />
buildings, natural areas <strong>and</strong> open l<strong>and</strong>s that comprise our communites.<br />
You’ll read about the Briggses, the Y<strong>and</strong>ows <strong>and</strong> the O’Connells in this annual<br />
report—all are farmers with unique stories of how VHCB affected their ability to<br />
fulfill aspirations of farming on into the future. Each of these families has wrestled<br />
with the perpetual nature of conservation easements <strong>and</strong> concluded that the right<br />
to develop was an asset they would trade to better position themselves in farming’s<br />
mercurial future.<br />
Other farmers are availing themselves of the Farm Viability Program to augment<br />
their competitive edge in the challenging agricultural economy. Farmers are, by<br />
<strong>and</strong> large, some of the savviest business practitioners in <strong>Vermont</strong>. It’s that innate<br />
abundance of common sense <strong>and</strong> foresight that sends an increasing number of<br />
them to seek help in developing business plans to chart a road map for financial<br />
success.<br />
VHCB <strong>Board</strong> <strong>and</strong> staff continually ask the question “Is this a parcel best<br />
conserved or developed” We look to local expression of foresight to help arrive<br />
at the answer. Thus, considerable weight is given to town <strong>and</strong> regional planning<br />
Fiscal Year <strong>2005</strong><br />
CONSERVATION<br />
State Funding Commitments<br />
Agricultural L<strong>and</strong>:<br />
$2,145,605<br />
19 farms<br />
3,383 acres<br />
Natural Areas, Recreational<br />
L<strong>and</strong>s, Historic Properties:<br />
$1,684,179<br />
22 projects<br />
847 acres<br />
7 historic properties<br />
Federal Funding Programs<br />
Farm <strong>and</strong> Ranchl<strong>and</strong><br />
Protection Program:<br />
$1,921,000<br />
6<br />
VHCB provided funds to the City of<br />
Montpelier to create the new Mill<br />
Pond Park on the North Branch<br />
of the Winooski. Last summer<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> Youth <strong>Conservation</strong> Corps<br />
members sponsored by the Agency<br />
of Transportation worked with the<br />
City Parks Department l<strong>and</strong>scaping<br />
the park over a two-week period.<br />
In the future, the city hopes to link<br />
the park to the recreation fi elds,<br />
creating a connecting trail system<br />
via a foot bridge across the river.
documents. But an applicant’s enthusiasm<br />
<strong>and</strong> knowledge of the parcel often<br />
carry the day by virtue of their vision<br />
<strong>and</strong> passion.<br />
Where an entity of modest imagination<br />
might have seen 17 acres straddling<br />
the Middlebury-Weybridge town line as<br />
either house lots or conservation l<strong>and</strong>s,<br />
the diminutive Middlebury Area L<strong>and</strong><br />
Trust took on the enormous endeavor of<br />
serving both goals, <strong>and</strong> including an affordable<br />
housing component. The Cross<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> Trail Association hopes to link<br />
a chain of parcels creating a path across<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> from Lake Champlain to the<br />
Connecticut River. The Nature Conservancy<br />
has invested countless hours in<br />
defining their vision of conservation in<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong>’s most heavily endowed areas<br />
of biological richness. And, town after<br />
town is picking up the colossal challenge<br />
of restoring the architectural l<strong>and</strong>marks<br />
erected decades ago — thereby linking<br />
a vision of the past with a vision for the<br />
future.<br />
These, <strong>and</strong> more, are the stories of<br />
conservation in the pages that follow.<br />
They record our progress <strong>and</strong> inspire us<br />
to further action through imagination<br />
<strong>and</strong> foresight. Our children’s children<br />
cannot help but appreciate the gesture.<br />
Mallory Brook L<strong>and</strong>, East Montpelier.<br />
489 acres conserved by the Trust for<br />
Public L<strong>and</strong>s.<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> Farml<strong>and</strong> <strong>Conservation</strong> Program<br />
Since 1987, VHCB’s Farml<strong>and</strong> <strong>Conservation</strong> Program — in partnership<br />
with the <strong>Vermont</strong> Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets,<br />
<strong>and</strong> nonprofi t conservation organizations such as the <strong>Vermont</strong><br />
L<strong>and</strong> Trust <strong>and</strong> the Upper Valley L<strong>and</strong> Trust — has conserved over<br />
113,000 acres on more than 390 farms. Private support from the<br />
Freeman Foundation <strong>and</strong> the Merck Fund have provided for the<br />
conservation of more than 140 additional farms.<br />
Through the purchase of permanent conservation easements, the<br />
Farml<strong>and</strong> <strong>Conservation</strong> Program protects working farml<strong>and</strong> with<br />
good agricultural soils in strong farming communities where agriculture<br />
is likely to remain viable. Farmers use proceeds from the sale<br />
of development rights to modernize facilities, fi nance new farm enterprises,<br />
buy additional farml<strong>and</strong>, or to transfer conserved farml<strong>and</strong><br />
to the next generation of farmers at an affordable price.<br />
While dairy farming remains the backbone of <strong>Vermont</strong>’s agricultural<br />
industry, interest in diversifi cation, direct marketing, <strong>and</strong><br />
transitioning to organic continues to intensify, with many farmers<br />
seeking assistance through the Farm Viability Enhancement Program<br />
described on page 26.<br />
The Farml<strong>and</strong> <strong>Conservation</strong> Program operates on a willing buyer/<br />
willing seller basis, with appraisals determining the price that is paid<br />
for an agricultural conservation easement. In order to keep conserved<br />
farml<strong>and</strong> in the h<strong>and</strong>s of working farmers, since 2003 VHCB<br />
has offered farmers the choice to sell an “Option to Purchase at<br />
Agricultural Value.” Farmers who decide to include the Affordability<br />
Option in the easement are compensated additionally if they agree<br />
to restrict the future sales price of the conserved l<strong>and</strong> to its agricultural<br />
value. Among the 19 farms conserved this past fiscal year, 12<br />
farmers agreed to include the Option.<br />
In <strong>2005</strong> <strong>Vermont</strong> was awarded $3 million in federal funding<br />
through the Farm <strong>and</strong> Ranchl<strong>and</strong> Protection Program administered<br />
by the Natural Resource <strong>Conservation</strong> Service. State funds committed<br />
by VHCB for the Farml<strong>and</strong> <strong>Conservation</strong> Program are matched<br />
by these federal funds which cover up to 50% of the easement cost<br />
on each farm project, leveraging the state’s investment to conserve<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong>’s most productive farml<strong>and</strong>.<br />
7
DOWNTOWN RENTAL HOUSING<br />
“God bless the person<br />
who designed this, because<br />
I love it. It’s so<br />
open, <strong>and</strong> so easy, <strong>and</strong><br />
there’s a sense of security<br />
in this building. It’s just<br />
beautiful.”<br />
— Martha Crilly<br />
Bob Eddy<br />
8<br />
Rutl<strong>and</strong>’s Reclaimed Tuttle Building<br />
On Center Street in the heart of Rutl<strong>and</strong>, it’s hard not to notice<br />
the renewed h<strong>and</strong>someness of the old Tuttle Building. Reclaimed<br />
from near-ruin in recent months through an ambitious<br />
partnership project led by the Rutl<strong>and</strong> County Community L<strong>and</strong><br />
Trust (RCCLT), with funding provided by VHCB <strong>and</strong> other sources,<br />
Martha Crilly, who uses a wheelchair<br />
due to rheumatoid arthritis<br />
<strong>and</strong> fi bromyalgia, moved into a<br />
spacious, accessible apartment<br />
at the Tuttle Block in August. The<br />
historic building, originally home to<br />
The Tuttle Printing <strong>and</strong> Engraving<br />
Company, was rehabilitated to<br />
include 13 apartments with<br />
offi ces <strong>and</strong> two street-front<br />
commercial spaces.
the 1906-vintage edifice st<strong>and</strong>s out today<br />
like a polished antique. Once home<br />
to the Tuttle Printing <strong>and</strong> Engraving<br />
Company, the building now houses 13<br />
affordable apartments, along with the<br />
offices of RCCLT.<br />
The most noticeable tenant, with its<br />
showroom at street level, is Center Street<br />
Artisans, a new business whose shareholders<br />
are craft artists. Big picture windows<br />
showcase elegantly h<strong>and</strong>crafted<br />
home furnishings, <strong>and</strong> passersby often<br />
pause to window-shop.<br />
Since the wraps came off the Tuttle<br />
Building’s renovation this fall, local<br />
responses have been very warm.<br />
“The building really has jumpstarted<br />
enthusiasm in the community,”<br />
says Elisabeth Kulas, RCCLT’s executive<br />
director. “I get comments all the time<br />
about how beautiful it looks.”<br />
Good looks, in this case, go deeper<br />
than the façade. Led by RCCLT in a limited<br />
partnership with <strong>Housing</strong> <strong>Vermont</strong><br />
<strong>and</strong> Key Bank, the Tuttle Building’s<br />
renovation proved that a downtown<br />
restoration project with a return on investment<br />
that would be insufficient for<br />
a private developer can, with patience<br />
<strong>and</strong> determination, be accomplished as<br />
a private-public-nonprofit collaboration<br />
— <strong>and</strong> the community as a whole<br />
can benefit.<br />
The completed Tuttle building, supported<br />
by a VHCB grant along with<br />
federal HOME Program funds awarded<br />
through VHCB, affordable housing<br />
tax credits, <strong>and</strong> HUD special purpose<br />
funding — has provided downtown affordable<br />
housing in a city whose commercial<br />
center had almost none.<br />
St<strong>and</strong>ing across from the earlierrestored<br />
Paramount Theater, the Tuttle<br />
Building <strong>and</strong> its artisans’ showroom<br />
has helped encourage local interest in<br />
the role of the arts <strong>and</strong> creativity in<br />
downtown revitalization. The <strong>Board</strong> of<br />
Aldermen has supported a broad-based<br />
local effort by community leaders,<br />
artists, business owners <strong>and</strong> cultural<br />
organizations to explore how a “creative<br />
economy” can continue sparking<br />
Rutl<strong>and</strong>’s renewal, much as similar efforts<br />
have in Bellows Falls, Brattleboro,<br />
<strong>and</strong> Br<strong>and</strong>on.<br />
Then there are the city residents who<br />
have moved into the Tuttle apartments.<br />
They’re people like Mac Janney <strong>and</strong><br />
Martha Crilly.<br />
Janney, who was born with a form<br />
of macular degeneration <strong>and</strong> is legally<br />
blind, coordinates development at <strong>Vermont</strong><br />
Adaptive Ski <strong>and</strong> Sports, based at<br />
the nearby Pico resort. The nonprofit<br />
organization provides sports <strong>and</strong> recreation<br />
for people with disabilities. Janney<br />
was living in an apartment up a steep hill<br />
from the city center. When he toured the<br />
Tuttle Building last summer, he says, “I<br />
just fell in love with the place.”<br />
Living now in a first-floor apartment,<br />
Janney says, “I can walk anywhere I<br />
need to go. It’s easy for me to go grocery<br />
shopping. Just having all these neat little<br />
shops around is pretty cool.”<br />
Martha Crilly, who has been confined<br />
to a wheelchair by rheumatoid<br />
arthritis <strong>and</strong> fibromyalgia, was renting<br />
an apartment in a building that had been<br />
sold; she was close to homelessness,<br />
unable to find an accessible, affordable<br />
rental, when she learned of RCCLT <strong>and</strong><br />
this building. She moved into a spacious,<br />
accessible apartment in August.<br />
“God bless the person who designed<br />
this, because I love it,” Crilly says. “It’s<br />
so open, <strong>and</strong> so easy, <strong>and</strong> there’s a sense<br />
of security in this building. It’s just<br />
beautiful.”<br />
9<br />
Governor Douglas joined Mrs.<br />
Tuttle, representatives of funding,<br />
community development agencies,<br />
congressional delegation <strong>and</strong> Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
County Community L<strong>and</strong> Trust staff<br />
<strong>and</strong> board members at the ribbon<br />
cutting last summer.
HOMELESS SHELTERS & TRANSITIONAL HOUSING<br />
Assisting <strong>Vermont</strong>’s Most Vulnerable<br />
Citizens<br />
GROVE STREET TRANSITIONAL HOUSING, RUTLAND<br />
The four apartments at 82 Grove Street in Rutl<strong>and</strong> provide far more than just<br />
a roof over the heads of the struggling families who live there. The housing<br />
program also offers training, support <strong>and</strong> community for the residents as they<br />
move from homeless shelters to homes.<br />
Three years in the making, the facility offers a variety of programs — from<br />
nutritional training to credit counseling — designed to make the time spent<br />
there a true transition, said Caprice Hover, executive director of the Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>Housing</strong> Coalition.<br />
“Sometimes you just move folks from a shelter to housing, there’s no way to<br />
avoid it,” she said. “But without the support stuff, they don’t learn how to avoid<br />
the crises that can snowball.”<br />
Through monthly group sessions <strong>and</strong> individual meetings with the caseworkers,<br />
who will serve the residents, Hover said she hopes to give the program participants<br />
a path to break the cycle of homelessness, even to the point of helping them<br />
purchase a house of their own.<br />
“It may take a couple of years for them to work on their credit, but the (state<br />
<strong>Housing</strong> Authority) vouchers help them have that dream,” Hover said. “. . . That<br />
can be a huge benefit to them, especially large families. A three-bedroom apartment<br />
can cost 900 to 1,000 per month in rent. That’s a mortgage, more than a<br />
mortgage actually.”<br />
At a ceremonial opening of the facility, Richard Williams, executive director of<br />
the <strong>Vermont</strong> State <strong>Housing</strong> Authority said the Grove Street building was a small<br />
but promising start.<br />
“The average cost of<br />
a two-bedroom apartment<br />
in <strong>Vermont</strong> is<br />
$698. To afford this rent<br />
level requires an annual<br />
income of $27,924.<br />
Unfortunately, 60% of<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong>’s workforce is<br />
employed in jobs whose<br />
median wages fall well<br />
below that level.<br />
— Rita Markley,<br />
Executive Director of COTS<br />
(The Committee on<br />
Temporary Shelter)<br />
10<br />
At 82 Grove Street, the Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
County <strong>Housing</strong> Coalition provides<br />
training, support <strong>and</strong> a sense of<br />
community to the residents in four<br />
transitional housing apartments.<br />
Residents can stay from 6-18<br />
months, or longer as necessary, while<br />
they stabilize fi nances, develop life<br />
skills <strong>and</strong> fi nd longer term housing.
Bob Eddy photos<br />
Laurie Webster, who was injured in a car accident, being checked by Carol R<strong>and</strong>all, a Rutl<strong>and</strong> Area Visiting Nurse in her<br />
apartment at Grove Street. Laurie <strong>and</strong> Todd, daughter Jenny Lynn <strong>and</strong> son Todd Tyler, Jr. occupy the apartment.<br />
“Some people may say it’s only four<br />
units, but if you’re homeless in Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
County it’s a valuable resource,” he<br />
said.<br />
Gov. James Douglas, who attended<br />
the ceremony, said he had high hopes<br />
for the program, which provides a service<br />
that may be in high dem<strong>and</strong> this<br />
winter.<br />
“The homeless person of today is<br />
not the stereotypical homeless person of<br />
years past,” he said. “Working individuals<br />
<strong>and</strong> families just can’t make it.”<br />
One young couple in an apartment<br />
at the house is under age 18, <strong>and</strong> so<br />
could not sign a lease for a traditional<br />
apartment.<br />
“We’re getting a lot of referrals from<br />
schools,” Hover said. “They want to<br />
stay in school, but to do that they need<br />
a residence.”<br />
Hover said she expects the residents<br />
to stay at the transitional housing<br />
between six <strong>and</strong> 18 months, though<br />
residents are able to stay there as long<br />
as they need to find alternative housing<br />
arrangements.<br />
— Abridged from a story by<br />
Brendan McKenna for the<br />
Rutl<strong>and</strong> Herald, October 4, <strong>2005</strong>.<br />
11
Bob Eddy photos<br />
NEW CONSTRUCTION OF RENTAL HOUSING<br />
THE POWER OF LOCAL VOICES ON LOCAL NEED:<br />
Shelburne Interfaith Group<br />
Champions Affordable <strong>Housing</strong><br />
After the Lake Champlain <strong>Housing</strong> Development Corp. (LCHDC) <strong>and</strong><br />
12 <strong>Housing</strong> <strong>Vermont</strong> worked with a local interfaith committee to bring an Stephanie Spaulding is a resident<br />
affordable-housing project to Shelburne, LCHDC executive director John Powell<br />
of a new 20-unit development in<br />
said one key element made the project succeed.<br />
“Active local support,” he said. “The interfaith group came out <strong>and</strong> really Shelburne. Two studio apartments<br />
championed the endeavor, all the way through the permitting process. That are located in a historic, renovated<br />
made a huge difference; they were very instrumental in getting the mood of this<br />
home in the village center.<br />
community to accept this affordable housing.”<br />
As a result, the Chittenden County community now has 20 new housing<br />
units, in two locations: 18 new one, two, <strong>and</strong> three-bedroom duplexes on on the Shelburne road, close to<br />
Eighteen duplexes are located<br />
Shelburne Road, close to the Shelburne Museum, <strong>and</strong> two studio apartments in Shelburne Museum.<br />
a historic, renovated home in the village center. In all, 18 of the units are affordable.<br />
The whole project began with the local Methodist church’s Mission Committee,<br />
said Rosalyn Graham, a part owner of the Shelburne News who serves on<br />
that committee.
“These are people<br />
who are very engaged<br />
in the town, but<br />
couldn’t afford to<br />
live here. That really<br />
started the idea that<br />
we needed to work<br />
together, <strong>and</strong> we<br />
needed to work with<br />
the other churches.<br />
We needed to make<br />
something happen.”<br />
— Rosalyn Graham<br />
Member, Methodist<br />
Church Mission<br />
Committee<br />
Graham said the director of the<br />
local food shelf “came to the Mission<br />
Committee <strong>and</strong> said, ‘You have no<br />
idea what life is like for some people<br />
in this town.’”<br />
Even though Shelburne is an affluent<br />
community, the food shelf director,<br />
Val Martel, had seen a different<br />
side. “She was able to make us aware<br />
of the fact that there are people who<br />
live in terrible housing conditions<br />
— living in apartments heated by<br />
keeping the oven on, <strong>and</strong> old, dilapidated<br />
houses,” Graham said.<br />
That led the committee to survey<br />
the town on its housing needs. The<br />
effort found two main areas of need:<br />
elders still living in deteriorated family<br />
homes, <strong>and</strong> people working in local<br />
jobs that pay modest salaries, such<br />
as the fire department, police, <strong>and</strong><br />
schools.<br />
“These are people who are very engaged<br />
in the town, but couldn’t afford<br />
to live here,” Graham said. “That really<br />
started the idea that we needed to<br />
work together, <strong>and</strong> we needed to work<br />
with the other churches. We needed to<br />
make something happen.”<br />
They did just that. Members of<br />
three churches formed the Shelburne<br />
Interfaith <strong>Housing</strong> Committee, <strong>and</strong><br />
spurred LCHDC to develop the plan<br />
for nine duplex structures on Shelburne<br />
Road.<br />
“It’s a totally new neighborhood<br />
— a circle, with the buildings around<br />
it <strong>and</strong> a green in the middle,” says<br />
resident Stephanie Spaulding, a former<br />
local innkeeper.<br />
As plans for that project took<br />
shape, townspeople asked that the<br />
Noonan House, a century-old home in<br />
the village center that was scheduled<br />
for demolition, be included. Today,<br />
along with two affordable apartments<br />
upstairs, the Noonan House has a new<br />
resale shop that benefits SCHIP, the<br />
Shelburne, Charlotte, Hinesburg Interfaith<br />
Project, a non-profit effort by 10<br />
faith communities in the three towns.<br />
Several years ago, an affordablehousing<br />
proposal in town was stopped<br />
by local opposition. But this time, said<br />
Graham, “because the churches were<br />
involved, there was a much larger<br />
body of people saying, ‘Hey, I’m on<br />
this committee, <strong>and</strong> I think this is a<br />
great idea.”<br />
“It wasn’t just a tacit acceptance of<br />
us coming in,” said Powell of LCHDC.<br />
“It was actually asking us in, <strong>and</strong> coming<br />
to the meetings <strong>and</strong> being a vocal<br />
proponent of the project.”<br />
13<br />
“The interfaith group came out <strong>and</strong> really<br />
championed the endeavor, all the way through the<br />
permitting process. That made a huge difference;<br />
they were very instrumental in getting the mood of<br />
this community to accept this affordable housing.”<br />
—LCHDC Executive Director John Powell
HOME OWNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES<br />
Home Ownership Programs Busy in <strong>2005</strong><br />
The HOMELAND Program is a<br />
home purchase program funded by<br />
VHCB <strong>and</strong> offered by eight regional<br />
housing organizations working in<br />
coordination with a statewide system<br />
of NeighborWorks® Homeownership<br />
Centers located in St. Albans,<br />
Burlington, Barre, Lyndonville, West<br />
Rutl<strong>and</strong>, Springfield, <strong>and</strong> Brattleboro.<br />
In <strong>2005</strong> <strong>and</strong> previous recent years,<br />
there has been a high level of<br />
dem<strong>and</strong> from aspiring homeowner<br />
to participate in the program with<br />
one of the regional sponsors. VHCB<br />
committed 840,000 in <strong>2005</strong> to<br />
provide purchase grants to 32<br />
households seeking to buy a home.<br />
How it Works<br />
Credit-worthy buyers are eligible<br />
for purchase subsidy grants of up to<br />
40,000 towards the cost of a home<br />
on the private market. Buyers typically<br />
obtain mortgage loan financing, often<br />
from the <strong>Vermont</strong> <strong>Housing</strong> Finance<br />
Agency or USDA Rural Development,<br />
<strong>and</strong> are required to contribute at least<br />
1,500 cash toward the purchase.<br />
Additional loans of up to 2,000,<br />
repayable upon the sale of the home,<br />
are available as needed to assist with<br />
downpayment <strong>and</strong> closing costs. In<br />
exchange for the purchase subsidy<br />
grant, home buyers agree to share any<br />
appreciation in the value of the house<br />
with future buyers. When the home<br />
changes h<strong>and</strong>s, the grant stays with the<br />
property <strong>and</strong> is recycled to the next<br />
buyer. Over the past 15 years, VHCB<br />
has awarded HOMELAND grants to<br />
help nearly 450 households become<br />
homeowners.<br />
Habitat for Humanity/<br />
Vocational Building Fund<br />
In addition to the HOMELAND<br />
Program, VHCB awards grants for<br />
the construction of homes built by<br />
Habitat for Humanity chapters <strong>and</strong><br />
vocational building programs. Since it<br />
was established in 1991, 57 homes have<br />
been built with this grant assistance.<br />
In <strong>2005</strong>, 180,000 in grant funds was<br />
awarded for the construction of 8 new<br />
homes.<br />
14<br />
Before <strong>and</strong> after photographs<br />
show the improvements to Linda<br />
McGowan's home in Richmond,<br />
made possible with funds from the<br />
HOMELAND program <strong>and</strong> a loan<br />
from USDA Rural Development.<br />
The grant <strong>and</strong> loan assistance<br />
lower the mortgage payments for<br />
this homeowner.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY<br />
Hard-Earned Homes<br />
for Burlington’s New North End<br />
Dual Goals:<br />
<strong>Housing</strong> &<br />
<strong>Conservation</strong><br />
Bob Eddy<br />
Sarah <strong>and</strong> Chris Orndorff have put<br />
in hundreds of hours of “sweat equity”<br />
on their new home. Shown here with their sons,<br />
Michael, William <strong>and</strong> Matthew, the Orndorffs<br />
moved into their home in December.<br />
Before they got in touch with Habitat for Humanity, Chris <strong>and</strong> Sarah Orndorff<br />
<strong>and</strong> their three boys were living in a cramped, two-bedroom rental apartment<br />
in Colchester. Stacey Lessor <strong>and</strong> her two daughters were in a Burlington mobile<br />
home.<br />
“I’ve lived in this mobile home for 15 years — <strong>and</strong> for a good share of them,<br />
I’ve tried to get out,” Lessor says. “As a single parent, I work three jobs; I’ve done<br />
my best to do right by my kids, <strong>and</strong> give them a good place to live. One day, I<br />
decided to call Habitat,” she says. “I said, ‘Look — I’m a great c<strong>and</strong>idate for one of<br />
your homes.’”<br />
On a 13-acre site donated by<br />
the Burlington <strong>Housing</strong> Authority<br />
(BHA), eight single family homes<br />
will be developed <strong>and</strong> a 10-acre<br />
natural area will be conserved<br />
<strong>and</strong> managed by the City Parks<br />
Department, with trails for public<br />
use. VHCB awarded $177,000 to<br />
Habitat <strong>and</strong> BHA towards construction<br />
costs including $7,500<br />
to conserve the Mt. Cavalry Red<br />
Maple Swamp <strong>and</strong> create trails.<br />
Over several years of negotiations,<br />
the BHA <strong>and</strong> Habitat<br />
worked with the Burlington<br />
<strong>Conservation</strong> <strong>Board</strong> to reduce<br />
the density of the development,<br />
to forgo a proposed connecting<br />
street through the natural area,<br />
<strong>and</strong> to develop a conservation<br />
plan for the wetl<strong>and</strong>.<br />
BHA was one of two housing<br />
authorities in the country<br />
designated to use a trial HUD<br />
Program under which the home<br />
purchasers are able to apply<br />
Section 8 subsidies to pay their<br />
mortgages. BHA constructed<br />
two duplexes on the site; Green<br />
Mountain Habitat for Humanity<br />
will construct four homes.<br />
15
HOME OWNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES<br />
Sarah <strong>and</strong> Chris Orndorff had done<br />
the same. They applied to Green Mountain<br />
Habitat for Humanity two summers<br />
ago, “just to see what would happen,”<br />
says Sarah, whose husb<strong>and</strong> works for<br />
DR Power Equipment in Shelburne.<br />
Last spring, both families learned<br />
they had been approved for two new<br />
homes that Green Mountain Habitat<br />
would start building in the summer on<br />
Venus Avenue, a residential cul de sac in<br />
Burlington’s New North End.<br />
For the Habitat chapter, the start of<br />
that “build” was itself the fruition of a<br />
very long, very expensive campaign.<br />
“The project has actually been more<br />
than 12 years in the works. It’s been in<br />
permitting <strong>and</strong> appeal for that period<br />
of time,” says David Mullin, executive<br />
director of Green Mountain Habitat for<br />
Humanity. Habitat <strong>and</strong> the Burlington<br />
<strong>Housing</strong> Authority (BHA) invested a<br />
total of over 100,000 in reengineering<br />
<strong>and</strong> legal fees after now-former neighbors<br />
of the project objected.<br />
The BHA donated l<strong>and</strong> for four<br />
single-family Habitat homes on Venus<br />
Avenue; Habitat plans to build the third<br />
<strong>and</strong> fourth in 2006.<br />
“Paul Dettman from the BHA really<br />
was the spearhead for this,” Mullin says.<br />
“Had it not been for him <strong>and</strong> his efforts,<br />
we would not have had this affordable<br />
housing where it is.<br />
“That’s what it takes today — that<br />
persistence,” he adds. “There are no<br />
more pretty little square lots sitting there<br />
waiting, at an affordable price. You have<br />
to get creative <strong>and</strong> be persistent, to make<br />
affordable housing happen.”<br />
Thanks to those efforts, Lessor <strong>and</strong><br />
the Orndorffs joined dozens of Habitat<br />
volunteers this year in working on their<br />
homes. Both have put in hundreds of<br />
hours of sweat equity, many more than<br />
are required of the new homeowners by<br />
Habitat. Lessor, who runs a snack bar at<br />
the Leddy Park skating rink for the city,<br />
adds up 713 hours invested by herself,<br />
her family, friends, <strong>and</strong> coworkers.<br />
“I’ll tell you,” she says. “I’ve had tremendous<br />
support.”<br />
Says Sarah Orndorff, “We’ve shoveled<br />
rocks, pounded nails, raised walls,<br />
we put the roof on. The only thing we<br />
don’t do is the electrical or the plumbing.”<br />
Most impressive to the Orndorffs<br />
was the Habitat volunteers. “The first<br />
day we were there,” Sarah says, “it was<br />
95 degrees — <strong>and</strong> there were 10 people<br />
shoveling rocks.”<br />
Asked what this project means to<br />
her family, Sarah Orndorff struggles to<br />
contain her upwelling emotions.<br />
“It’s the chance to put down roots,”<br />
she finally says. “And knowing that we<br />
have a safe place for our family.”<br />
“That’s what it takes<br />
today — that persistence.<br />
There are no more<br />
pretty little square lots<br />
sitting there waiting,<br />
at an affordable price.<br />
You have to get creative<br />
<strong>and</strong> be persistent, to<br />
make affordable housing<br />
happen.”<br />
— David Mullin,<br />
Green Mountain<br />
Habitat for Humanity<br />
16<br />
On the Venus Avenue Habitat site<br />
in Burlington, Governor Douglas is<br />
joined by volunteers from Coldwell<br />
Banker Hickok & <strong>Board</strong>man Realty,<br />
a sponsor of the house.
“Owning a home isn’t just luck...it is hard work!”<br />
TWIN PINES HOUSING TRUST HELPS<br />
COUPLE REALIZE THEIR DREAM<br />
Joan <strong>and</strong> Gabriel Ponzoni are an inspiration to their neighbors. After thirty-five<br />
years of marriage they still do everything together. That includes all the hard<br />
work this loving couple have painstakingly put into every inch of their house <strong>and</strong><br />
yard. Flower, vegetable, <strong>and</strong> herb gardens abound. Joan proudly describes how her<br />
husb<strong>and</strong> constructed a grape arbor for her, reminiscent of their time living in Italy.<br />
She showed me the remaining vines of the morning glories she had planted over her<br />
back fence, which grew on the other side, much to the delight of her neighbors.<br />
Inside the Ponzoni home, every wall is beautifully painted, stenciled, or decorated.<br />
Plants, wall hangings, <strong>and</strong> meticulously stitched needlework grace the home.<br />
The overall effect is a combination of Mediterranean, French, <strong>and</strong> American culture.<br />
As I was shown into room after room, the pride of accomplishment was evident<br />
in Joan’s voice as she described each h<strong>and</strong>-painted, h<strong>and</strong>crafted, or h<strong>and</strong>-made<br />
item. Then at the end of the tour we sat in the cozy kitchen, <strong>and</strong> Joan said to me,<br />
“Things weren’t always like this. At one point, before we had ever heard of Twin<br />
Pines, owning a home seemed like an impossible dream.”<br />
Joan is from Canada, <strong>and</strong> Gabriel is from Italy, where they lived for a while,<br />
<strong>and</strong> where their daughter Norma was born. After returning to the United States,<br />
they spent nine years living in a twenty-five foot travel trailer. The Ponzoni’s lived<br />
in a variety of states, before ending up in <strong>Vermont</strong> twenty years ago. They left the<br />
trailer to live in apartments, moving when rents were raised or properties were<br />
sold. They became tired of moving, <strong>and</strong> not having a home to call their own, so<br />
the search began to find a house. They searched for over a year <strong>and</strong> a half, but the<br />
prices were either too high, or the houses too run down. Joan remembers walking<br />
out of one house with tears streaming down her face. It felt so hopeless. Houses in<br />
their price range weren’t worth buying because they needed so much work. Then,<br />
Joan <strong>and</strong> Gabriel heard about Twin Pines <strong>Housing</strong> Trust <strong>and</strong> the initiative to build<br />
affordable single-family homes. They applied, qualified, <strong>and</strong> then waited for the<br />
house to be built. They will never forget the day the papers were signed <strong>and</strong> keys<br />
were h<strong>and</strong>ed over. “We were so happy!” Joan said.<br />
Joan <strong>and</strong> Gabriel Ponzoni have lived in their house for fourteen years. When<br />
asked how owning a home has changed their lives, they answer that it gave them<br />
the chance to put down roots, <strong>and</strong> to have not just a house but a home. Their<br />
advice for first time homebuyers is to keep trying, <strong>and</strong> when you get it you have<br />
to appreciate it. You have to work to make it better.<br />
“People say we’re lucky, but I say it isn’t just luck, it’s hard work. Sure, you have<br />
to get lucky to get something like a house, but then you have to work hard to keep<br />
it. You can’t just let it go.”<br />
The Ponzoni’s don’t intend to ever let their home go. They love to travel, but<br />
now they know they have a place to come home to that they can call their own.<br />
Reprinted from the Twin Pines <strong>Housing</strong> Trust newsletter. Abridged from an article by<br />
Shelley Geoghegan, Publicity <strong>and</strong> Resident Outreach Coordinator<br />
Joan <strong>and</strong> Gabriel Ponzoni, at<br />
home. The Ponzonis were able<br />
to purchase a home after<br />
many years of renting.<br />
The Ponzoni's home in White River<br />
Junction was built by Twin Pines<br />
<strong>Housing</strong> Trust using VHCB funds.<br />
17
Bob Eddy<br />
HOME OWNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES<br />
CITY’S EDGE, SOUTH BURLINGTON:<br />
“Putting a Dent in the <strong>Housing</strong> Crisis”<br />
hen City’s Edge Condominiums opened this year in South Burlington, just<br />
18 Woff I-189 <strong>and</strong> Shelburne Road, its 60 homes were offered for sale at prices<br />
that ranged from affordable to market rate — <strong>and</strong> a partnership of private, public,<br />
<strong>and</strong> nonprofit agencies celebrated the success.<br />
“City’s Edge is a great example of creating neighborhoods, not developing projects,”<br />
said State Senator Jim Condos, who chairs the South Burlington City Council.<br />
“This also represents another step forward for the City of South Burlington, by<br />
significantly increasing the supply of high-quality housing, to put a real dent in<br />
the regional housing crisis.”<br />
Working together with the Burlington Community L<strong>and</strong> Trust <strong>and</strong> private<br />
developers, the city played a leadership role in the 8.7 million project. VHCB<br />
funding combined with loans from the <strong>Vermont</strong> <strong>Housing</strong> Finance Agency, funds<br />
from the <strong>Vermont</strong> Community Development Program, <strong>and</strong> a contribution from<br />
the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation.<br />
“These homes are located near the heart of a vibrant mixed-use commercial area,<br />
with excellent proximity to good schools, convenient shopping, <strong>and</strong> public trans-<br />
Walum Awotho <strong>and</strong> Lossi Budju with<br />
their children, Bob, Glory <strong>and</strong> Faith,<br />
are among 60 proud new homeowners<br />
at City’s Edge. Owners were able<br />
to use grants of $20-45,000 from<br />
the American Dream Downpayment<br />
Initiative to assist with downpayments<br />
<strong>and</strong> closing costs. Contractors Eric<br />
Farrel <strong>and</strong> Danny Morrisey contributed<br />
a $220,000 grant towards the<br />
building's brick façade. The homes<br />
sold for $115,500-$165,900.
portation,” said Brenda Torpy, director<br />
of Burlington Community L<strong>and</strong> Trust<br />
(BCLT). Purchase prices ranged from<br />
115,500 for a 670 square-foot home to<br />
165,900 for a 1,110 square-foot, marketrate<br />
home.<br />
For one family that became homeowners<br />
for the first time here, City’s Edge<br />
became the end point of an exceptionally<br />
long journey. Walum Awotho <strong>and</strong><br />
Lossi Budju are natives of the Congo;<br />
they moved to Madagascar several years<br />
ago so that Walum could attend medical<br />
school. While he was studying, war<br />
erupted in the Congo, <strong>and</strong> the couple<br />
could not return home.<br />
Applying for refugee status, the<br />
couple <strong>and</strong> their children were sent to<br />
the United States. In 2002 they moved<br />
to Barre, then relocated to Burlington as<br />
Walum searched for work, <strong>and</strong> found it.<br />
In a cramped Essex Junction apartment,<br />
the family saw much of their income<br />
going for rent. Searching for reliable<br />
information on buying a home, Walum<br />
discovered the BCLT NeighborWorks®<br />
HomeOwnership Center.<br />
“Walum <strong>and</strong> Lossi attended an orientation<br />
<strong>and</strong> a home buyer workshop,<br />
<strong>and</strong> studied the workbook provided<br />
by BCLT using both an English <strong>and</strong> a<br />
French dictionary,” says Karolyn Phillips,<br />
an AmeriCorps member who<br />
served as the HomeOwnership Center’s<br />
education <strong>and</strong> outreach coordinator.<br />
“They saved money <strong>and</strong> worked hard for<br />
two years, to rebuild their lives from the<br />
ground up . . . Now they are homeowners,<br />
<strong>and</strong> tell friends about BCLT.”<br />
“It is easy if you have good credit<br />
history, are honest, <strong>and</strong> pay bills,” says<br />
Walum. “BCLT is helpful — <strong>and</strong> a very,<br />
very good thing.”<br />
“Walum <strong>and</strong> Lossi<br />
attended an orientation<br />
<strong>and</strong> a home buyer<br />
workshop, <strong>and</strong> studied<br />
the workbook provided<br />
by BCLT. . . They saved<br />
money <strong>and</strong> worked<br />
hard for two years, to<br />
rebuild their lives from<br />
the ground up . . . Now<br />
they are homeowners,<br />
<strong>and</strong> tell friends about<br />
BCLT.”<br />
— Karolyn Phillips,<br />
AmeriCorps Member with the<br />
Burlington NeighborWorks ®<br />
HomeOwnership Center<br />
When the NeighborWorks ®<br />
Homeownership Center in Burlington<br />
marketed City's Edge last year, 31<br />
affordable condominiums in the 60-<br />
unit development sold within weeks<br />
of coming on the market. The fi rst<br />
resale showed that the homes had<br />
increased in value by more than<br />
$30,000 in less than 60 days.<br />
City's Edge is adjacent to O'Dell<br />
Apartments, a 160-unit development<br />
with 130 affordable homes off the<br />
Shelburne Road completed in 2003.<br />
19
YANDOW FARM, ST. ALBANS AND SWANTON<br />
In Franklin County, Farml<strong>and</strong> <strong>Conservation</strong><br />
Comes in the Teeth of a Development Boom<br />
Bob Eddy<br />
20<br />
The sale of development rights this year on Jon <strong>and</strong> Lise Y<strong>and</strong>ow’s dairy farm<br />
in St. Albans Town <strong>and</strong> Swanton added 441 acres — many of them with topquality<br />
soils — to a large block of conserved farml<strong>and</strong> in the two Franklin County<br />
towns.<br />
And that, believes dairy farmer Jack Brigham, who chairs the St. Albans Town<br />
Select <strong>Board</strong>, came not a moment too soon.<br />
“We’re in a really rapid-growth situation up here,” says Brigham, who also conserved<br />
his l<strong>and</strong> this year. “We’ve got about 300 housing units permitted or ready<br />
to permit, we’ve got a Wal-Mart coming in — <strong>and</strong> it’s all happening on farml<strong>and</strong>.<br />
We’re getting hammered with development.”<br />
Jon Y<strong>and</strong>ow says he “absolutely” had the opportunity to sell out for development.<br />
He <strong>and</strong> Lise were working farml<strong>and</strong> that they owned in company with a number<br />
of family members, through a partnership set up by Jon’s dad, Isador, who started<br />
the family farm in 1982. Family members were pressing Jon <strong>and</strong> Lise to buy the<br />
l<strong>and</strong> outright or sell it — <strong>and</strong> they had to decide.<br />
They decided to stay on the l<strong>and</strong>. VHCB funding made it possible for the Y<strong>and</strong>ows<br />
to conserve three adjoining farm properties; that made the purchase of all<br />
three by Jon <strong>and</strong> Lise affordable.<br />
“If I had gone the development route, I would have had a lot more money — but<br />
I would not have had the l<strong>and</strong>,” says Jon. “Farming is a whole different way of life.<br />
Real estate <strong>and</strong> farming are different worlds, you know”<br />
“If I had gone the<br />
development route,<br />
I would have had a<br />
lot more money — but<br />
I would not have had<br />
the l<strong>and</strong>. Farming is<br />
a whole different way<br />
of life. Real estate <strong>and</strong><br />
farming are different<br />
worlds, you know”<br />
— Jon Y<strong>and</strong>ow
So Jon <strong>and</strong> Lise Y<strong>and</strong>ow, whose seven<br />
children are between three <strong>and</strong> 22 years<br />
old, are staying. Jack Brigham, the Select<br />
<strong>Board</strong> chair <strong>and</strong> fellow farmer who also<br />
conserved this year, underst<strong>and</strong>s why<br />
they chose to conserve.<br />
“Those of us that stick it out, this is<br />
what’s got to happen,” he says. “I conserved<br />
my farm because it’s been in my<br />
family 200 years. I’ve got houses right<br />
to my border — <strong>and</strong> if my kids end up<br />
with the farm 20 years from now, the<br />
pressure’s going to be on them to sell it.<br />
I just want to keep it open.<br />
“From a government perspective,<br />
the expense on an acre of open l<strong>and</strong><br />
is minimal,” Brigham adds. “Whereas,<br />
with one house with two kids, you’ve<br />
got all these expenses. So the more open<br />
l<strong>and</strong> you’ve got in the town, it’s actually<br />
easier on the tax base.”<br />
Swanton<br />
St. Albans<br />
Georgia<br />
Highgate<br />
Fairfax<br />
Franklin<br />
Sheldon<br />
Fairfi eld<br />
Fletcher<br />
map courtesy Jon Osborne, <strong>Vermont</strong> L<strong>and</strong> Trust<br />
CONSERVED FARMLAND IN FRANKLIN COUNTY<br />
Y<strong>and</strong>ow Farm<br />
VHCB-funded conserved farml<strong>and</strong><br />
other Vemont L<strong>and</strong> Trust-conserved farms<br />
state <strong>and</strong> federal l<strong>and</strong>s<br />
21<br />
Since 1987, the <strong>Vermont</strong> Farml<strong>and</strong> <strong>Conservation</strong> Program has used<br />
state <strong>and</strong> federal funds to conserve working farml<strong>and</strong> with good<br />
agricultural soils in strong farming communities. The program has<br />
succeeded in conserving large blocks of <strong>Vermont</strong>'s fi nest agricultural<br />
soils. Donations of conservation easements <strong>and</strong> privately conserved<br />
farms add to the tally.
BRIGGS FARM, ADDISON<br />
22<br />
JOINING A CONSERVED COMMUNITY<br />
In the Champlain Valley, Briggs Farm Is in Safe Company<br />
With more <strong>and</strong> more farml<strong>and</strong> protected in the Champlain Valley, this year’s<br />
transfer of development rights on Dale <strong>and</strong> Alma Briggs’s 485-acre place<br />
in Addison adds up to much more than a single conserved farm.<br />
The Briggs family farm, conserved with VHCB funding through the <strong>Vermont</strong><br />
L<strong>and</strong> Trust, joins two protected farms on adjacent l<strong>and</strong>. Overall, 5,431 acres of<br />
farml<strong>and</strong> have now been conserved in Addison town — that’s about 17 percent of<br />
the l<strong>and</strong>scape, according to VLT. Almost 47,000 acres are conserved in Addison<br />
County—most of which is productive farml<strong>and</strong>.<br />
“There’s getting to be a pretty good-sized block that’s been protected here — <strong>and</strong><br />
I think that’s the last hope for farms in <strong>Vermont</strong>,” says Dale Briggs. “It’s when the<br />
neighbors get close that problems begin to crop up. We’re not changing — cows<br />
still produce manure, they still eat food — but the neighborhoods around us are<br />
changing. If we can have some farms make a block, we can continue to farm without<br />
irritating too many people.”<br />
The Briggs are hoping to purchase some additional l<strong>and</strong> from a neighboring<br />
conserved farm with the proceeds from their sale of development rights. “That<br />
will give us some room to add some grain crops, <strong>and</strong> also to have some more room<br />
for manure, to meet the new regulations that are coming up,” Briggs says. “Try to<br />
continue. To survive.<br />
“There isn’t enough money in the farming economy now,” he adds. “This is one<br />
way to do the things you need to do.”<br />
“There’s getting to be a<br />
pretty good-sized block<br />
that’s been protected<br />
here — <strong>and</strong> I think that’s<br />
the last hope for farms<br />
in <strong>Vermont</strong>. ...We’re not<br />
changing — cows still<br />
produce manure, they<br />
still eat food — but the<br />
neighborhoods around<br />
us are changing. If we<br />
can have some farms<br />
make a block, we can<br />
continue to farm without<br />
irritating too many<br />
people.”<br />
— Dale Briggs<br />
Freestall barn at the 485-acre Briggs<br />
Farm, one of the largest farms in<br />
Addison. The family milks about 170<br />
cows, with a total herd of over 350.<br />
The Briggs till 410 acres <strong>and</strong> rent<br />
an additional 200 acres of cropl<strong>and</strong>.
Addison<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> L<strong>and</strong> Trust photos ad map<br />
Bridport<br />
Shoreham<br />
Dale <strong>and</strong> Alma Briggs with daughter, Karen <strong>and</strong> son, Peter. The Briggs family has<br />
farmed this l<strong>and</strong> since 1929.<br />
The Briggs family has surely shown<br />
its determination to keep on working<br />
this l<strong>and</strong>. Dale’s gr<strong>and</strong>father bought the<br />
original farm in 1929, <strong>and</strong> his parents<br />
owned <strong>and</strong> ran it from the late 1940s<br />
until 1983, when Dale <strong>and</strong> Alma took<br />
over. Having grown from its original 340<br />
acres, the Briggs farm is now one of the<br />
largest in Addison.<br />
The family milks about 170 cows,<br />
with a total herd of over 350. With 410<br />
acres of tillage <strong>and</strong> 200 acres of rented<br />
l<strong>and</strong>, all cultivated according to an<br />
NRCS crop-management plan, the farm<br />
employs four full-time <strong>and</strong> three parttime<br />
employees.<br />
“The 170-stall dairy barn <strong>and</strong> double-8<br />
milking parlor were way ahead<br />
of the times back in 1968,” notes Allen<br />
Karnatz, Champlain Valley co-director<br />
of <strong>Vermont</strong> L<strong>and</strong> Trust. “Thirty-five<br />
years later, the barn is still in excellent<br />
repair <strong>and</strong> very functional. They’ve also<br />
added a freestall heifer barn, <strong>and</strong> several<br />
sheds <strong>and</strong> bunker silos.”<br />
The conserved farm includes more<br />
than two miles of frontage along Otter<br />
Creek, <strong>and</strong> almost a mile of road frontage.<br />
A VAST snowmobile trail crosses<br />
the farm, where Dale <strong>and</strong> Alma have<br />
reserved two five-acre building sites for<br />
their children, daughter Karen, 19, <strong>and</strong><br />
son Peter, 15.<br />
“Neither one of them wants to see<br />
the farm go,” Dale Briggs says. “They like<br />
farming, they grew up on the farm. My<br />
dad <strong>and</strong> mother still live on the south<br />
end of the farm. The kids can walk there.<br />
They want to see the farm stay here.”<br />
Orwell<br />
CONSERVED FARMLAND<br />
IN ADDISON COUNTY<br />
Briggs Farm<br />
VHCB-funded conserved farml<strong>and</strong><br />
other Vemont L<strong>and</strong> Trust-conserved<br />
farms<br />
state <strong>and</strong> federal l<strong>and</strong>s<br />
During the past two years, as real estate values have continued to escalate<br />
rapidly, the pressure to sell farml<strong>and</strong> for development has increased — as<br />
has the cost of purchasing development rights. Although over 150,000<br />
acres of <strong>Vermont</strong>’s farml<strong>and</strong> has been conserved, that represents only<br />
14% of <strong>Vermont</strong>’s 1.1 million acres of agricultural l<strong>and</strong>.<br />
23
O’CONNELL FARM, CORINTH<br />
Chris Doyle/Upper Valley L<strong>and</strong> Trust<br />
24<br />
BRINGING A SMALL FARM BACK TO LIFE<br />
<strong>Conservation</strong> Helps a Family Make It Work<br />
Rich O’Connell was tired of life as a builder <strong>and</strong> residential developer in the<br />
booming suburbs of Boston. So one day, he says, “I just got into my van<br />
<strong>and</strong> I drove <strong>and</strong> I drove.”<br />
He came to a quiet crossroads in West Corinth. There was a “For Sale” sign<br />
out front of a small, aged farm. Its sagging red barn had been empty of cows for<br />
a decade or so.<br />
“I stopped <strong>and</strong> talked to the farmer, <strong>and</strong> within two hours I had bought it,”<br />
Rich says. “I went home <strong>and</strong> said to my wife, ‘Guess what’”<br />
So four years ago, Rich <strong>and</strong> Barbara O’Connell moved to <strong>Vermont</strong> with their<br />
children (they now have six). They were planning just to build a new home on<br />
the 50-acre farm. But Rich started wondering what it would take to start the old<br />
dairy again. Then he went ahead <strong>and</strong> did it.<br />
This year the O’Connells conserved their now-operating small dairy farm,<br />
with a VHCB grant through the Upper Valley L<strong>and</strong> Trust (UVLT). With the<br />
proceeds from the sale of development rights, they built a new, freestall barn<br />
onto the back of the old barn, <strong>and</strong> added 27 cows to make a herd of almost<br />
50. With other funding, they also built a new, concrete manure containment,<br />
coupled with a new plan for nutrient management <strong>and</strong> stream protection.<br />
Rich <strong>and</strong> Barbara O'Connell reclaimed<br />
an old farm in Corinth. This year they<br />
conserved the farm, added 27 cows,<br />
<strong>and</strong> built a new freestall barn.<br />
“This is more a lifestyle<br />
choice, for us.<br />
Sometimes the<br />
paychecks aren’t big,<br />
sometimes they’re not<br />
enough — but I’m driven<br />
by determination.”<br />
— Rich O’Connell
“Watching the O’Connell family<br />
revitalize (their farm) . . . is encouraging<br />
to the many people in town<br />
who value our agricultural heritage,”<br />
said a letter written on behalf of the<br />
Corinth Select <strong>Board</strong>, supporting the<br />
farm’s conservation. The project was<br />
also supported by the Orange County<br />
Headwaters Project, an initiative in<br />
Corinth <strong>and</strong> Washington that has<br />
gathered momentum as well as quite a<br />
bit of local <strong>and</strong> regional funding support<br />
for their efforts.<br />
Rich has learned how to farm by<br />
asking questions, reading, <strong>and</strong> just<br />
doing it. “We work every inch of this<br />
property,” he says. “We’re no strangers<br />
to 18-hour days, if that’s what it takes.<br />
“We’re upgrading <strong>and</strong> getting more<br />
efficient. To make it small, you need to<br />
be more efficient.”<br />
The O’Connells started shipping<br />
milk when prices were at a 40-year<br />
low, but they have stuck it out. “This<br />
is more a lifestyle choice, for us,” Rich<br />
says. “Sometimes the paychecks aren’t<br />
big, sometimes they’re not enough<br />
— but I’m driven by determination.”<br />
The new barn was “100 percent<br />
made possible by the UVLT,” he says.<br />
The public funding was the first he had<br />
received for the farm, from any source.<br />
“Being a small farm, you aren’t the<br />
first choice for any financial institution<br />
h<strong>and</strong>ing out money,” he observes,<br />
drily.<br />
The O’Connells’ decision to conserve<br />
helped leverage similar choices<br />
by several adjoining l<strong>and</strong>owners. Jack<br />
<strong>and</strong> Susi Learmouth, Glynn Pellagrino,<br />
<strong>and</strong> Anne Bergeron conserved a total<br />
of 129 acres, much of which had been<br />
part of the original farm now owned<br />
by the O’Connells.<br />
“These l<strong>and</strong>owners were cheered<br />
as pioneers in a conservation initiative<br />
organized by Corinth <strong>and</strong> Washington<br />
residents,” the UVLT told its members<br />
in a September letter, “to conserve<br />
large blocks of working forest <strong>and</strong><br />
farml<strong>and</strong> — an opportunity, say the<br />
project’s organizers, ‘to collectively<br />
affect the way our area will look, feel,<br />
<strong>and</strong> function far into the future.’”<br />
Rich O’Connell knows it’s up to<br />
him to make his farm work. “This<br />
is my place — <strong>and</strong> if I don’t do it, it<br />
doesn’t get done.”<br />
But now he also knows the l<strong>and</strong> on<br />
which his business relies is secure.<br />
“The whole area around here<br />
will remain rural,” he says. “The leaf<br />
peepers are going to keep coming<br />
by. They’re going to want to come to<br />
places like this.”<br />
Local <strong>Conservation</strong> Program Helps Towns Realize Their Objectives<br />
VHCB’s Local <strong>Conservation</strong> Program provides funding for the acquisition of l<strong>and</strong> or easements to<br />
provide public access to water, trails or greenways, to protect or exp<strong>and</strong> town parks <strong>and</strong> town forests,<br />
<strong>and</strong> to conserve agricultural l<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> public historic properties. Local <strong>Conservation</strong> awards are limited<br />
to $150,000 <strong>and</strong> require a minimum one-third match of total project costs in the form of local fundraising,<br />
in-kind services, <strong>and</strong>/or donations of l<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> easements that further the conservation goals of<br />
the project. More than 60 towns have used the program to acquire or conserve l<strong>and</strong>, creating ballfields,<br />
public parks <strong>and</strong> trails, <strong>and</strong> securing public access to swimming holes <strong>and</strong> historic buildings.<br />
Local Farml<strong>and</strong> <strong>Conservation</strong><br />
Smaller farms like the O'Connell Farm that may be unable to compete for funding under VHCB’s statewide<br />
Farml<strong>and</strong> <strong>Conservation</strong> Program are eligible for grants under the Local <strong>Conservation</strong> Program.<br />
25
26<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong>'s Farm Viability<br />
Program provides grants<br />
to farmers to assist with<br />
business planning <strong>and</strong><br />
technical assistance.<br />
Implementation grants<br />
help farmers realize their<br />
business planning goals.<br />
For more information or<br />
to apply to the program,<br />
call 828-0795 or visit<br />
"Farm Viability Program"<br />
on the website:<br />
www.vhcb.org<br />
VERMONT FARM VIABILITY PROGRAM<br />
Program Assists Fifty Farms in Third Year of Operation<br />
The <strong>Vermont</strong> Farm Viability Enhancement Program assisted more than 50<br />
farmers in <strong>2005</strong>. Over half the participants were dairy farms, ranging from<br />
large farm operations to very small dairies with on-farm cheese processing.<br />
Other enrollees included vegetable growers, beef <strong>and</strong> sheep farms, a large maple<br />
producer, a poultry farm, a vineyard, <strong>and</strong> an alpaca farm.<br />
The Viability Program provides each enrollee with a business planner whose<br />
job is to analyze the farm’s current financial status <strong>and</strong> to help make projections<br />
for the future. The Program also brings in specialists who zero in on specific<br />
strategies or management changes. The final product is a business plan that can<br />
be used as a road map to farm profits or as an accompaniment to a loan application.<br />
The fundamental premise of the Program is that sound financial analysis,<br />
critical thinking, <strong>and</strong> business-oriented decision-making can make a difference<br />
for farmers. The Viability approach is to listen, to let the farmers articulate their<br />
goals as well as problems, <strong>and</strong> then to bring in assistance that is tailored to particular<br />
needs. The farmer must commit time to the process <strong>and</strong> must be willing<br />
to share financial records.<br />
Grantees providing business planning <strong>and</strong> technical assistance services under<br />
the Program have included NOFA-<strong>Vermont</strong>, the Intervale Foundation, the<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> Small Business Development Center, the University of <strong>Vermont</strong> Extension<br />
Service, <strong>and</strong> Working L<strong>and</strong>scapes, Inc. The Program has also contracted<br />
with individual consultants.<br />
It is expected that an additional 50 farms will receive Viability assistance in<br />
2006. At the same time, the Program will send advisers back to <strong>2005</strong> participants<br />
to gauge the farmers’ financial success since participating in the Program,<br />
<strong>and</strong> to offer technical assistance as farmers work to implement their business<br />
planning goals.<br />
In <strong>2005</strong> the Viability Program was primarily funded by VHCB <strong>and</strong> by a grant<br />
secured by Senator Leahy <strong>and</strong> awarded by NRCS. VHCB was grateful this past<br />
year also to receive a grant for the Viability Program from a private foundation.<br />
These grant funds were used for specific projects: to help seven farmers implement<br />
changes documented in their business plans; to conduct two studies on the<br />
marketing of innovative farm products; <strong>and</strong> to assist Shelburne Farms <strong>and</strong> other<br />
nonprofits with the ongoing Farm-to-School Program, under which local growers<br />
supply locally-grown, nutritious, <strong>and</strong> affordable foods to public school lunch<br />
programs.<br />
Bob Eddy<br />
Bill Suhr, Champlain Orchards
Bob Eddy<br />
“Farming is such<br />
a labor-intensive<br />
operation that there’s<br />
not always time to<br />
explore the skills<br />
you need to make<br />
improvements.<br />
“The thing I like<br />
about the Viability<br />
Program is that it’s<br />
one-on-one. You can<br />
formulate a plan that’s<br />
custom-tailored, so<br />
I think the money<br />
is more efficient in<br />
helping, <strong>and</strong> the longterm<br />
effect is better.<br />
— Christine Brown<br />
BROWN FARM, RANDOLPH CENTER<br />
27<br />
Viability Program Helps<br />
Farmers Develop & Implement Ideas<br />
Christine <strong>and</strong> Tony Brown knew they wanted to improve <strong>and</strong> add value to<br />
their small, high-quality farm in R<strong>and</strong>olph Center. They just weren’t sure<br />
how, as Christine puts it, “to get from point A to point B.”<br />
The expertise they needed came through the Intervale Foundation, partnering<br />
with NOFA-VT, with funding from the Farm Viability Program. Referred<br />
by a neighboring farmer, the Intervale contacted the Browns two years ago, <strong>and</strong><br />
they began working together.<br />
With about 40 Jerseys <strong>and</strong> just 26 acres (they rent an additional 110 acres<br />
nearby), the Browns were in the midst of transitioning to (cont. on page 29)
VERMONT FARM VIABILITY PROGRAM<br />
Bob Eddy photos<br />
28<br />
CHAMPLAIN ORCHARDS<br />
Helping an Apple Grower’s Ideas Bear Fruit<br />
Bill Suhr began taking a small salary this year. At Champlain Orchards in<br />
Shoreham, that’s news: After Suhr bought this l<strong>and</strong>mark, 158-acre property<br />
by Lake Champlain at a conserved-farml<strong>and</strong> price in 1998, he went five years<br />
without drawing a salary, despite working nearly endless hours to build a growing<br />
new place in the struggling New Engl<strong>and</strong> apple industry.<br />
Suhr’s business plan was developed in 2004 with assistance from VHCB’s<br />
Farm Viability Program. Using VHCB-funded consultants from the Intervale<br />
Foundation, he was able to fine tune his capital needs <strong>and</strong> make projections for<br />
various product lines.<br />
“We were well on our way to having good ideas,” he says, “<strong>and</strong> they helped us<br />
implement them.”<br />
“It’s so risky to grow fruit,” adds Suhr, who was just 25 when he bought this<br />
place from Wesley <strong>and</strong> Virginia Larrabee. “Who’s going to stick it out <strong>and</strong> keep<br />
trying”<br />
So far, Bill Suhr has. Champlain Orchards’ high-quality McIntosh, Empire,<br />
<strong>and</strong> Red Delicious apples, along with early <strong>and</strong> old-time varieties, have become<br />
popular fixtures at food coops <strong>and</strong> supermarkets from Brattleboro to St. Albans.<br />
The business now boasts “eight fairly full-time employees, of which I would be<br />
one,” Suhr quips — “<strong>and</strong> 16 employees during harvest.<br />
Suhr’s marketing ideas are making an impact. Having worked successfully to<br />
br<strong>and</strong> his fruit <strong>and</strong> deliver it directly to <strong>Vermont</strong> customers, he’s now investing<br />
in diversification, value-added processing, <strong>and</strong> creative packaging <strong>and</strong> delivery.<br />
Having completed his business plan, Suhr this year paired operating capital<br />
with a 6,000 implementation award from the Farm Viability Program to<br />
develop a “white room” for peeling apples — the first of its kind in <strong>Vermont</strong>.<br />
At Champlain Orchards,<br />
Bill Suhr's espaliered apple<br />
trees stretch towards Lake<br />
Champlain. Suhr purchased<br />
the orchard in 1998. The<br />
previous owners, Wesley<br />
<strong>and</strong> Viriginia Larrabee, had<br />
conserved the l<strong>and</strong>, which<br />
reduced the purchase price to<br />
this young farmer.
This joins a mix of new <strong>and</strong> retrofitted<br />
buildings at the Champlain Orchards<br />
farmstead that now also house a cider<br />
mill, cold storage room, <strong>and</strong> packing<br />
facility.<br />
Until now, <strong>Vermont</strong> apples destined<br />
for peeling have been sent<br />
to New York state. As Champlain<br />
Orchards develops the capacity to<br />
store, peel, <strong>and</strong> process apples on the<br />
farm, Suhr is working with state government<br />
to promote fresh apple slices<br />
for distribution to <strong>Vermont</strong> schools.<br />
“Studies have shown that kids will<br />
eat 40 percent more fruit when they<br />
consume slices,” he reports.<br />
Champlain Orchards is also the<br />
sole supplier of peeled slices to the<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> Mystic Pie Company, an<br />
emerging Stowe-based business that<br />
has begun to market its top-quality<br />
apple pies up <strong>and</strong> down the East<br />
Coast, with the aim of exp<strong>and</strong>ing<br />
nationally. Champlain Orchards’ sales<br />
to Mystic Pie made up just one percent<br />
of its business last year, says Suhr<br />
— but may account for ten percent of<br />
its business in 2006.<br />
“I would like to store a variety of<br />
fantastic New Engl<strong>and</strong> apples that<br />
would entice people to shop locally<br />
year-round,” adds Suhr, who has<br />
begun to buy apples from four neighboring<br />
producers. “A <strong>Vermont</strong> grower<br />
does not have to sell his whole crop<br />
to a broker in New York if he knows<br />
that he will have a buyer locally yearround.<br />
“There is opportunity out there for<br />
all of us, young <strong>and</strong> old growers. We<br />
know how to grow fruit — <strong>and</strong> we are<br />
trying to take each step above that.<br />
It takes a lot of coordination, a lot of<br />
investment; but in the long haul, we<br />
are very self-sufficient.”<br />
BROWN FARM, RANDOLPH CENTER<br />
(continued from page 27)<br />
organic production. Christine was<br />
producing vegetables <strong>and</strong> ornamental<br />
plants in a modest-sized<br />
greenhouse on the farm.<br />
“Our main focus is to produce<br />
a quality produce in anything we<br />
do,” Christine says. “Our goal was<br />
to increase the value of our product,<br />
without enlarging our farm or our<br />
number of animals. In the first year<br />
with the Intervale process, one of<br />
our goals was to exp<strong>and</strong> my markets<br />
in the greenhouse business.<br />
“I’d done that business for a<br />
couple of years, <strong>and</strong> I knew the piece<br />
I was missing was marketing,” she<br />
says. “Typically, that’s the skill farmers<br />
lack. We’ve been pretty good at<br />
tracking our financials, but there’s<br />
always room for improvement — <strong>and</strong><br />
with the transitioning to organic, it’s<br />
a whole different ballgame.”<br />
Working with the Intervale <strong>and</strong><br />
NOFA-VT, the Browns created a<br />
business plan <strong>and</strong> a marketing plan,<br />
coupled with production <strong>and</strong> financial<br />
analysis. The plans called for a<br />
second greenhouse, so that Christine<br />
could exp<strong>and</strong> her ornamentals business<br />
<strong>and</strong> take advantage of a local<br />
dem<strong>and</strong> for early-season vegetables.<br />
Cost overruns had kept the Browns<br />
from completing the full greenhouse<br />
that Christine needed for optimum<br />
produce quality.<br />
This year, the family was granted<br />
an Implementation Award, a new<br />
feature of the Farm Viability Program.<br />
“The grant helped us finish raised<br />
beds, to start the early vegetables<br />
this coming spring,” Christine says.<br />
“It also enabled us to put in insula-<br />
The Browns were named <strong>2005</strong> Farm<br />
Family of the Year by the <strong>Vermont</strong> Farm<br />
Bureau.<br />
tion, to reduce energy costs, <strong>and</strong><br />
drip irrigation to reduce labor costs.”<br />
Her plants are now sold both<br />
on-farm <strong>and</strong> through the Hanover<br />
Food Co-op stores in Hanover <strong>and</strong><br />
Lebanon, N.H.<br />
“Farming’s such a labor-intensive<br />
operation that there’s not always<br />
time to explore the skills you need<br />
to make improvements,” Christine<br />
reflects. “The thing I like about the<br />
Viability Program is that it’s oneon-one.<br />
You can formulate a plan<br />
that’s custom-tailored, so I think the<br />
money is more efficient in helping,<br />
<strong>and</strong> the long-term effect is better.<br />
“Now,” she adds, “I can concentrate<br />
on quality.” That focus has not<br />
gone unrecognized: In <strong>2005</strong>, the<br />
Browns were named Farm Family<br />
of the Year by the <strong>Vermont</strong> Farm<br />
Bureau.<br />
29
30<br />
OTTER VIEW PARK, MIDDLEBURY<br />
At Otter View Park, the view across a meadow looking towards Weybridge<br />
takes in the steeple of a church in Middlebury. The Otter Creek runs below.<br />
LOCAL PARK PROJECT IS A “ WIN-WIN-WIN”<br />
With Habitat, <strong>Housing</strong> & Recreation<br />
short walk down from Middlebury College, or up from the town’s popular<br />
A business district, is an appealing little parcel of open l<strong>and</strong> on a corner in a<br />
residential neighborhood. This 17-acre meadow slopes down to a wetl<strong>and</strong> that is<br />
rich with bird life, <strong>and</strong> ends at a finger of solid ground along the Otter Creek.<br />
Several years ago, members of the Middlebury Area L<strong>and</strong> Trust (MALT)<br />
decided that this property, which the college owned <strong>and</strong> had not developed, had<br />
the potential to become a public park <strong>and</strong> watershed protection demonstration<br />
site. Otter View Park was envisioned with its grassy l<strong>and</strong> kept open <strong>and</strong> with<br />
wheelchair-accessible trails to a boardwalk installed across the marsh, out to a<br />
new viewing platform beside the river. A park like that, they foresaw, could be<br />
appreciated by neighbors, townspeople, college students, seniors, <strong>and</strong> young<br />
people from area schools who could come to learn.<br />
“The property offers such fabulous views, <strong>and</strong> habitat along the river, that we<br />
took the first step <strong>and</strong> went to Middlebury College,” recalls Bill Roper, a MALT<br />
member who chairs its Otter View project advisory committee. “We asked if<br />
they would be interested in selling it before it got development pressure.”<br />
The college agreed, stipulating that at least two residential lots would be<br />
created, <strong>and</strong> granted MALT a couple of years to raise the funds that the project<br />
would require — which turned out to be about 850,000 — <strong>and</strong> to get the<br />
approvals it would need. Those included five different subdivision permits (the<br />
parcel lies astride the Middlebury-Weybridge town line), all now in place.<br />
As MALT put its ideas before the<br />
public in several open forums, says<br />
Roper, more than one person pointed<br />
out “that this parcel is in some ways an<br />
infill property, <strong>and</strong> we shouldn’t lose<br />
the housing component,” says Roper.<br />
In response, MALT put three<br />
housing lots onto its plans for the<br />
property. Using VHCB funds, one<br />
lot will be developed by Habitat for<br />
Humanity, while the other two, tucked<br />
behind existing homes, have been<br />
sold at market rate to help pay for the<br />
project.<br />
“That’s been an important source<br />
of income for the project,” says Warren<br />
King, a former chair of the Otter Creek<br />
Audubon Society who has co-chaired<br />
this project’s fundraising committee.<br />
“This is a big project, financially, for<br />
MALT.”<br />
Trails along the property will be<br />
h<strong>and</strong>icapped-accessible, meeting<br />
an identified need in the local<br />
recreation plan, notes MALT President<br />
Christopher Bray. And because the<br />
parcel drains a sizable spread of l<strong>and</strong><br />
above it, a planned detention pond, to<br />
be cleaned out periodically, will retain<br />
much of the silt that is now filling in<br />
the wetl<strong>and</strong> below.<br />
All in all, the project is putting an<br />
array of desirable outcomes into one<br />
compact package. Its success should<br />
help to build area support for future<br />
conservation efforts, notes Gary Starr,<br />
a neighbor <strong>and</strong> well-known bird artist<br />
who co-chairs the fundraising effort<br />
with his wife, Kathy, <strong>and</strong> with Warren<br />
King.<br />
“It’s a great project — <strong>and</strong> we’ve<br />
gotten a good diversity of neighbors<br />
involved in it,” Starr says.<br />
“The project took some twists <strong>and</strong><br />
turns,” adds Roper. “But we feel the<br />
outcome is a model that we can be<br />
proud of.”
CROSS VERMONT TRAIL<br />
A Trail to Connect Communities<br />
T<br />
he long-term vision of the Cross <strong>Vermont</strong> Trail Association is to create a<br />
multi-use recreation trail running east-west across the state. In the Central<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> area, the goal is to conserve an off-road trail all the way from East<br />
Montpelier to Groton State Forest, along the 37-mile former track bed of the<br />
Montpelier-Wells River Railroad. But unlike nearly all other former railroad<br />
beds eyed as recreation trails around the nation, this one presents a unique challenge:<br />
the track bed’s final owner, the state of <strong>Vermont</strong>, conveyed it in parcels to<br />
all the abutting l<strong>and</strong>owners, several decades ago.<br />
The complexity created by so many owners is one that Eric Scharnberg,<br />
executive director of the Trail Association, knows only too well. From East<br />
Montpelier to Plainfield, he says, “We’re working on a l<strong>and</strong>owner-to-l<strong>and</strong>owner<br />
basis, to try to get easements” that will secure public access to the trail.<br />
That cause got a boost this year when VHCB funding enabled the Association<br />
to acquire a small but key property in Plainfield, between Country Club<br />
<strong>and</strong> Recreation Field roads. “It’s a keystone piece in connectivity between the<br />
village of Plainfield <strong>and</strong>, ultimately, over toward Montpelier,” Scharnberg says of<br />
the six-acre property.<br />
The Cross-<strong>Vermont</strong> Trail will ultimately link to the Montpelier Recreation<br />
Path, connecting into the capital. To the west, most of the trackbed between the<br />
Marshfield edge of Groton State Forest, all the way to Wells River, has already<br />
been secured.<br />
In the now-targeted stretch between East Montpelier <strong>and</strong> Plainfield, says<br />
Scharnberg, “our goal is to target areas where the stretch between roads isn’t too<br />
far apart — <strong>and</strong> where we can see that within two or three years, we may be able<br />
to establish those stretches as trails.<br />
Many l<strong>and</strong>owners have been supportive, <strong>and</strong> have offered to donate easements.<br />
Others prefer to subdivide <strong>and</strong> sell parcels. Bit by bit, the project is moving<br />
forward. “This is very much a grassroots trail,” Scharnberg says. “It’s part of a<br />
statewide effort to connect villages <strong>and</strong> communities.”<br />
The Cross <strong>Vermont</strong> Trail is a planned<br />
83-mile multi-use recreation trail<br />
<strong>and</strong> alternative transportation route<br />
stretching from <strong>Vermont</strong>’s western<br />
border on Lake Champlain to its<br />
eastern border in the Village of Wells<br />
River. As currently mapped, the trail<br />
alignment contains both on <strong>and</strong> offroad<br />
sections <strong>and</strong> connects 17 towns,<br />
10 village centers, 10 state parks <strong>and</strong><br />
recreation areas <strong>and</strong> 10 schools. The<br />
trail also links two nationally known<br />
trails, the 300-mile Catamount Trail<br />
<strong>and</strong> the 270-mile Long Trail. Currently,<br />
45 miles of trail are secured either<br />
as public right-of-ways or due to their<br />
location within designated state <strong>and</strong><br />
town-owned public parcels.<br />
31
SNAKE MOUNTAIN, ADDISON & BRIDPORT<br />
“When I first bought<br />
the property, I had<br />
it in mind that I<br />
could sell it to some<br />
kind of conservation<br />
group. It’s a<br />
very unique hunk of<br />
l<strong>and</strong>.”<br />
—Gary Pittman,<br />
previous owner<br />
The Nature Conservancy<br />
The Pittmans sold<br />
152 acres at a bargain<br />
price to the Nature<br />
Conservancy.<br />
Preserving Nature & Memories<br />
on Snake Mountain<br />
ifting up suddenly from the broad <strong>and</strong> gentle downslope of the Addison<br />
LCounty farml<strong>and</strong>, Snake Mountain is an eye-catching l<strong>and</strong>mark. It’s a steep,<br />
32 forested ridge that rises above Addison at its north end, then dips <strong>and</strong> rises<br />
again in Bridport on the south.<br />
To the north, hunters <strong>and</strong> hikers are familiar with the state-owned, 1,215-acre<br />
Snake Mountain Wildlife Management Area. But the smaller, southern portion<br />
of the mountain also makes a striking sight, with its steep cliffs visible from<br />
Route 22A.<br />
Since acquiring 152 acres of the southern mountain for a woodlot in 1988,<br />
l<strong>and</strong>owners Gary <strong>and</strong> Donna Pittman had planned to safeguard their l<strong>and</strong> for its<br />
natural values <strong>and</strong> public enjoyment.<br />
“When I first bought the property, I had it in mind that I could sell it to some<br />
kind of conservation group,” says Gary Pittman. “It’s a very unique hunk of<br />
l<strong>and</strong>.”<br />
The Pittmans, who live in Charlotte, liked hiking up there, to enjoy the<br />
woods <strong>and</strong> the 60-mile views in both directions, toward the Green Mountains<br />
to the east <strong>and</strong> the Adirondacks on the west. When their young gr<strong>and</strong>son, Kevin<br />
Joseph Pittman, came to visit from Washington state, he often came along.<br />
Liz Thompson/The Nature Conservancy
Liz Thompson/The Nature Conservancy<br />
The Nature Conservancy aquired l<strong>and</strong> at the southern end of Snake Mountain in Bridport. At the northern end of this<br />
unusual geological formation is the Snake Mountain Wildlife Management Area in Addison, well known to hunters <strong>and</strong> hikers.<br />
“He loved this place,” Gary Pittman<br />
says. “We would go out walking here<br />
together, gr<strong>and</strong>father <strong>and</strong> gr<strong>and</strong>son.”<br />
Then in 2003, Kevin Pittman was<br />
killed, at 18, in a car accident. In Kevin’s<br />
memory, his gr<strong>and</strong>parents decided<br />
to offer their Snake Mountan property<br />
at a bargain price to The Nature<br />
Conservancy (TNC), whose <strong>Vermont</strong><br />
chapter used its own <strong>and</strong> VHCB<br />
funding to complete the conservation<br />
purchase this year.<br />
“With its vistas, somebody with<br />
a great deal of money could build a<br />
house up on that ridge,” Gary Pitt-<br />
man observes. “That’s the last thing I<br />
wanted to happen.”<br />
The family’s discounted sale<br />
enabled TNC to protect the cliffs <strong>and</strong><br />
talus slopes, expressions of the Champlain<br />
Thrust Fault that long ago lifted<br />
Snake Mountain up to 1,300 feet above<br />
sea level.<br />
According to The Nature Conservancy,<br />
the now-protected property<br />
contains “three high-quality natural<br />
communities, two vernal pools providing<br />
habitat for high populations of<br />
Jefferson’s, four-toed, <strong>and</strong> blue-spotted<br />
salam<strong>and</strong>ers, <strong>and</strong> an impressive list of<br />
rare <strong>and</strong> uncommon plants, including<br />
the dwarf chinquapin oak, which is<br />
only known at one or two other locations<br />
statewide.”<br />
Gary <strong>and</strong> Donna Pittman have<br />
placed memorial plaques to Kevin<br />
at the property entrance, <strong>and</strong> at the<br />
overlook that they <strong>and</strong> their gr<strong>and</strong>son<br />
most enjoyed. They hope more people,<br />
in the years to come, will enjoy the<br />
walks they shared.<br />
33
DUAL GOALS: RECREATION AND HOUSING IN JAY<br />
34<br />
Selectboard member Chris Young, Gilman <strong>Housing</strong> Trust director Ed Stretch <strong>and</strong><br />
Town Clerk Emeline Harmon in front of one of six new homes being constructed<br />
in Jay by the Gilman <strong>Housing</strong> Trust on l<strong>and</strong> donated by the <strong>Vermont</strong> L<strong>and</strong> Trust.<br />
Homes, Woodl<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> a Town Park, Too!<br />
In the northern ski resort town of Jay, <strong>Vermont</strong>, five miles from the Canadian<br />
border, a booming second home market is driving up the cost of l<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> housing.<br />
Thanks to the philanthropy of the <strong>Vermont</strong> L<strong>and</strong> Trust (VLT), this year the<br />
town was able to conserve 282 acres <strong>and</strong> the local nonprofit housing group will<br />
create four affordable single-family homes in a six-lot development.<br />
VLT donated a 20-acre parcel previously permitted for housing development<br />
to the Gilman <strong>Housing</strong> Trust <strong>and</strong> made a bargain sale of 282 acres to the town of<br />
Jay at 30 percent of market value. A VHCB grant helped the town of Jay with the<br />
acqusition costs of the l<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> provided Gilman <strong>Housing</strong> trust with 100,000 in<br />
purchase subsidies for the four affordable homes.<br />
Gilman is developing “Northern Green Homes,”—six cape-style starter homes<br />
built to high st<strong>and</strong>ards of energy efficiency. With additional assistance from the<br />
Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation, the subsidized homes will sell to income-eligible<br />
families at below market levels of 115,000, with restrictions to keep<br />
the homes affordable to future buyers.<br />
The town’s immediate goal is to establish a trail system through the community<br />
using the two conservation parcels as anchors. Most of the l<strong>and</strong> will be managed<br />
for forestry, wildlife <strong>and</strong> recreational use—hiking, skiing <strong>and</strong> a broad range of nonmotorized<br />
recreational uses. Limited trail access by snowmobiles may be permitted,<br />
subject to the management plan to be developed by the town. A 35-acre area<br />
close to the village center <strong>and</strong> Jay Elementary School has been reserved for more<br />
intensive recreational use, including eventual development of ball fields, parking,<br />
public gathering areas <strong>and</strong> possibly a skating rink.<br />
Craig Line photo<br />
“As a selectboard, we<br />
recognize the balance<br />
among the interests in<br />
our town, including<br />
those of the ski industry,<br />
agriculture, property<br />
owners, tourists <strong>and</strong><br />
business owners. We believe<br />
by preserving these<br />
l<strong>and</strong>s, we will be better<br />
able to strike a balance<br />
<strong>and</strong> continue our<br />
growth in a thoughtful,<br />
deliberate <strong>and</strong> progressive<br />
manner.”<br />
—Chris Young,<br />
Jay Selectboard<br />
“This is a remarkable<br />
opportunity to create<br />
affordable home ownership<br />
that promotes local<br />
jobs <strong>and</strong> fits into the Jay<br />
community. The homes<br />
will serve working families<br />
where household<br />
income is far outpaced<br />
by housing prices.”<br />
— Ed Stretch,<br />
Gilman <strong>Housing</strong> Trust
HISTORIC PRESERVATION<br />
A New Role<br />
for a Local L<strong>and</strong>mark<br />
RIVER ARTS, MORRISVILLE<br />
The pre-Civil War, Greek Revival structure that will soon become the first<br />
home of River Arts of Morrisville, Inc., has already played a starring role in<br />
community history.<br />
St<strong>and</strong>ing in downtown Morrisville, the two-story building housed the first local<br />
high school, a private school that was called the Poor People’s Academy until<br />
it was transferred to public ownership in 1866 <strong>and</strong> became People’s Academy. Up<br />
top, the bell tower still houses the school’s original bell, even though the structure<br />
was moved to Pleasant Street in 1874 to make room for the current high school.<br />
The old academy became a store, then served from 1925 until just recently as the<br />
home of Lamoille Grange 233. But as the Grange’s local membership dwindled,<br />
a newer community nonprofit, River Arts, founded six years ago, was growing in<br />
size <strong>and</strong> yearning for a center of its own.<br />
“And this building really is a treasure. It’s totally open inside, with these lovely<br />
spaces,” says Joanne Harrison, board chair of River Arts.<br />
The organization provided over 5,400 Lamoille County residents last year with<br />
programming that includes visual arts, performing arts, youth <strong>and</strong> elder arts, <strong>and</strong><br />
a wide range of community events — all without a permanent space for offices,<br />
performances, <strong>and</strong> programming.<br />
A VHCB grant enabled River Arts to purchase the Grange building at a negotiated<br />
low price. The Grange will continue to meet in the building without charge.<br />
River Arts’ fundraising campaign will allow the group to rehabilite the building,<br />
making code, access, <strong>and</strong> other improvements. River Arts aims to create an accessible<br />
upstairs concert <strong>and</strong> assembly space, <strong>and</strong> also to use the building for classes,<br />
offices, <strong>and</strong> much of its programming. “This building was a center for community<br />
life as a school, then as a Grange,” Harrison notes. “It’s sitting in an important part<br />
of downtown, in great disrepair. It’s going to be great to have it back again.”<br />
“As special as<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> is, it is<br />
also fragile. Carefully<br />
done, we can<br />
have growth without<br />
spoiling our nest.<br />
We can make sure<br />
that consumers have<br />
what they need,<br />
<strong>and</strong> strengthen our<br />
downtowns <strong>and</strong><br />
community centers.<br />
We can support our<br />
homegrown, locally<br />
owned businesses.<br />
It’s not easy work,<br />
but with some<br />
hard work <strong>and</strong> a<br />
collaborative spirit,<br />
I bet we can do it!”<br />
— Paul Bruhn,<br />
Executive Director,<br />
Preservation Trust of<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong><br />
A Preservation Grant from the<br />
Freeman Foundation <strong>and</strong> the<br />
Preservation Trust of <strong>Vermont</strong><br />
will be used to construct a new<br />
foundation, <strong>and</strong> assist with exterior<br />
woodwork repair, painting, <strong>and</strong><br />
window conservation. VHCB funds<br />
helped to purchase <strong>and</strong> stabilize<br />
the building.<br />
35
36<br />
AMERICAN PRECISION MUSEUM, WINDSOR<br />
Birthplace of Modern Manufacturing is Reborn<br />
The American Precision Museum in Windsor is more than a treasure trove<br />
of manufacturing machinery. It was in this 1840s-vintage brick building<br />
that modern consumer society was born.<br />
Not enough <strong>Vermont</strong>ers or others know the local l<strong>and</strong>mark’s remarkable<br />
story. Now, thanks to the devotion of the nonprofit board of trustees that<br />
runs the Precision Museum, coupled with funding from VHCB, a federal Save<br />
America’s Treasures partnership, <strong>and</strong> other sources, the museum is being saved<br />
for new generations to explore. Last year, more than 5,000 people visited this<br />
new center for the collection, preservation <strong>and</strong> interpretation of the history of<br />
precision manufacturing.<br />
“I’ve always seen that building as a special place,” says Eric Gilbertson, the<br />
deputy state historic-preservation officer <strong>and</strong> a Precision Museum trustee. “It’s<br />
the most intact example of early to mid-19th century mill building in <strong>Vermont</strong>,<br />
particularly of that scale. And what went on inside the building is so important.”<br />
The tall brick structure sits at the southern end of Windsor’s downtown,<br />
slightly below modern road level, beside a tumbling-water stretch of the Mill<br />
Brook. It was here in the late 1840s, inside what was then called the Robbins &<br />
Lawrence Armory <strong>and</strong> Machine Shop, that skilled machinists <strong>and</strong> designers created<br />
a set of finely engineered machine tools to turn out military rifles made of<br />
interchangeable parts. That manufacturing advance was br<strong>and</strong> new to the world.<br />
Before the Robbins & Lawrence innovation, a gunsmith needed eight days to<br />
make one rifle, crafting each individual part in turn. This was the way all mechanical<br />
devices were made. Then, in 1851, the local gunmakers Robbins, Kendall<br />
<strong>and</strong> Lawrence brought a batch of new Windsor-built rifles to London’s Crystal<br />
Palace Exposition. They took the guns apart, mixed all the parts together on the<br />
exposition floor, then reassembled new guns. The British Army quickly ordered<br />
25,000 Enfield rifles <strong>and</strong> 138 gun-making machines — <strong>and</strong> thereby imported to<br />
“I’ve always seen<br />
that building as a<br />
special place. It’s the<br />
most intact example<br />
of early to mid-<br />
19th century mill<br />
building in <strong>Vermont</strong>,<br />
particularly of that<br />
scale. And what went<br />
on inside the building<br />
is so important.”<br />
—Eric Gilbertson,<br />
deputy state historic<br />
preservation officer &<br />
museum trustee
Bob Eddy photos<br />
Engl<strong>and</strong> what became known as the<br />
“American system” of precision manufacturing.<br />
The techniques <strong>and</strong> expertise<br />
developed at Robbins & Lawrence gave<br />
rise to the Industrial Revolution. From<br />
the first manufacture of guns, sewing<br />
machines, typewriters, <strong>and</strong> railroad<br />
cars until today, virtually all important<br />
consumer products have been manufactured<br />
of interchangeable parts.<br />
Windsor became the birthplace<br />
of America’s Precision Valley, from<br />
here through Springfield along the<br />
Connecticut River. Its machine-tool<br />
industry, so vital to the Allied success<br />
in World War II, is virtually gone<br />
today — but its importance lives on.<br />
“It’s interesting, geographically: At<br />
one end of Windsor there’s the Constitution<br />
House [cradle of the <strong>Vermont</strong><br />
Constitution], <strong>and</strong> on the other end<br />
is the American Precision Museum,”<br />
reflects Bill Ballantyne, chair of the<br />
Windsor Downtown <strong>Board</strong>. “They<br />
represent the two major birthplace<br />
events that play a significant role in<br />
Windsor’s identity.”<br />
The Precision Museum houses an<br />
amazing collection of 19th century<br />
machine tools, set up for interactive<br />
display — but the building’s own<br />
deterioration threatened its survival.<br />
Having won a 200,000 Save America’s<br />
Treasures grant, provided through<br />
a partnership of federal agencies,<br />
the museum brought in funds from<br />
VHCB, the Preservation Trust of<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong>, several foundations, <strong>and</strong><br />
individual donors to complete Phase I<br />
of a much-needed restoration project<br />
this year.<br />
Phase I installed a new slate roof<br />
that matched the deteriorated original,<br />
<strong>and</strong> renovated 70 of the 166 historic<br />
wood windows. Phase II targets the remaining<br />
windows, structural elements,<br />
<strong>and</strong> masonry restoration, along with<br />
probable safety improvements.<br />
“This year we’re going to be launching<br />
a new initiative,” says museum<br />
Director Ann Lawless, “to focus on<br />
developing a coherent education<br />
program that’s based on what teachers<br />
need from us, <strong>and</strong> that references the<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> <strong>and</strong> New Hampshire educational<br />
st<strong>and</strong>ards.”<br />
“There are a lot of really good ideas<br />
out there,” adds Trustee Gilbertson.<br />
Other Historic<br />
Preservation Projects<br />
Jamaica Town Hall<br />
The Town Hall Restoration<br />
Committee is leveraging a VHCB<br />
grant with substantial locally raised<br />
funds to restore the 1851-vintage<br />
Town Hall, located on Route 30<br />
in the heart of the village <strong>and</strong><br />
identifi ed in the town plan as<br />
Jamaica’s “cultural, civic, <strong>and</strong><br />
religious center.” VHCB funding<br />
will enable the restoration of<br />
historic features, both external <strong>and</strong><br />
structural. A historic preservation<br />
easement will be held by VHCB<br />
<strong>and</strong> the Preservation Trust of<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong>.<br />
Roxbury Depot<br />
In Roxbury, VHCB funding helped<br />
make possible the restoration<br />
<strong>and</strong> rehabilitation of the Roxbury<br />
Depot, a town-owned building on<br />
Route 12A that is the community’s<br />
only public meeting space for<br />
town-related business. The town<br />
moved the building — originally<br />
one of <strong>Vermont</strong>’s fi rst railroad<br />
stations — onto adjacent, townowned<br />
l<strong>and</strong>, restored the depot<br />
inside <strong>and</strong> out, added a small,<br />
“historically sensitive” addition,<br />
<strong>and</strong> made the building wheelchairaccessible.<br />
37
FEDERAL FUNDS SUPPLEMENT VHCB AWARDS<br />
38<br />
conjunction with state funds,<br />
In VHCB administers federal<br />
funding for programs to develop<br />
housing, increase affordability, add<br />
support services, provide technical<br />
assistance, <strong>and</strong> leverage state <strong>and</strong><br />
private dollars for l<strong>and</strong> conservation<br />
in <strong>Vermont</strong>.<br />
Lead-Based Paint<br />
Hazard Re duc tion Pro gram<br />
With funding from the U.S.<br />
Department of <strong>Housing</strong> <strong>and</strong> Urban<br />
Development, this program has been<br />
operating since 1994, administering<br />
13.5 million to reduce lead hazards in<br />
1,500 homes <strong>and</strong> apartments statewide.<br />
To read more about the program, see<br />
page 41.<br />
AmeriCorps <strong>Vermont</strong><br />
Community Stewardship Program<br />
This program has operated for eight<br />
years, cosponsoring AmeriCorps<br />
members to serve with nonprofit<br />
housing <strong>and</strong> conservation en ti ties<br />
statewide. VHCB has administered<br />
1.6 million in funds for this program<br />
since 1996. In <strong>2005</strong> the program<br />
placed 30 AmeriCorps with housing<br />
<strong>and</strong> conservation nonprofits statewide.<br />
To read more about the program, see<br />
page 39.<br />
Agency of Transportation TEA-21<br />
VHCB has been awarded 1.8 million<br />
in tea-21 funds to conserve l<strong>and</strong><br />
in prox im i ty to state highways. The<br />
“transportation enhancement” funds<br />
le ver age state funds, providing another<br />
source of funds to conserve farml<strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>and</strong> open l<strong>and</strong>.<br />
HOME Program<br />
Federal HOME Program funds are<br />
aimed at serving low- <strong>and</strong> very low-income<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong>ers in housing projects<br />
meeting the priorities of the State<br />
Con sol i dat ed Plan. These funds help<br />
to cov er project de vel op ment costs, to<br />
cre ate great er affordability in the projects,<br />
<strong>and</strong> to sup ple ment VHCB funds.<br />
The <strong>Board</strong> ad min is ters the program on<br />
be half of the Department of Hous ing<br />
<strong>and</strong> Com mu ni ty Affairs. VHCB has<br />
ad min is tered 41.4 mil lion in HOME<br />
funds since the be gin ning of the program<br />
in 1992.<br />
Farml<strong>and</strong> Protection Pro gram<br />
Through the USDA Natural Resources<br />
Con ser va tion Service, VHCB<br />
ad min is ters funds from this federal<br />
program to con serve farml<strong>and</strong>. These<br />
funds sup ple ment Ver mont’s state <strong>and</strong><br />
pri vate efforts, in creas ing the amount<br />
of farm l<strong>and</strong> con served. The <strong>Board</strong> has<br />
com mit ted 16.3 mil lion in Farm l<strong>and</strong><br />
Pro tec tion Pro gram funds.<br />
HUD Economic<br />
Development In cen tive<br />
Special Project Grants<br />
The <strong>Board</strong> administers these onetime<br />
federal grants to designated<br />
housing developments in the state to<br />
assist communities in meeting their<br />
housing needs. Last year, Special<br />
Project Grant funds were awarded to<br />
housing developments in Rutl<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
Burlington. Since 1987, the <strong>Board</strong> has<br />
administered nearly 13.4 million in<br />
Special Project Grants.<br />
<strong>Housing</strong> Opportunities<br />
for Per sons with AIDS<br />
HOPWA funds provide rental<br />
sub si dies, emergency assistance <strong>and</strong><br />
sup port ive services to persons liv ing<br />
with HIV/AIDS. This program was<br />
developed in col lab o ra tion with the<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> HIV/AIDS Care Consortium,<br />
the Department of Health, the Persons<br />
with AIDS Coalition, the Ver mont<br />
Center for Independent Liv ing, <strong>and</strong><br />
the AIDS service organizations. VHCB<br />
has ad-ministered more than 2.9<br />
million in HOPWA funds.<br />
HUD Technical Assistance Funds<br />
VHCB’s Community <strong>Housing</strong><br />
Development Or ga ni za tion Tech ni cal<br />
As sis tance Program has administered<br />
275,000 in various HUD funds to<br />
pro vide train ing, operating sup port<br />
<strong>and</strong> tech ni cal as sis tance to non profit<br />
de vel op ers of afford able hous ing.<br />
VHCB uses HUD technical assistance<br />
funds to develop <strong>and</strong> co-sponsor<br />
trainings.<br />
Farm Viability<br />
Enhancement Program<br />
VHCB funding for this new farm<br />
program is supplemented by federal<br />
funding administered by the USDA<br />
Natural Resources <strong>Conservation</strong><br />
Service. In <strong>2005</strong> VHCB received a<br />
commitment of 225,000 from NRCS<br />
for this program. To read more about<br />
the program, see page 26.
VERMONT COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM<br />
Recently released findings from<br />
‘A Longitudinal Study of Service<br />
in AmeriCorps’ revealed that Ameri-<br />
Corps alumni are:<br />
1) more connected to their communities;<br />
2) more knowledgeable about<br />
problems facing their communities;<br />
3) more likely to participate in<br />
community activities; <strong>and</strong><br />
4) more likely to choose public<br />
service careers.<br />
The <strong>Vermont</strong> Community Stewardship<br />
Program (VCSP) helps individuals<br />
in <strong>Vermont</strong> to achieve just that while<br />
providing integral support to housing<br />
<strong>and</strong> conservation nonprofits around<br />
the state.<br />
VCSP is now in its eighth year as<br />
an AmeriCorps project of the <strong>Vermont</strong><br />
<strong>Housing</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Conservation</strong> <strong>Board</strong>. It<br />
is one of five AmeriCorps programs<br />
in <strong>Vermont</strong> that are partially funded<br />
by the Corporation for National <strong>and</strong><br />
Community Service <strong>and</strong> the National<br />
Service Trust.<br />
While still actively recruiting for<br />
the current year, the VCSP roster<br />
includes 29 AmeriCorps members in<br />
the field statewide, getting things done<br />
with an emphasis on community support,<br />
leadership <strong>and</strong> civic engagement.<br />
The members serve with 25 housing<br />
<strong>and</strong> l<strong>and</strong> conservation nonprofits<br />
across the state.<br />
This year’s members have brought<br />
a new dynamic to the program: with<br />
an average member age of 32.7 years,<br />
members are bringing more experience<br />
<strong>and</strong> diversity to their service than<br />
ever before. This reflects an emerging<br />
awareness that AmeriCorps is<br />
not just for recent college graduates,<br />
but for people of all ages who wish to<br />
serve their communities by joining the<br />
national volunteer movement close to<br />
home.<br />
VCSP has graduated 140 members<br />
who, in turn, have involved over 6,000<br />
community volunteers in grassroots<br />
efforts to improve the lives of thous<strong>and</strong>s<br />
more <strong>Vermont</strong>ers. These volunteers,<br />
who include youth, have served<br />
more than 42,000 hours, exponentially<br />
magnifying the positive impact that<br />
AmeriCorps members can have in<br />
their neighborhoods. Approximately<br />
20% of graduating VCSP members<br />
have been hired on by the nonprofits<br />
for which they served. Many others<br />
have accepted jobs with other nonprofits,<br />
returned to school or enrolled for<br />
another term of service with VCSP.<br />
AmeriCorps members celebrated at a closing ceremony in August at Silver Lake.<br />
Getting Things Done<br />
VCSP AmeriCorps members<br />
working with housing<br />
organizations:<br />
• act as role models to youth,<br />
help children with schoolwork<br />
<strong>and</strong> organize after-school<br />
activities<br />
• provide education for<br />
fi rst-time home owners at<br />
NeighborWorks® Home<br />
Ownership Centers<br />
• provide services to <strong>Vermont</strong>’s<br />
homeless <strong>and</strong> marginally housed<br />
population, help to identify<br />
permanent affordable housing,<br />
<strong>and</strong> facilitate workshops <strong>and</strong><br />
classes on nutrition, budgeting,<br />
health, <strong>and</strong> resumé writing.<br />
• organize residents to<br />
create community gardens<br />
<strong>and</strong> newsletters <strong>and</strong> hold<br />
community dinners<br />
• educate residents about<br />
their rights <strong>and</strong> responsibilities<br />
<strong>and</strong> help connect residents<br />
with social services <strong>and</strong><br />
educational opportunities.<br />
Members working with<br />
conservation organizations:<br />
• organize <strong>and</strong> lead<br />
environmental education <strong>and</strong><br />
service opportunities for<br />
school-aged youth.<br />
• recruit volunteers.<br />
• serve as group leaders.<br />
• maintain trails <strong>and</strong> peform<br />
l<strong>and</strong> stewardship<br />
responsbilities.<br />
39
40<br />
AMERICORPS MEMBER PROFILE<br />
AmeriCorps member Cheryl Santacaterina with youngsters in the community<br />
room at Moose River Apartments in St. Johnsbury. Cheryl provided before <strong>and</strong><br />
after school activities <strong>and</strong> served many hours beyond the number required by her<br />
term of service.<br />
Helping to Build a Working Community<br />
Cheryl Santacaterina of East Haven, in the Northeast Kingdom, was studying<br />
human services at Springfield College when she got involved with<br />
Moose River Apartments <strong>and</strong> Gilman <strong>Housing</strong> Trust, the affordable complex’s<br />
developer, in St. Johnsbury three years ago.<br />
Cheryl volunteered for a year at Moose River, to fulfill her college’s requirement<br />
for a community project — then she accepted a position as an AmeriCorps<br />
resident organizer at Moose River <strong>and</strong> Mountain View, another Gilman property<br />
in St. J. For almost another two years she helped bring residents together,<br />
with each other <strong>and</strong> with Gilman, the property managers, <strong>and</strong> others, to solve<br />
problems. The aim, always, was to empower the residents to use their own<br />
voices <strong>and</strong> improve their own community.<br />
“My premise with the residents has been an inside-out process, versus<br />
someone coming in from outside to solve the problems,” Cheryl explains. “The<br />
solutions in the complex really need to come from them, because they’re the<br />
ones who live there.<br />
The residents needed to believe that they had the skills.”<br />
Although Cheryl’s term has ended, AmeriCorps continues to fund a resident<br />
organizer at the complexes. And although she sees that more work is needed to<br />
achieve truly self-sustaining results, Cheryl has seen impacts. Residents at both<br />
complexes, she observes, are “more involved in community events.<br />
“I’ve noticed that people talk with<br />
each other more. There’s more of a<br />
problem-solving attitude, more camaraderie.<br />
People have started watching<br />
each other’s children. We started using<br />
the community room — it had nothing<br />
in it, now there’s a blackboard, a TV,<br />
VCR, microwave, dishes. The community<br />
room is an actual community<br />
room now, that’s being used — in both<br />
complexes. The tenants took that on,<br />
<strong>and</strong> ran with it.<br />
“I got to be part of it,” says Cheryl.<br />
“It was definitely a team effort — it’s<br />
the community, Gilman, the on-site<br />
managers, the police, the fire companies,<br />
everybody in the community<br />
who participated <strong>and</strong> offered to help.”<br />
“A number of the residents residing<br />
in our small community are visible<br />
members of the larger community:<br />
firefighters, nurses, teachers, college<br />
students, disabled people, <strong>and</strong> <strong>Vermont</strong><br />
Humanities Council members,”<br />
wrote Nina Ricci, a Moose River<br />
resident, to the Caledonian-Record<br />
last August. “Moose River is a melting<br />
pot. I’d like to see more communities<br />
like ours in the community that is our<br />
nation.”<br />
Today, Cheryl Santacaterina is a<br />
graduate student in the counseling<br />
program at Springfield. Reflecting<br />
on her experience with AmeriCorps,<br />
she says, “I learned so many different<br />
things. I think one of the biggest — it’s<br />
not a new lesson — is how important it<br />
is to have all the players at the table at<br />
the same time, for collaborative work.<br />
It’s just really important that communication<br />
happens with everybody right<br />
there.”
VERMONT LEAD-BASED PAINT HAZARD REDUCTION PROGRAM<br />
The Rockingham Area Community<br />
L<strong>and</strong> Trust used $45,000 in Lead<br />
Paint Hazard Abatement Funding<br />
renovating the historic 13-unit Wall<br />
Street Apartment building in Springfi<br />
eld. U.S.D.A. Rural Development<br />
provided both a low interest loan <strong>and</strong><br />
rental assistance for all 13 units. The<br />
original woodwork, trim, hardwood<br />
fl oors <strong>and</strong> arched windows give the<br />
apartments character <strong>and</strong> appeal.<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> Lead Paint<br />
Hazard Reduction<br />
Program<br />
For more information, contact<br />
us at<br />
1-800-290-0527<br />
or visit the web site:<br />
www.leadsafevermont.org<br />
All children should be screened<br />
for lead poisoning at ages one<br />
<strong>and</strong> two. To learn about<br />
free lead screening,<br />
contact the<br />
Department of Health<br />
at 1-800-439-8550.<br />
Lead poisoning is the number one environmental threat to the health of young<br />
children, causing behavioral, neurological <strong>and</strong> physical damage that cannot<br />
be undone. Prevention is the only way to eliminate this serious problem.<br />
Operating since 1994, VHCB’s very successful Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction<br />
Program provides technical <strong>and</strong> financial assistance to eliminate lead paint<br />
hazards in private, low-income housing <strong>and</strong> home-based day care centers. Home<br />
owners with young children <strong>and</strong> rental property owners receive comprehensive assistance<br />
in the form of lead paint testing, development of hazard control plans, construction<br />
oversight, <strong>and</strong> dust testing to ensure properties are safe to be reoccupied.<br />
A typical lead hazard reduction project includes window replacement, stabilization<br />
of painted surfaces, removal of lead paint from friction or impact surfaces<br />
(i.e. door jambs, floors), <strong>and</strong> specialized cleaning.<br />
Grants <strong>and</strong> zero percent interest deferred loans are provided to pay certified<br />
lead abatement contractors to complete the necessary work. The program also<br />
provides funding <strong>and</strong> expertise to VHCB’s non-profit partners to ensure lead<br />
safety <strong>and</strong> regulatory compliance in projects involving the rehabilitation of older<br />
housing units.<br />
The program was recently awarded another 3 million grant from the U.S.<br />
Department of <strong>Housing</strong> & Urban Development (HUD) to continue its important<br />
work. Since 1994, the program has helped to reduce lead paint hazards in over<br />
1,500 homes <strong>and</strong> apartments throughout the State. The newest award from HUD<br />
will allow the program to assist another 220 families.<br />
VHCB works closely with the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program<br />
at the <strong>Vermont</strong> Department of Health to complete priority interventions in the<br />
homes of lead poisoned children <strong>and</strong> to raise public awareness about the dangers<br />
of lead.<br />
The program conducts a comprehensive lead awareness campaign that includes<br />
a web site (www.leadsafevermont.org) <strong>and</strong> the provision of free lead safety training<br />
classes. VHCB is currently the only source of this training whichh is required by<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> law. Staff also provide advice <strong>and</strong> limited technical assistance to prevent<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong>ers from creating lead hazards during home improvements <strong>and</strong> to keep<br />
their children safe by using proper cleaning techniques.<br />
In 2004-<strong>2005</strong> the Lead Program participated in a study to conduct low-level<br />
interventions in the homes of asthmatic children to determine if asthmatic events<br />
could be reduced by identifying <strong>and</strong> mitigating certain environmental conditions<br />
in the home. This research project is being conducted in partnership with the City<br />
of Boston <strong>and</strong> the Asthma Regional Council of New Engl<strong>and</strong>. Follow-up surveys<br />
of program participants indicate positive benefits for children with asthma such<br />
as fewer school days missed, fewer hospital visits, <strong>and</strong> less respiratory distress in<br />
the home.<br />
In the coming year, the program will be participating in efforts to improve compliance<br />
with <strong>Vermont</strong>’s lead paint law for rental housing <strong>and</strong> child care facilities.<br />
41
<strong>Housing</strong> Awards July 2004 –June <strong>2005</strong><br />
Organizational Development Grant. 23,000<br />
for organizational development costs. 12,500<br />
HOME Program award. Total organizational<br />
budget: 1,220,000.<br />
Addison County Parent Child Center<br />
18 Elm Street, Middlebury. 187,000 award<br />
for rehabilitation <strong>and</strong> related expenses<br />
of 9 transitional housing units <strong>and</strong> one<br />
rental unit for young parents <strong>and</strong> at-risk<br />
adolescents, as well as one staff apartment.<br />
220,000 HOME Program award. Total<br />
project cost: 877,000.<br />
Brattleboro Area Community L<strong>and</strong> Trust<br />
Brattleboro Transitional <strong>Housing</strong>, Brattleboro.<br />
375,000 award for acquisition <strong>and</strong><br />
rehabilitation of 3 multi-family rental properties<br />
to provide permanent <strong>and</strong> transitional<br />
housing for 15 low- <strong>and</strong> moderate-income<br />
single <strong>and</strong> expectant mothers with supportive<br />
services. 383,360 HOME Program<br />
award. Total project cost: 2,502,160.<br />
42<br />
Senator Jeffords sprang into action to secure federal funds for the<br />
Wilder Block in Brattleboro, following a fire that devastated the upper<br />
floors. The Brattleboro Area Community L<strong>and</strong> Trust will rebuild this<br />
historic downtown block, developing affordable apartments, office <strong>and</strong><br />
commercial space using VHCB, <strong>Vermont</strong> Community Development<br />
Program <strong>and</strong> federal funding. Senator Jeffords' long-st<strong>and</strong>ing commitment<br />
to housing issues resulted in a change to the federal regulations that has<br />
provided an additional $11 million of federal low income housing tax<br />
credit equity per year for <strong>Vermont</strong> over each of the last five years.<br />
Addison County Community<br />
Action Group<br />
Creek View <strong>Housing</strong>, Vergennes. 100,000<br />
Special Project Grant for rehabilitation <strong>and</strong><br />
related expenses of 19 affordable units in a<br />
36-unit family rental development in five<br />
buildings near downtown Vergennes. Total<br />
project cost: 3,716,725.<br />
Smallest City <strong>Housing</strong>, Vergennes. 124,500<br />
additional Special Project Grant for rehabilitation<br />
of 19 apartments in 2 historic<br />
buildings on Main Street. Total project costs:<br />
3,370,427.<br />
Addison County Community Trust<br />
Stone Hill Apartments, Middlebury. 260,000<br />
award for acquisition, construction <strong>and</strong><br />
related expenses of 22 affordable units in a 27-<br />
unit multi-family rental development close to<br />
downtown. 415,000 HOME Program award.<br />
Total project cost: 4,798,143.<br />
Lindale Mobile Home Park, Middlebury.<br />
340,000 award for acquisition <strong>and</strong> infrastructure<br />
rehabilitation of a 67-lot park within<br />
walking distance to downtown, schools <strong>and</strong><br />
services. 50,000 HOME Program award.<br />
Total Project cost: 1,590,000.<br />
Butterfield Common, Dover. 45,000 additional<br />
award for construction <strong>and</strong> related<br />
expenses of 40-unit family <strong>and</strong> senior rental<br />
housing <strong>and</strong> homeownership development.<br />
Total project cost: 6,769,269.<br />
Sadawga Springs Apartments, Whitingham.<br />
247,500 for acquisition, rehabilitation <strong>and</strong><br />
related expenses for 9 affordable rental units<br />
in renovated historic hotel in town center.<br />
190,000 HOME Program award. Total<br />
project cost: 1,787,500.<br />
Wilder Block, Brattleboro. 200,000 award<br />
for rehabilitation <strong>and</strong> related expenses for 8<br />
affordable rental units, 2 commercial spaces<br />
<strong>and</strong> 5 offices in the historic Wilder Building<br />
on Main Street destroyed by a fire. 62,500<br />
HOME Program award. 384,000 HUD<br />
Special Project grant. Total project cost:<br />
2,760,145.<br />
Organizational Development Grant. 40,000<br />
for organizational development costs. 19,160<br />
HOME Program award. Total organizational<br />
budget: 835,493.
<strong>Housing</strong> Awards July 2004 –June <strong>2005</strong><br />
Burlington Community L<strong>and</strong> Trust<br />
Organizational Development Grant. 48,000<br />
for organizational development costs. 19,160<br />
HOME Program award. Total organizational<br />
budget: 1,913,104.<br />
Cathedral Square Corporation<br />
Farrell Street Senior <strong>Housing</strong> <strong>and</strong> Services,<br />
South Burlington. 450,000 award for<br />
construction <strong>and</strong> related expenses for 30<br />
affordable units in a 63 unit multi-family<br />
senior rental with supportive services <strong>and</strong><br />
first-floor commercial space, Adult Day<br />
Center <strong>and</strong> Senior Service Center. 269,000<br />
HOME Program award Total project cost:<br />
9,004,900 housing portion.<br />
Organizational Development Grant. 40,000<br />
for organizational development costs. Total<br />
organizational budget: 928,790.<br />
Central <strong>Vermont</strong> Community L<strong>and</strong> Trust<br />
Evergreen Place, Waitsfield. 276,000 award<br />
for acquisition, construction <strong>and</strong> related<br />
expenses for the conversion from shared<br />
housing to 18 affordable independent rental<br />
apartments for the elderly. 263,000 HOME<br />
Program award. Total redevelopment cost:<br />
2,632,750.<br />
River Station Condominiums, Montpelier.<br />
150,000 for construction <strong>and</strong> related<br />
expenses to convert an old granite shed<br />
complex close to downtown Montpelier into<br />
8 affordable units <strong>and</strong> 12 market rate units.<br />
Total project cost: 2,658,726.<br />
Organizational Development Grant. 40,000<br />
for organizational development costs. 19,160<br />
HOME Program award. Total organizational<br />
budget: 923,511.<br />
Gilman <strong>Housing</strong> Trust<br />
Elm Street Transitional <strong>Housing</strong>, St. Johnsbury.<br />
25,000 additional award for a sprinkler<br />
system for 5 transitional housing units<br />
for young women, as well as one resident<br />
manager’s apartment. Total project cost:<br />
180,000.<br />
Lyndon Barns <strong>and</strong> the Kulp House, Lyndon.<br />
75,000 additional award for rehabilitation<br />
<strong>and</strong> related expenses to create 3 additional<br />
rental units in two empty barns on Main<br />
Street. 126,218 HOME Program award..<br />
Total project cost: 307,018<br />
Northern Green Homes, Jay. 100,000 award<br />
for the construction of 4 single family homes<br />
<strong>and</strong> related expenses on l<strong>and</strong> donated by<br />
the <strong>Vermont</strong> L<strong>and</strong> Trust. Total project cost:<br />
567,000.<br />
Organizational Development Grant. 40,000<br />
for organizational development costs. 19,160<br />
HOME Program award. Total organizational<br />
budget: 1,900,452.<br />
HallKeen Real Estate Investment<br />
Winooski Falls Riverfront Downtown Project,<br />
Winooski. 1,500,000 HOME program<br />
award to be disbursed over a four-year<br />
period for the construction <strong>and</strong> related<br />
expenses of 118 affordable units in a 228-<br />
unit development in the Central Block of<br />
the downtown Winooski redevelopement<br />
project. Total project costs: 49,255,811.<br />
<strong>Housing</strong> Foundation, Inc.<br />
School Street Apartments, Plainfield.<br />
320,000 award for the redevelopment of 8<br />
senior <strong>and</strong> 5 family rental units in the village<br />
center. 190,000 HOME Program award.<br />
Total project cost: 1,092,000.<br />
Laurendon Apartments, Greensboro.<br />
190,000 award for acquisition <strong>and</strong> rehabilitation<br />
of a 10-unit senior rental housing development<br />
near the village center. Walking<br />
distance to services <strong>and</strong> public access area<br />
for Caspian Lake. 120,000 HOME Program<br />
award. Total project cost: 934,000.<br />
<strong>Housing</strong> <strong>Vermont</strong><br />
East Dorset <strong>Housing</strong>, Dorset. 300,000<br />
award for acquisition, construction <strong>and</strong><br />
related expenses of 16 affordable units in a 20-<br />
unit multi-family rental development with 4<br />
homeownership units. 350,000 HOME Program<br />
award. Total project cost: 4,221,985.<br />
43<br />
In Montpelier the Central<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> Community L<strong>and</strong><br />
Trust is creating 29 affordable<br />
apartments in a 36-unit multifamily<br />
rental development, River<br />
Station Apartments. When the<br />
apartments are complete, CVCLT<br />
will commence construction<br />
of a 20-unit condominium<br />
development on an adjacent lot.
<strong>Housing</strong> Awards July 2004 –June <strong>2005</strong><br />
44<br />
Morningside House<br />
Morningside Emergency Shelter, Brattleboro.<br />
25,000 Transitional <strong>Housing</strong> award<br />
for renovations to add one furnished transitional<br />
unit, consolidate office space, <strong>and</strong><br />
add a community room <strong>and</strong> a play room for<br />
children residing in the shelter. Total project<br />
cost: 115,125.<br />
Lake Champlain <strong>Housing</strong><br />
Development Corporation<br />
Organizational Development Grant. 40,000<br />
for organizational development costs. Total<br />
organizational budget: 1,506,806.<br />
Lamoille <strong>Housing</strong> Partnership<br />
Organizational Development Grant. 53,000<br />
for organizational development costs. 25,606<br />
HOME Program award. Total organizational<br />
budget: 281,725.<br />
Regional Affordable <strong>Housing</strong> Corporation<br />
Organizational Development Grant. 53,000<br />
for organizational development costs. 25,606<br />
HOME Program award. Total organizational<br />
budget: 382,467.<br />
Rockingham Area Community L<strong>and</strong> Trust<br />
Gageville Affordable <strong>Housing</strong>, Gageville.<br />
Additional 75,000 HOME Program award<br />
for further rehabilitation of 4 rental units in<br />
former school building.<br />
Southview <strong>Housing</strong>, Springfield. 675,000<br />
award for rehabilitation <strong>and</strong> energy efficiency<br />
improvements for 69-unit family rental<br />
development consisting of 18 buildings on<br />
14 acres. Total project cost: 5,645,600.<br />
Windsor <strong>Housing</strong>, Windsor. 33,000 project<br />
related capacity award to determine the<br />
feasibility of a multi-goal downtown re-development<br />
project in the center of Windsor<br />
consisting of four parcels. Total project cost:<br />
73,000.<br />
Organizational Development Grant. 53,000<br />
for organizational development costs. 25,606<br />
HOME Program award. Total organizational<br />
budget: 640,581.<br />
Rutl<strong>and</strong> County Community L<strong>and</strong> Trust<br />
Organizational Development Grant. 40,000<br />
for organizational development costs. 19,160.<br />
HOME Program award. Total organizational<br />
budget: 529,671.<br />
Twin Pines <strong>Housing</strong> Trust<br />
Organizational Development Grant. 40,000<br />
for organizational development costs. 19,160<br />
HOME Program award. Total organizational<br />
budget: 1,090,089.<br />
Valley Cares, Inc.<br />
West River Valley Elderly <strong>Housing</strong>, Townshend.<br />
510,000 award for acquisition,<br />
construction <strong>and</strong> related expenses for 34<br />
affordable units in a 52 unit development<br />
consisting of independent <strong>and</strong> assisted living<br />
apartments as well as an Adult Day Care<br />
Center. 315,000 HOME Program award.<br />
Total project cost: 8,337,752 including Adult<br />
Day Care Center.<br />
Heineberg <strong>Housing</strong>, Burlington. First<br />
funded by the <strong>Board</strong> in 1988, this<br />
year the property was purchased by<br />
Cathedral Square Corporation.<br />
STATEWIDE<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> Center for Independent Living<br />
Home Access Program, Statewide. 400,000<br />
award for program providing accessibility<br />
modifications in homes <strong>and</strong> apartments<br />
statewide. 20,000 HOME Program award.<br />
Total project costs: 642,500.<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> Community Loan Fund<br />
Organizational Development Grant. 28,000<br />
for organizational development costs. Total<br />
organizational budget: 2,396,020.<br />
Feasibility Fund Recapitalization<br />
250,000 recapitalization fund that supports<br />
feasibility analysis for individual projects.<br />
Awards are made for appraisals, engineering<br />
<strong>and</strong> environmental studies, options,<br />
preliminary architectural <strong>and</strong> title work <strong>and</strong><br />
marketing analysis.<br />
Habitat for Humanity/Vocational Education<br />
Program<br />
180,000 recapitalization of fund for l<strong>and</strong><br />
acquisition <strong>and</strong> construction costs of 8<br />
homes to be built by Habitat for Humanity<br />
<strong>and</strong> Vocational Education Programs.<br />
HOMELAND Program<br />
875,000 recapitalization of program to<br />
provide purchase subsidies, downpayment<br />
<strong>and</strong> closing cost assistance <strong>and</strong> rehabilitation<br />
loans to 32 home buyers purchasing<br />
homes through community-based housing<br />
organizations. 59,072 in American Dream<br />
Downpayment Initiative HOME program<br />
funds.<br />
AMERICAN DREAM<br />
DOWNPAYMENT INITIATIVE<br />
124,000 award to 7 housing organizations<br />
in HOME program funds to assist incomeeligible<br />
first-time homebuyers with down<br />
payment <strong>and</strong> closing costs.<br />
Single Family Assistance Program<br />
25,000 recapitalization of loan fund available<br />
to purchasers of VHCB-restricted<br />
homes for closing costs that must be<br />
matched by the borrower’s own cash investment<br />
in the purchase.
<strong>Housing</strong> Awards July –December <strong>2005</strong><br />
Burlington Community L<strong>and</strong> Trust<br />
Callahan Old North End <strong>Housing</strong>, Burlington.<br />
450,000 award for acquisition,<br />
rehabilitation, <strong>and</strong> related expenses of 28<br />
affordable multi-family rental units in six<br />
buildings on North Street, Front Street <strong>and</strong><br />
Intervale Avenue in Burlington. Total project<br />
cost: 4,416,761.<br />
Cathedral Square Corporation<br />
Farrell Street Senior <strong>Housing</strong> <strong>and</strong> Services,<br />
South Burlington. 90,500 additional award<br />
for construction <strong>and</strong> related expenses for<br />
30 affordable units in a 63-unit multi-family<br />
senior rental with supportive services<br />
<strong>and</strong> first-floor commercial space, Adult<br />
Day Center <strong>and</strong> Senior Service Center.<br />
90,500 additional HOME Program award.<br />
Total project cost: 9,004,900 (housing<br />
portion).<br />
Central <strong>Vermont</strong> Community L<strong>and</strong> Trust<br />
Bradford Scattered Sites, Bradford. 500,000<br />
award for acquisition, rehabilitation, <strong>and</strong><br />
related expenses of seven buildings with 27<br />
affordable multi-family rental units <strong>and</strong> 6<br />
market rate units along South Main Street in<br />
the gateway to the village Historic District.<br />
265,000 HOME Program award. Total<br />
project cost: 6,511,599.<br />
Gilman <strong>Housing</strong> Trust<br />
Glover Senior Apartments, Glover. 300,000<br />
award for acquisition, construction <strong>and</strong> related<br />
expenses of 12 affordable rental units<br />
for seniors. Total project cost: 1,883,487.<br />
<strong>Housing</strong> <strong>Vermont</strong><br />
Enosburg Falls Downtown Redevelopment,<br />
Enosburg. 480,000 award for acquisition,<br />
rehabilitation, <strong>and</strong> related expenses<br />
to develop 20 affordable <strong>and</strong> 8 market rate<br />
multi-family rental units in two buildings<br />
destroyed by a fire in the historic district<br />
<strong>and</strong> space donated by the Merchants<br />
Bank in their historic building. 425,000<br />
HOME Program award. Total project cost:<br />
8,107,006 (includes commercial space<br />
development).<br />
<strong>Housing</strong> <strong>Vermont</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
Lamoille <strong>Housing</strong> Partnership<br />
Hardwick Family <strong>Housing</strong>/Bemis Block,<br />
Hardwick. 400,000 award for acquisition,<br />
rehabilitation <strong>and</strong> related expenses<br />
of 13 affordable rental units for seniors <strong>and</strong><br />
8 affordable family rental units. 297,000<br />
HOME Program award. Total project cost:<br />
2,298,251.<br />
R<strong>and</strong>olph Area Community<br />
Development Corporation<br />
Salisbury Square, R<strong>and</strong>olph. 45,800 project<br />
related capacity award to determine the<br />
feasibility of a development of affordable<br />
housing on a site off of Salisbury Street in<br />
the Village of R<strong>and</strong>olph.<br />
Richford Renaissance Corporation<br />
Richford Main Street Mill Redevelopment,<br />
Richford. 240,000 award for acquisition,<br />
rehabilitation, <strong>and</strong> related expenses of 12<br />
affordable rental units in the former Sweat-<br />
Comings furniture factory building on Main<br />
Street within walking distance of many<br />
services. HOME Program award: 180,000.<br />
Total project cost: 2,154,224.<br />
Rockingham Area Community L<strong>and</strong> Trust<br />
Southview <strong>Housing</strong>, Springfield. 75,000<br />
additional award for rehabilitation <strong>and</strong><br />
related expenses of 65 affordable units in a<br />
69-unit multi-family rental in 18 buildings.<br />
Total project cost: 7,062,271.<br />
STATEWIDE<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> Center for Independent Living<br />
Home Access Program. 400,000 award<br />
for approximately 50 access modification<br />
projects in individual homes. Total project<br />
cost: 650,000.<br />
<strong>Housing</strong> Organizational<br />
Development Grants<br />
499,000 in organizational development<br />
grants to 13 organizations. 184,940 in HUD<br />
funds for 10 CHDO organizational development<br />
grants.<br />
45<br />
Butterfield Commons<br />
in Dover, developed by the<br />
Brattleboro Area Community L<strong>and</strong><br />
Trust, will provide 26 homes for<br />
seniors with project based rental<br />
assistance, seven family rentals <strong>and</strong><br />
seven home ownership units.
<strong>Conservation</strong> Awards July 2004 –June <strong>2005</strong><br />
American Precision Museum<br />
Robbins & Lawrence Armory, Windsor.<br />
100,000 award for the restoration <strong>and</strong> rehabilitation<br />
of historic c. 1846 mill building<br />
to be developed as national center for the<br />
collection, preservation <strong>and</strong> interpretation<br />
of the history of precision manufacturing in<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong>. Total project cost: 732,440.<br />
46<br />
Bennington Project Independence<br />
Harwood Hill Barn Stabilization, Bennington.<br />
80,000 historic preservation award to<br />
stabilize a historic barn on 5 acres on Rt. 7A<br />
near downtown Bennington. Second phase<br />
will include rehabilition of barn as part of<br />
a larger adult day care <strong>and</strong> day health rehabilitation<br />
facility for senior citizens, as well<br />
as younger adults with disabilities or chronic<br />
illness, <strong>and</strong> their families. Total project cost:<br />
155,153 stabilization phase only.<br />
Brattleboro Area Community L<strong>and</strong> Trust<br />
Wilder Block Stabilization, Brattleboro.<br />
62,500 historic preservation award to<br />
assist with the stabilization of the upper<br />
stories of the historic Wilder Block on Main<br />
Street destroyed by fire. The block will be<br />
renovated as affordable rental units, office<br />
<strong>and</strong> commercial space. Total project cost:<br />
218,884 stabilization phase only.<br />
Catamount Trail Association<br />
Organizational Development Grant. 8,000<br />
grant for organizational development costs.<br />
Total organizational budget: 170,150.<br />
Climbing Resource<br />
Access Group of <strong>Vermont</strong><br />
Bolton Quarry Acquisition, Bolton. 42,350<br />
award for the acquisition, associated costs<br />
<strong>and</strong> stewardship of 31-acre rock-climbing<br />
<strong>and</strong> winter ice-climbing destination<br />
in Northwestern <strong>Vermont</strong>, with old logging<br />
roads for hunting, walking, hiking,<br />
snowshoeing, cross country skiing. VAST<br />
trails <strong>and</strong> wildlife habitat Total project cost:<br />
64,650.<br />
Cross <strong>Vermont</strong> Trail Association<br />
Cross <strong>Vermont</strong> Trail-Pratt Parcel, Plainfield.<br />
14,100 award for acquisition <strong>and</strong> associated<br />
costs of 6 acres <strong>and</strong> 315 feet of railbed to be<br />
In Bennington, a VHCB historic preservation award will allow for stabilization of<br />
Harwood Hill Barn. The barn will be rehabilitated as part of a larger adult day<br />
care <strong>and</strong> day health rehabilitation facility for senior citizens, younger adults with<br />
disabilities or chronic illness, <strong>and</strong> their families.<br />
used as part of a multi-use recreation trail<br />
intended to run from <strong>Vermont</strong>’s western<br />
border on Lake Champlain to its eastern<br />
border in the Village of Wells River. Total<br />
project cost: 14,100.<br />
Organizational Development Grant. 12,000<br />
grant for organizational development costs.<br />
Total organizational budget: 341,249.<br />
Essex Junction School District<br />
Park Street School Historic Rehabilitation,<br />
Essex Junction. 60,000 award for the restoration<br />
<strong>and</strong> rehabilitation of historic c. 1873<br />
brick school housing an alternative public<br />
high school for at-risk youth <strong>and</strong> public<br />
meeting/education space. Total project cost:<br />
800,000.<br />
Franklin Natural Resources<br />
<strong>Conservation</strong> District<br />
10,000 match award for district staff to<br />
provide technical assistance to farmers to<br />
complete resource inventories, assessments<br />
<strong>and</strong> progressive conservation plans <strong>and</strong> to<br />
prepare farml<strong>and</strong> conservation applications.<br />
Green Mountain Club<br />
Bissell Property <strong>and</strong> Trail, Johnson. 46,660<br />
award for acquisition <strong>and</strong> associated costs<br />
of 72 acres <strong>and</strong> a 1⁄4 mile trail easement<br />
for Long Trail relocation along Dry Ridge.<br />
Provides easy access to a portion of the Mt.<br />
Mansfield State forest. Total project cost:<br />
78,160.<br />
Organizational Development Grant. 24,000<br />
grant for organizational development costs.<br />
Total organizational budget: 1,453,564.<br />
Jericho Underhill L<strong>and</strong> Trust<br />
Casey’s Hill, Underhill. 100,000 local<br />
conservation award for the acquisition,<br />
stewardship <strong>and</strong> associated costs of a 9-acre<br />
winter sledding hill with views of Mount<br />
Mansfield. Year-round public recreational<br />
use; walking distance from school. Total<br />
project cost: 245,931.
<strong>Conservation</strong> Awards July 2004 –June <strong>2005</strong><br />
Lake Champlain L<strong>and</strong> Trust<br />
Organizational Development Grant. 27,000<br />
grant for organizational development costs.<br />
Total organizational budget: 850,000.<br />
Middlebury Area L<strong>and</strong> Trust<br />
Organizational Development Grant. 12,000<br />
grant for organizational development costs.<br />
Total organizational budget: 174,813.<br />
Preservation Trust of <strong>Vermont</strong><br />
Harwood Hill Barn, Bennington. 7,500<br />
award for documentation report <strong>and</strong> stewardship.<br />
Jamaica Town Hall, Jamaica. 7,500 award<br />
for documentation report <strong>and</strong> stewardship.<br />
Lamoille Grange, Morrisville. 7,500 award<br />
for documentation report <strong>and</strong> stewardship.<br />
Park Street School, Essex Junction. 7,500<br />
documentation <strong>and</strong> stewardship award.<br />
Robbins & Lawrence Armory, Windsor.<br />
7,500 documentation <strong>and</strong> stewardship<br />
award.<br />
Wilder Block, Brattleboro. 7,500 award for<br />
documentation report <strong>and</strong> stewardship.<br />
River Arts of Morrisville, Inc.<br />
Lamoille Grange Building, Morrisville.<br />
76,000 historic preservation award for the<br />
acquisition, renovation <strong>and</strong> rehabilitation<br />
of the historic Lamoille Grange building<br />
in downtown Morrisville for community<br />
use for arts education, assembly, <strong>and</strong> community<br />
meeting space. Total project cost:<br />
501,200.<br />
The Nature Conservancy<br />
Windsor County Fen Watershed, Barnard.<br />
35,000 award for acquisition of conservation<br />
easements, associated costs <strong>and</strong><br />
stewardship of 30 acres to protect a state-significant<br />
intermediate fen <strong>and</strong> its supporting<br />
watershed. Total project cost: 91,900.<br />
Reed Property at Old Marsh Pond, Fair<br />
Haven. 81,100 award for acquisition <strong>and</strong><br />
associated costs of 14 acres of natural habitat<br />
with rare plants, important natural communities,<br />
rare <strong>and</strong> endangered animals. 1,000<br />
feet of frontage on Old Marsh Pond adjacent<br />
to WMA with public access. Total project<br />
cost: 121,205.<br />
Snake Mountain-Pittman Parcel, Bridport.<br />
197,600 award for acquisition <strong>and</strong> associated<br />
costs to conserve 152 acres of natural<br />
habitat with rare plants <strong>and</strong> animals, significant<br />
natural communities, dramatic<br />
cliffs <strong>and</strong> talus system offering views of the<br />
surrounding countryside. Public trail access.<br />
Total project cost: 265,490<br />
Organizational Development Grant. 25,000<br />
grant for organizational development costs.<br />
Total organizational budget: 2,466,000.<br />
Town of Ferrisburgh<br />
Ferrisburgh Grange Hall, Ferrisburgh.<br />
60,000 additional local historic preservation<br />
award to rebuild a municipally owned<br />
historic Grange Hall destroyed by a fire for<br />
use as new town offices <strong>and</strong> a community<br />
center. Total project cost: 1,100,000.<br />
Town of Glover<br />
Glover Recreation Area, Glover. 25,000<br />
local conservation award for the acquisition<br />
of 6 acres for a town ballfield <strong>and</strong> recreation<br />
area. Total project cost: 53,500.<br />
Town of Jamaica<br />
Jamaica Town Hall, Jamaica. 35,300 historic<br />
preservation award for the rehabilitation of<br />
the historic town hall building in the village<br />
center to be used as community space for<br />
meetings, performances <strong>and</strong> public <strong>and</strong> private<br />
gatherings. Total project cost: 94,500<br />
for Phase I.<br />
Upper Valley L<strong>and</strong> Trust<br />
O’Connell Farm, Corinth. 42,000 local<br />
conservation award for acquisition of conservation<br />
easements <strong>and</strong> stewardship of 50-<br />
acre dairy with adjacent 126-acre easement<br />
donation allowing for pedestrian public<br />
access. 24,000 NRCS grant. Total project<br />
cost: 100,000.<br />
47<br />
Organizational Development Grant. 29,000<br />
grant for organizational development<br />
costs.<br />
Green Mountain Club staff <strong>and</strong> volunteers installing a bridge for the new “Short<br />
Trail” located at the GMC headquarters in Waterbury Center<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> Agency of<br />
Agriculture, Food & Markets<br />
Bullis/Rainville Farm Add-on, North Hero.<br />
14,625 award for acquisition of conservation<br />
easements on 10 acres farml<strong>and</strong> for<br />
addition to previously conserved 334-acre<br />
home farm. Total project cost: 14,625.
<strong>Conservation</strong> Awards July 2004 –June <strong>2005</strong><br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> Agency of<br />
Agriculture, Food & Markets<br />
Farml<strong>and</strong> <strong>Conservation</strong> Program. 40,000<br />
grant to support policy development, stewardship<br />
<strong>and</strong> project development for the<br />
Farml<strong>and</strong> <strong>Conservation</strong> Program.<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> Agency of Natural Resources<br />
35,000 grant to assist in the development<br />
of long-range management plans for l<strong>and</strong>s<br />
acquired by ANR with VHCB funds.<br />
48<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> Department<br />
of Forests, Parks & Recreation<br />
Hatch Parcel, Westmore. 185,000 award<br />
for acquisition <strong>and</strong> associated costs of a 3-<br />
acre inholding in Willoughby State Forest<br />
providing public outdoor recreation opportunities<br />
<strong>and</strong> lake access with 800' shoreline.<br />
Total project cost: 185,000.<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> L<strong>and</strong> Trust <strong>and</strong> Town of Jay<br />
Jay Recreation L<strong>and</strong>s, Jay. 119,575 local<br />
conservation award for fee acquisition of<br />
282 acres, conservation, stewardship <strong>and</strong><br />
associated costs for municipal recreational<br />
l<strong>and</strong> including ball fields <strong>and</strong> a town-wide<br />
trail network close to the village <strong>and</strong> school.<br />
Bargain sale by <strong>Vermont</strong> L<strong>and</strong> Trust plus<br />
donation of l<strong>and</strong> for affordable housing.<br />
Total project cost: 391,950.<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> L<strong>and</strong> Trust<br />
Beattie Farm, Manchester. 53,000 local<br />
conservation award for acquisition of<br />
conservation easements, associated costs,<br />
<strong>and</strong> stewardship of 77 acres as addition to<br />
established horse farm with dispersed, nonmotorized<br />
public access. Includes an option<br />
to purchase at agricultural value. Easement<br />
donation valued at 1,094,000. 150,000<br />
NRCS grant. Total project cost: 1,754,500.<br />
Briggs Farm, Addison. 219,000 award for<br />
acquisition of conservation easements, associated<br />
costs, <strong>and</strong> stewardship of 492-acre<br />
dairy; includes unique clayplain forest <strong>and</strong><br />
archeological sites with Otter Creek frontage<br />
<strong>and</strong> option to purchase at agricultural<br />
value. 198,000 NRCS grant. Total project<br />
cost: 418,100.<br />
Titus Farm in Charlotte, conserved by the <strong>Vermont</strong> L<strong>and</strong> Trust.<br />
Burton Farm, Benson. 137,500 award for<br />
acquisition of conservation easements, associated<br />
costs, <strong>and</strong> stewardship of 301- acre<br />
commercial hay operation with 42 acres of<br />
rare clay plain forest <strong>and</strong> historic farmhouse.<br />
Includes an option to purchase at agricultural<br />
value. 117,000 NRCS grant. Total<br />
project cost: 254,580.<br />
Collins Farm, Alburg. 108,000 award for<br />
acquisition of conservation easements, associated<br />
costs, <strong>and</strong> stewardship of 217 acres<br />
of cropl<strong>and</strong> for addition to neighboring<br />
dairy. 86,000 NRCS grant. Total project<br />
cost: 194,000.<br />
Hathaway Farm, Benson. 153,500 award<br />
for acquisition of conservation easements,<br />
associated costs, <strong>and</strong> stewardship of 361-<br />
acre dairy adding to a block of conserved<br />
farml<strong>and</strong>. Includes an option to purchase<br />
at agricultural value. The farm’s woodl<strong>and</strong><br />
includes two areas of rare clay plain forest.<br />
133,000 NRCS grant. Total project cost:<br />
285,500.<br />
Jackman Farm, Waltham. 149,500 award<br />
for acquisition of conservation easements,<br />
associated costs, <strong>and</strong> stewardship of 160-acre<br />
dairy. 143,000 NRCS grant. Total project<br />
cost: 308,000.<br />
Jones II Farm, Hyde Park. 117,500 award<br />
for acquisition of conservation easements,<br />
associated costs <strong>and</strong> stewardship of 173<br />
acres of farml<strong>and</strong> for addition to previously<br />
conserved dairy. 99,000 NRCS grant. Total<br />
project cost: 219,000.<br />
Judd Add-On, Troy. 16,450 award for acquisition<br />
of conservation easements, associated<br />
costs <strong>and</strong> stewardship of 33 acres barel<strong>and</strong><br />
for addition to previously conserved 404-<br />
acre home dairy. 7,750 NRCS grant. Total<br />
project cost: 24,200.<br />
Kellogg Farm, Bethel. 176,500 award for<br />
acquisition of conservation easements, associated<br />
costs, <strong>and</strong> stewardship on 245 acres<br />
of farml<strong>and</strong>. Ecological protection zone with<br />
40 acres rare floodplain forest; White River<br />
frontage. Includes an option to purchase at<br />
agricultural value. 156,000 NRCS grant.<br />
Total project cost: 334,700.
<strong>Conservation</strong> Awards July 2004 –June <strong>2005</strong><br />
Kingsley Farm, Pittsford. 108,500 award<br />
for acquisition of conservation easements,<br />
associated costs <strong>and</strong> stewardship of 143-acre<br />
dairy with public canoe <strong>and</strong> fishing access<br />
on the Otter Creek. Includes an option to<br />
purchase at agricultural value. 88,000<br />
NRCS grant. Total project cost: 196,500.<br />
Lake Paran <strong>Conservation</strong> Project, Shaftsbury.<br />
248,787 award for the conservation<br />
<strong>and</strong> public access easement on 56 acres with<br />
2,850 feet of Lake Paran shoreline. Total<br />
project cost: 288,787.<br />
LeRiche Farml<strong>and</strong>, Morrisville. 48,250<br />
award for acquisition of conservation easements,<br />
associated costs <strong>and</strong> stewardship of<br />
66 acres of cropl<strong>and</strong>. Parcel includes riparian<br />
forest protection <strong>and</strong> pedestrian public access<br />
along Lamoille River. Includes an option<br />
to purchase at agricultural value. 27,750<br />
NRCS grant. Total project cost: 76,000.<br />
Titus Farm, Charlotte. 63,000 local conservation<br />
award for acquisition of conservation<br />
easements, associated costs <strong>and</strong> stewardship<br />
of 62-acre dairy. Inter-generational transfer.<br />
Includes an option to purchase at agricultural<br />
value. Non-motorized public trail<br />
access along Guinea Road. 120,000 NRCS<br />
grant. Total project cost: 340,000.<br />
Troy River Parcels, Troy. 30,700 local<br />
conservation award for acquisition, stewardship<br />
<strong>and</strong> associated costs of 16 acres for<br />
community gardens, canoe <strong>and</strong> river access,<br />
camping, river buffer <strong>and</strong> continued use as<br />
farml<strong>and</strong> by local organic dairy. Total project<br />
cost: 173,770.<br />
Paquette Farm, Ferrisburgh. 115,200 award<br />
for acquisition of conservation easements,<br />
associated costs <strong>and</strong> stewardship of 108-acre<br />
dairy farm. Includes an option to purchase<br />
at agricultural value. 97,000 NRCS grant.<br />
Total project cost: 214,600.<br />
Paraskevopoulos Farml<strong>and</strong>, New Haven.<br />
144,900 award for acquisition of conservation<br />
easements, associated costs <strong>and</strong><br />
stewardship of 146 barel<strong>and</strong> acres rented<br />
to neighboring dairy. Includes an option<br />
to purchase at agricultural value. 124,000<br />
NRCS grant. Total project cost: 268,900.<br />
Roy Farm, New Haven. 67,000 award for<br />
acquisition of conservation easements, associated<br />
costs <strong>and</strong> stewardship of 76-acre<br />
dairy. 46,500 NRCS grant. Total project<br />
cost: 113,500.<br />
Y<strong>and</strong>ow I, II, III, St. Albans/Swanton.<br />
295,600 award for acquisition of conservation<br />
easements, associated costs <strong>and</strong><br />
stewardship of 441-acre dairy for addition<br />
to a large block of conserved farml<strong>and</strong>. Includes<br />
an option to purchase at agricultural<br />
value.244,000 NRCS grant. Total project<br />
cost: 544,300.<br />
A&E Underwood Farm, Swanton. 80,500<br />
award for acquisition of conservation easements,<br />
associated costs <strong>and</strong> stewardship of<br />
115 acres farml<strong>and</strong>; abuts 1,500-acre block<br />
of conserved farml<strong>and</strong>. Includes an option<br />
to purchase at agricultural value. 60,000<br />
NRCS grant. Total project cost: 140,500.<br />
Organizational Development Grant. 80,000<br />
grant for organizational development costs.<br />
Total organizational budget: 11,000,000.<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> River Conservancy<br />
Organizational Development Grant. 24,000<br />
grant for organizational development<br />
costs.<br />
Village of Barton<br />
Barton Park, Barton. 47,000 award for the<br />
acquisition of a two acres for community<br />
park in the Village providing for public recreational<br />
use. ADA trails, access from Main<br />
Street to the Barton River, riparian protection.<br />
Total project cost: 108,900.<br />
STATEWIDE<br />
Farm Viability Program<br />
Grant awards to five organizations to provide<br />
technical assistance <strong>and</strong> business planning<br />
for farmers. 377,866.<br />
Feasibility Program<br />
250,000 recapitalization of fund to support<br />
feasibility analysis for predevelopment costs<br />
including appraisals, options, <strong>and</strong> preliminary<br />
title work.<br />
“As a hiker, hunter,<br />
backwoods skier, <strong>and</strong><br />
general user of the<br />
state’s outdoors, I support<br />
efforts to conserve<br />
l<strong>and</strong> that furthers these<br />
uses. I believe the <strong>Vermont</strong><br />
<strong>Housing</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>Conservation</strong> <strong>Board</strong><br />
<strong>and</strong> the Green Mountain<br />
Club work towards<br />
conserving <strong>and</strong> protecting<br />
wild l<strong>and</strong>s for future<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong>ers.”<br />
— Smith “The Old<br />
Ridge Runner” Edwards<br />
Hikers on the Long Trail in Eden.<br />
49
<strong>Conservation</strong> Awards July –December <strong>2005</strong><br />
50<br />
Green Mountain Club<br />
Journey’s End, Jay. 134,900 award for acquisition,<br />
associated costs <strong>and</strong> stewardship<br />
of a 184-acre parcel that will provide public<br />
access <strong>and</strong> protect the final mile of the Long<br />
Trail to the Canadian border. The parcel<br />
includes the summit of Carleton Mountain<br />
<strong>and</strong> a VAST trail <strong>and</strong> will be added to the<br />
adjacent Jay State Forest. Total project cost:<br />
294,200.<br />
Jericho/Underhill L<strong>and</strong> Trust<br />
<strong>and</strong> <strong>Vermont</strong> L<strong>and</strong> Trust<br />
Casey’s Hill, Underhill. 25,000 additional<br />
local conservation award for acquisition of<br />
8.8-acre scenic sledding hill ensuring public<br />
access. Total project cost: 243,889.<br />
Preservation Trust of <strong>Vermont</strong><br />
Pawlet Town Hall Restoration, Pawlet.<br />
7,500 award for documentation report <strong>and</strong><br />
stewardship.<br />
The Nature Conservancy<br />
Brown Property/North Pawlet Hills, North<br />
Pawlet. 335,900 award for acquisition <strong>and</strong><br />
associated costs on 279 acres for natural area<br />
protection <strong>and</strong> public access for hunting,<br />
walking, hiking <strong>and</strong> cross country skiing.<br />
Parcel contains 14 rare <strong>and</strong> uncommon plant<br />
species <strong>and</strong> dry oak-hickory-hop hornbeam<br />
woodl<strong>and</strong>s. Parcel for addition to the adjacent<br />
Nature Conservancy North Pawlet Hills<br />
Ecological Reserve to conserve a total of 747<br />
acres of the Northern Taconic range. Total<br />
project cost: 418,270.<br />
Town of Pawlet<br />
Pawlet Town Hall Restoration, Pawlet.<br />
41,662 historic preservation award for the<br />
rehabilitation of the municipally owned<br />
circa 1881 historic town hall building that<br />
serves as the town offices <strong>and</strong> central meeting<br />
place for community activities. Total<br />
project cost: 233,690 Phases I & II.<br />
Upper Valley L<strong>and</strong> Trust<br />
Davis Forest; Wright’s Mountain Addition,<br />
Bradford. 203,000 award for acquisition<br />
of 165 acres <strong>and</strong> conservation easements on<br />
an adjoining 110 acres, associated costs <strong>and</strong><br />
stewardship. Adjacent to the previously conserved<br />
Wright’s Mountain <strong>and</strong> Devil’s Den<br />
parcels. Donation of conservation eaesments<br />
with public access on an additional 180 acres<br />
abutting Wright’s Mountain. Total project<br />
cost: 448,680.<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> Agency of Agriculture,<br />
Food <strong>and</strong> Markets<br />
Charron Farm, Berkshire. 144,000 award<br />
for acquisition of conservation easements,<br />
associated costs <strong>and</strong> stewardship of 199-<br />
acre barel<strong>and</strong> parcel rented to abutting<br />
farmer. Parcel is traversed by Missisquoi<br />
River. 129,000 NRCS grant. Total project<br />
cost: 273,000.<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> L<strong>and</strong> Trust<br />
Charron Farm, New Haven. 130,500 award<br />
for acquisition of conservation easements,<br />
associated costs <strong>and</strong> stewardship of 199-acre<br />
dairy farm with extensive Route 7 frontage<br />
<strong>and</strong> 360-degree views. 225,000 NRCS<br />
grant. Total project cost: 475,500.<br />
Couture Farm, Berkshire. 119,750 award<br />
for acquisition of conservation easements,<br />
associated costs <strong>and</strong> stewardship of 126 acres<br />
of cropl<strong>and</strong> with Pike River frontage. Includes<br />
an option to purchase at agricultural<br />
value. 99,000 NRCS grant. Total project<br />
cost: 218,750.<br />
Huestis Farm, Bridport. 183,000 award<br />
for acquisition of conservation easements,<br />
associated costs <strong>and</strong> stewardship of 299-acre<br />
dairy that includes a Special Treatment Area<br />
for rare clayplain forest. Includes an option<br />
to purchase at agricultural value. 162,500<br />
NRCS grant. Total project cost: 345,500.<br />
Jackman Farm in Waltham, conserved by the <strong>Vermont</strong> L<strong>and</strong> Trust.
<strong>Conservation</strong> Awards July –December <strong>2005</strong><br />
Mahan Farm, New Haven <strong>and</strong> Waltham.<br />
195,500 award for acquisition of conservation<br />
easements, associated costs <strong>and</strong><br />
stewardship of 185-acre dairy adjacent to<br />
other conserved farml<strong>and</strong>. Transfer to a<br />
farm buyer. Includes an option to purchase<br />
at agricultural value.275,000 NRCS grant.<br />
Total project cost: 570,500.<br />
Masse Farm, Craftsbury. 47,500 award for<br />
acquisition of conservation easements, associated<br />
costs <strong>and</strong> stewardship of 66-acre goat<br />
dairy farm <strong>and</strong> custom poultry processing<br />
operation. 27,000 NRCS grant. Total project<br />
cost: 74,500.<br />
D&C Montagne II Farm, St. Albans.<br />
201,400 award for acquisition of conservation<br />
easements, associated costs <strong>and</strong> stewardship<br />
of 275-acre home dairy farm. Adds<br />
to a block of conserved farml<strong>and</strong>. 311,000<br />
NRCS grant. Total project cost: 647,900.<br />
Mt. Anthony Preservation Society Trailhead,<br />
Bennington. 168,000 award for acquisition,<br />
associated costs <strong>and</strong> stewardship of 32-acre<br />
parcel to provide public access to hundreds<br />
of acres of other conserved, forested recreation<br />
l<strong>and</strong>s on Mt. Anthony. Total project<br />
cost: 282,570.<br />
Quesnel Farm, Salisbury. 291,000 award<br />
for acquisition of conservation easements,<br />
associated costs <strong>and</strong> stewardship of 590- acre<br />
dairy with Otter Creek frontage <strong>and</strong> archeological<br />
sites. Includes an option to purchase<br />
at agricultural value. 284,500 NRCS grant.<br />
Total project cost: 585,500.<br />
Rowe Farm, Cornwall. 203,335 award for<br />
acquisition of conservation easements, associated<br />
costs <strong>and</strong> stewardship of 153-acre beef<br />
<strong>and</strong> dairy heifer operation allowing for an<br />
intergenerational transfer. 183,000 NRCS<br />
grant. Total project cost: 392,000.<br />
Russell Family Trust Property, Hinesburg.<br />
144,364 local conservation award for acquisition<br />
of conservation easements, associated<br />
costs <strong>and</strong> stewardship of a 63-acre parcel.<br />
Sugaring operation <strong>and</strong> continued access to<br />
a network of existing trails near the village<br />
center. Total project cost: 225,864.<br />
Wood Notch Farml<strong>and</strong> (Jackson Orchards),<br />
Shoreham. 118,900 award for acquisition<br />
of conservation easements, associated costs<br />
<strong>and</strong> stewardship of 243 acres of cropl<strong>and</strong> for<br />
nearby Wood Notch dairy. Includes public<br />
access trail easement on old railroad bed<br />
<strong>and</strong> special treatment area for rare clayplain<br />
forest. Includes an option to purchase at agricultural<br />
value. 98,000 NRCS grant. Total<br />
project cost: 216,900.<br />
Woods Farm, Richford <strong>and</strong> Berkshire.<br />
182,850 award for acquisition of conservation<br />
easements, associated costs <strong>and</strong><br />
stewardship of 244-acre dairy, with flower<br />
<strong>and</strong> vegetable operation <strong>and</strong> farmst<strong>and</strong>; extensive<br />
Missisquoi River frontage. Includes<br />
an option to purchase at agricultural value.<br />
161,500 NRCS grant. Total project cost:<br />
407,600.<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> River Conservancy<br />
Terrill Gorge/Kenfield Brook, Morristown.<br />
132,000 award for acquisition of 10 acres<br />
<strong>and</strong> associated costs to provide public access<br />
to Kenfield Brook <strong>and</strong> the state significant<br />
Terrill Gorge swimming hole. Property<br />
transferred to <strong>Vermont</strong> Agency of Natural<br />
Resources Department of Fish <strong>and</strong> Wildlife.<br />
Total project cost: 158,500.<br />
STATEWIDE<br />
Farm Viability Program<br />
374,000 in grants to five organizations to<br />
provide business planning <strong>and</strong> technical assistance<br />
to farmers; implementation grants<br />
to 7 farmers. 225,000 NRCS funds; 90,000<br />
Argossy Foundation funds.<br />
<strong>Conservation</strong> Organizational<br />
Development Grants<br />
281,000 in organizational development<br />
grants to 10 organizations.<br />
“Without VHCB<br />
funds, local communities<br />
would be hard<br />
pressed to ‘do the<br />
right thing’ because<br />
of the rise in property<br />
values.”<br />
—Nikki Darling,<br />
Bradford <strong>Conservation</strong><br />
Commission<br />
51
Partners in Project Development January 2004 –December <strong>2005</strong><br />
52<br />
Funding Partners<br />
Bank North<br />
Charter One Bank<br />
Chittenden Bank<br />
Citizens Bank<br />
Citizens <strong>Housing</strong> <strong>and</strong> Planning Association,<br />
Boston, MA<br />
Community National Bank<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> OEO Weatherization Programs<br />
Development Training Institute, Baltimore<br />
Efficiency <strong>Vermont</strong>, Burlington<br />
Enterprise Foundation, Columbia, MD<br />
Factory Point National Bank, Manchester<br />
Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston<br />
First Colbrook Bank, Colbrook, NH<br />
First Community Bank, Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>Housing</strong> Assistance Council, Washington, DC<br />
<strong>Housing</strong> <strong>Vermont</strong>, Burlington<br />
Inst. for Community Economics, Springfield, MA<br />
Key Bank<br />
Mascoma Savings Bank<br />
Merchants Bank<br />
Morristown Revolving Loan Fund<br />
Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation<br />
Northfield Savings Bank<br />
Office of Economic Opportunity<br />
Passumpsic Savings Bank, St. Johnsbury<br />
Preservation Trust of <strong>Vermont</strong><br />
USDA Rural Development<br />
U.S. Dept. <strong>Housing</strong> & Urban Development<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> Community Development Program<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> Community Loan Program Building<br />
Community Fund<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> Department of Developmental <strong>and</strong><br />
Mental Health Services<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> Development Credit Union<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> <strong>Housing</strong> Finance Agency<br />
Foundations<br />
Enterprise Foundation<br />
Freeman Foundation<br />
John Merck Fund<br />
Open Space Institute<br />
Still Point Fund, Stowe<br />
Tommy Thompson Trust<br />
Waterwheel Foundation<br />
Windham Foundation<br />
Thomas Armstrong, Holderness, N.H.<br />
Accountants<br />
Angela Norder, Morrisville<br />
G.W. Osterman & Co., Barre<br />
Gene A. Besaw & Associates, Newport<br />
Hickok & <strong>Board</strong>man Financial Services, Burlington<br />
JMM & Associates, Burlington<br />
Nesseralla & Co., Concord, NH<br />
Otis, Atwell & Timberlake, Portl<strong>and</strong>, ME<br />
Paul Birnholz, St. Albans<br />
Stevens, Wilcox, Baker, Potvin, Cassidy &<br />
Jakubowski, Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
Sullivan & Powers, Montpelier<br />
Appraisers<br />
Abbot <strong>and</strong> Dart, Essex Junction<br />
Allen & Cable, Inc., South Burlington<br />
Central <strong>Vermont</strong> Appraisers, Inc., Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
Dibernardo Associates, Bellows Falls<br />
Eric Benson, Court St. Montpelier<br />
Everett Real Estate, Brattleboro<br />
Green Mountain Appraisals, Manchester<br />
James Thetford, Montpelier<br />
Keller, Navin, O’Brien & Kaffenberger, Burlington<br />
Kurt Kaffenberger, Burlington<br />
Lareau Appraisal Service, St. Albans<br />
Martin Appraisal Services, Waterbury<br />
Luce Hill Appraisal Associates, Stowe<br />
Martin Appraisals, Montpelier<br />
Russell Rice, Brattleboro<br />
Sal DeMaio Real Estate Appraisals, St. Johnsbury<br />
S<strong>and</strong>i Murphy Appraisal, Enosburg<br />
Sargeant Appraisal Service, Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
Scott Marsh Appraisals, Derby<br />
White Birch Appraisals, Claremont, N.H.<br />
Architects<br />
Arnold & Scangas Architects, Colchester<br />
Bannister & Greenberg, Putney<br />
Black River Design, Montpelier<br />
Bruno Associates, Inc.<br />
Centerline Architects, Bennington<br />
Duncan Wisniewski Architecture, Burlington<br />
Gossens Bachman Architects, Montpelier<br />
Gregory Rabideau Architects, Burlington<br />
Jeremy Coleman, Brattleboro<br />
John Q. Doane, Essex Junction<br />
NBF Architects, Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
Rabideau Architects, Inc., Burlington<br />
Scott + Partners, Essex Junction<br />
Terra Firma, Burlington<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> Arcitects Collaborative, Montpelier<br />
William Maclay Architects, Waitsfield<br />
Williams & Frehsee, Brattleboro<br />
Ylian Alfaro Snyder & Associates, Montpelier<br />
Attorneys<br />
Anderson & Eaton, P.C., Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
Bauer, Anderson & Gravel, Burlington<br />
Bertolini <strong>and</strong> Hurt, Lyndonville<br />
Brady <strong>and</strong> Callahan, P.C., Springfield<br />
Stan Brinkman, Woodsville, NH<br />
Dinse, Knapp & McAndrew, Burlington<br />
Dot Helling, Montpelier<br />
Fred V. Peet, South Burlington<br />
Gensburg Atwell & Broderick, St. Johnsbury<br />
Geoffrey M. Fitzgerald, Montpelier<br />
Gravel <strong>and</strong> Shea, Burlington<br />
Jay C. Abramson, St. Johnsbury<br />
John P. Monette, Derby<br />
Kolvoord Overton & Wilson, Essex Junction<br />
May & Davies, Barton<br />
Michael Hertz, Brattleboro<br />
Mickenberg, Dunn, Kochman, Lachs & Smith,<br />
Burlington<br />
Molde Black & Govoni, Johnson<br />
Paul Frank & Collins, Burlington<br />
Robert Chimileski, Newport<br />
Roesler Whittlesey Meekins & Amidon,<br />
Burlington<br />
Ryan, Smith & Carbine, Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
Salmon & Nostr<strong>and</strong>, Bellows Falls<br />
Unsworth Powell Barra Orr & Bredice,<br />
Essex Junction<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> Attorneys Title Corporation, Burlington<br />
Webber, Chapman & Kupferer, Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
Zuccaro, Willis & Bent, St. Johnsbury<br />
Consultants<br />
Abide, Inc., East Longmeadow, MA<br />
Adult Services – NCCC, Newport<br />
Alliance Property Management, Jericho Center<br />
Amy Wright, Richmond<br />
Associates in Future Planning, Williston<br />
ATC Associates, Richmond<br />
Barden Inspection & Consulting Services,<br />
Hinesburg<br />
Bellows Falls Downtown Development,<br />
Bellows Falls<br />
Bill Desautels, Burlington<br />
Building Science Corporation, Westford, MA<br />
Burlington Community L<strong>and</strong> Trust, Burlington<br />
Capital Ideas, Inc., Hinesburg<br />
Catamount Environmental, Wilmington<br />
Cathedral Square, Burlington<br />
Clay Point Associates, Inc., Williston<br />
CPG Enterprises, Inc., Shaftsbury<br />
Crothers Environmental Group, Montpelier<br />
Curt Albee, South Strafford<br />
Earth Systems Consulting, Colchester<br />
Efficiency <strong>Vermont</strong>, Burlington<br />
Environmental Compliance Services, Inc.,<br />
Brattleboro<br />
F & M Development Co., Burlington<br />
Future Planning Associates, Inc., Williston<br />
GEM Environmental, North Adams, MA<br />
Gent Communications Consulting, Richmond<br />
Goldfield Construction Management, Burlington<br />
Gotham City Graphics, Burlington<br />
Green Mountain Environmental, Plainfield<br />
Griffin International, Williston<br />
HomeCheck, Williston<br />
<strong>Housing</strong> <strong>Vermont</strong>, Burlington<br />
J. D. Kantor, Inc., Montpelier<br />
JFP Consulting Services, Chester<br />
Jensen & Associates, Peacham<br />
Joan Peters, Guilford<br />
Johnson Company, Montpelier<br />
Kathy Beyer, Hinesburg<br />
K-D Associated, Inc., South Burlington<br />
Keller O’Brien & Kaffenberger, Burlington<br />
Kent Haskell, Groton<br />
L<strong>and</strong>vest, Woodstock<br />
Liz Pritchett Associates, Montpelier<br />
Lyssa Papazian, Putney<br />
Mad River Research, Waitsfield<br />
Mansfield Ventures, Ltd., Stowe<br />
Marquise <strong>and</strong> Morano, LLC, Bellows Falls<br />
Mary Jo Llewellyn, Montpelier<br />
Partial list as provided by grant recipients.
Partners in Project Development January 2004 –December <strong>2005</strong><br />
McCain Consulting, Waterbury<br />
MidState Asbestos, Inc., Roxbury<br />
Mirror Consulting, Woodbury<br />
Nathan Kastelein, Newport Center<br />
Neighborhood Reinvestment Corp., Boston, MA<br />
<strong>and</strong> Washington, DC<br />
Peterson Consulting, Burlington<br />
R.W. Steen Associates, St. Johnsbury<br />
Right-Trak Design, Inc, Weare, NH<br />
RN Culver Consulting, Essex Junction<br />
Robin Snyder, Huntington<br />
Scott <strong>and</strong> Partners, Essex Junction<br />
Sleeping Lion Associates, Inc., Montpelier<br />
Solbakken Technology Partners, St. Johnsbury<br />
Star Construction, Castleton<br />
Steve Pitkin, Albany<br />
South Mountain Surveying<br />
SVE Associates, Keene, NH<br />
T.J. Boyle & Associates, Burlington<br />
Technology Solutions, Fort Worth, TX<br />
The Johnson Company, Montpelier<br />
The Verterre Group, Inc., Colchester<br />
Tom Barden, Burlington<br />
Tom Dillon Consulting, Burlington<br />
Twin State Environmental, Colchester<br />
University of <strong>Vermont</strong>, Burlington<br />
UVM Consulting Archeology Program, Burlington<br />
VOTEC, Tom Rooney, Newport<br />
Ward’s Systems, Morrisville<br />
Wheeler Environmental Services, Barre<br />
William D. DeBonville, Barton<br />
Woodbury Organization, Woodbury<br />
Contractors<br />
AG Frame & Finish, Dublin, NH<br />
Allen Lumber, Barre<br />
Alpha Electric, South Burlington<br />
Amer Electric, Keene, NH<br />
American Construction, Swanzey, NH<br />
American Electrical, Bethel<br />
Ames Electric Service, Inc., Newport<br />
Anthony Hartwell, Jr., Clarkesville<br />
Aurora Electrical, Leunenberg<br />
B&H Electric, Morrisville<br />
Barker Steel Company, Canaan, NH<br />
Bazin Brothers, Westminster<br />
Benoure Plumbing, South Burlington<br />
Bernie LaRock & Son, Guilford<br />
Bienvenue & Ackel, Addison<br />
Bill Coutts Construction, Marlborough, NH<br />
Blais Surveying Company, Newport<br />
Blue Ridge Construction, East Montpelier<br />
Boudreau Electric, St. Albans<br />
Brattleboro Roofing, Brattleboro<br />
Build Tech, Springfield<br />
Bullet Builders, Hinesburg<br />
Burlington Commercial Interiors, Isle La Motte<br />
C & L Plumbing & Heating, S. Burlington<br />
C&M Contracting Corporation, Barre<br />
Caron Trucking & Backhoe, Colebrook, NH<br />
Carpet Connection, St. Johnsbury<br />
Carroll Concrete, Newport; West Lebanon, NH<br />
Central <strong>Vermont</strong> Drywall, Waterbury<br />
Champ Mechanical, Williston<br />
Champlain Well Drilling, Barre<br />
Cheshire Fire Protection, Troy, NH<br />
Cheshire Glass, Keene, NH<br />
Christopher J. Pratt, Westminster<br />
Ciampi Construction, Montpelier<br />
Clemons Construction, Middlesex<br />
Closet Concepts, West Lebanon, NH<br />
CMA Carpentry, Ellsworth, ME<br />
CMA Construction, West Chesterfield, NH<br />
Colchester Contracting Services, Colchester<br />
Cole’s Flooring, West Lebanon, NH<br />
Connor Contracting, St. Albans<br />
D.G. Morin, Richmond<br />
David Manning Inc., Brattleboro<br />
David White, Barton<br />
Delibac Construction, Colchester<br />
DEW Construction Corp., Williston<br />
DiBernardo Electric, Bellows Falls<br />
DMS Machining <strong>and</strong> Fabrication, Barre<br />
Dompiere Electric, Brattleboro<br />
Donald Mercier Excavating, Greensboro<br />
Donna & Ike Danforth, Groton<br />
Dubois Construction, Middlesex<br />
Ducharme Excavating, Derby Line<br />
Dupont Logging Inc., North Stratford, NH<br />
EC Floor S<strong>and</strong>ing, Keene <strong>and</strong> Swanzey, NH<br />
Evans Cabinet Company, Dublin, GA<br />
F. W. Cowan & Sons, Inc., Canaan<br />
Fieldhouse LLC, Shelburne<br />
Fineline Drywall, Keene, NH<br />
Firefly Building Company, Richmond<br />
Firetech Sprinklers, Colchester<br />
Flooring Concepts, Marlborough, NH<br />
Fred’s Plumbing & Heating, Inc., Derby<br />
Gagnon Contracting, Burlington<br />
Gallery of Cabinets, East Montpelier<br />
Gate’s Electric Inc., Newport<br />
Genes Electric, Inc., Newport Center<br />
Giancola Construction Corporation, Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
Green Mountain Insulation, Williston<br />
Gregory Building Supply, Burlington<br />
Gurney Brothers Construction, North Springfield<br />
Guyette Roofing, Peterborough & Jaffrey, NH<br />
Harris Heating & Plumbing Inc., Lyndonville<br />
Harvey Industries, White River Junction<br />
Hegeman Electric, Essex Junction<br />
Hennessey Electric, Bellows Falls<br />
Henry Rathburn, Jr., Derby Line<br />
Home Energy Assistance Technology, Newport<br />
Home Partners, Hartford<br />
Home Partners, West Lebanon, NH<br />
Huestis Plumbing, Brattleboro<br />
J.A. Morrisey, Burlington<br />
J. P. Beote, Inc., Gray, ME<br />
James Plumbing, Bellows Falls<br />
John D. Morrie Construction, St. Albans<br />
John Hammer Plumbing & Heating, Cabot<br />
Jonathan H. MacFarlane, Newport<br />
Judd Plumbing & Heating, West Charleston<br />
Keddy Electric, Ltd., Colebrook, NH<br />
Ketch Green, Chesterfield, NH<br />
Kingsbury Construction Co Inc., Waitsfield<br />
Kreative Window Treatments, Holbrook, MA<br />
Laferrier Construction, Inc., West Danville<br />
Lakewind Construction, Burlington<br />
Lamoille Construction, Inc., Morrisville<br />
Latham Homes, Inc., Waterbury<br />
Leonard Burroughs, Groton<br />
Lincoln Applied Geology, Lincoln<br />
Lisa Durocher, Derby Line<br />
Luke’s Electric, Inc., Newport<br />
M & M Carpet Service, Barre<br />
Marc Rancourt, West Stewartstown, NH<br />
Mario R. Paul Excavating, Inc., Derby<br />
Mark Fixter, St. Johnsbury<br />
Mark Mudgett & Sons, Glover<br />
Mary Currier, Danville<br />
McLean Electric, Northfield<br />
Mike Cheney Construction, Newport Center<br />
Millbrook Building & Remodeling, Inc.,<br />
Essex Junction<br />
Mora Masonry, Winooski<br />
Moulton Construction, West Lebanon, NH<br />
Naylor & Breen Builders, Br<strong>and</strong>on<br />
Neagley & Chase, South Burlington<br />
Nelson’s Welding, Alstead, NH<br />
New Engl<strong>and</strong> Foam & Coating Inc., St. Johnsbury<br />
New Engl<strong>and</strong> Water Systems, Inc.<br />
Nicom Coatings, Barre<br />
North Country Career Center, Newport<br />
North Country Welding, W. Chesterfield, NH<br />
Northeast Propane Service, St. Johnsbury<br />
Northwoods Excavating, Inc., Thetford Center<br />
Nudd Electric, East Hardwick<br />
Ouellette Plumbing, Williston<br />
Paul Morse Logging, Newport Center<br />
Paula M. Judd, Derby<br />
Pearson G. Carr, Canaan<br />
Patriot Insulation, Coventry<br />
Peck Electric, South Burlington<br />
Perkins Lumber, West Chesterfield, NH<br />
Phoenix Roofing, Townshend<br />
Pinette Mechanical, Cabot<br />
PJD, Stoddard, NH<br />
Powers Plumbing & Heating, Groton<br />
Pride Builders, Canaan<br />
Puffer Excavating, Groton<br />
R<strong>and</strong>all Contracting, Barre<br />
Reliance Steel, Colchester<br />
Rich Beam, Stoddard, NH<br />
Richard Bergeron, Keene, NH<br />
Richard E. LaClair Sr., Barton<br />
RMI Mechanical Insulators, Winooski<br />
Robert Langl<strong>and</strong>s, North Troy<br />
Ron Chase & Sons Plumbing & Heating, Concord<br />
Round Hill Fence, Irasburg<br />
Ruggco Inc., Barnet<br />
Rumery L<strong>and</strong> Surveys, Newport<br />
Russell Construction Services, Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
Ryan Brothers Electric, Burlington<br />
S & J Electric, Williston<br />
S & R Electric, Milton<br />
S & S Painting, West Swanzey, NH<br />
53<br />
Partial list as provided by grant recipients.
Partners in Project Development January 2004 –December <strong>2005</strong><br />
54<br />
Contractors<br />
S<strong>and</strong>ers Drywall & Painting, Jay<br />
Sanville Building Construction, Morgan<br />
Scherer’s Plumbing & Heating, Derby<br />
SEVCA/Best Energy, Westminister<br />
Sherwin Williams, Keene, NH<br />
Simon Operating Services, Inc., Waterbury<br />
SoHo Investments, Jericho<br />
Southern <strong>Vermont</strong> Sprinkler, Brattleboro<br />
Stephan F. Eckel, Brownington<br />
Steve’s Septic, Vernon<br />
Stewart Construction, Essex Junction<br />
STS Construction, East Hardwick<br />
Sunapee Flooring, Newport, NH<br />
Sweeney & Belisle, Jeffersonville<br />
T. David Rawson, West Danville<br />
T. J. Water Works, Derby<br />
Technol, Newport<br />
Terry Dana, Groton<br />
The Home Decorating Store, W. Lebanon, NH<br />
Thomas Mechanical, South Burlington<br />
Top Notch Roofing, Essex<br />
Tracy Degre Concrete, Newport<br />
Tri State Sprinkler<br />
Trombly Electric, Washington<br />
Trombly Plumbing & Heating, Inc., St. Johnsbury<br />
True Builders, Westford<br />
Truline L<strong>and</strong> Surveyors, St. Johnsbury<br />
TSJ Foundations, Brattleboro<br />
Twin State Roofing, South Royalton<br />
Twin State Sitework, St. Johnsbury<br />
Verdon Seamless Gutters, Newport Center<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> Concrete Cutting, Barre<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> Correctional Industries, Windsor<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> Offender Work Programs, Waterbury<br />
Vern Crawford, Canaan<br />
Verterre Group, Colchester<br />
Volk Electric, Hardwick<br />
Wamsley Painting, Barre<br />
Wayne LaFont Carpentry, Barton<br />
Wesfield Construction, W. Chesterfield, NH<br />
Westaff, Burlintgon<br />
Wilbur Electric, Pittsford<br />
Willey’s Seamless Gutters, Newport Center<br />
William B. Curtis, Newport<br />
WR Painting, Ashuelot, NH<br />
Wright & Morissey, South Burlington<br />
Yankee Electric, Winooski<br />
Engineers<br />
Bannon Engineering, Warren<br />
Bill Bissell, Jericho<br />
Black River Mechanical, Ludlow<br />
Bruno <strong>and</strong> Associates, Woodstock<br />
Catamount Environmental, Wilmington<br />
Champ Mechanical, Williston<br />
Champlain Consulting Engineers, Colchester<br />
Chenette Associates, Barre<br />
Civil Engineering Associates, Inc., Shelburne<br />
Construction Materials Testing, Whitefield, NH<br />
Criterium-Lalancetter Engineers, Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
Cross Consulting Engineers, St. Albans<br />
David A. Lawes Engineering, Inc., Barton<br />
DeWolfe Engineering Associates, Montpelier<br />
Dick Culver, Essex Junction<br />
Downing Engineering, Harrisville, NH<br />
Dubois & King, R<strong>and</strong>olph<br />
Dufrense & Associates, Windsor<br />
Dufrense-Henry, Springfield<br />
Engineering Ventures, Inc., Burlington<br />
Eric Morse, Guilford<br />
Greg Dubois, L.S., Berlin<br />
GWR Engineering, Shelburne<br />
Hallam Associates, Burlington<br />
Hardy Structural Engineering, LLC, Enosburg Falls<br />
I.C.E., East Montpelier<br />
Ina Hladky, Essex Junction<br />
Innovative Consulting Engineers, N. Montpelier<br />
John F. Penney Consulting Services, Chester<br />
Kirick Engineering Associates, Colchester<br />
Knight Consulting Engineers, Williston<br />
Krebs & Lansing, Colchester<br />
L.N. Consulting, Burlington<br />
Lawes Engineering, Barton<br />
Lawes Engineering, Williston<br />
Leach Engineering Consultants, St. Johnsbury<br />
Little River Survey Co., Stowe<br />
Mad River Research, Waitsfield<br />
Northern Environmental Services, Piermont, NH<br />
Otter Creek Engineering, East Middlebury<br />
Peter Stevenson, Middletown Springs<br />
Provan & Lorber, Montpelier<br />
Richard Drew, Lyme, NH<br />
Roberts <strong>and</strong> Franzoni, Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
Ruggles Engineering, St. Johnsbury<br />
Short Surveying, Inc., Middlebury<br />
South Mountain Surveying, Bristol<br />
Southern <strong>Vermont</strong> Engineering, Brattleboro<br />
Speath Engineering, Manchester<br />
Stephen Booth, Shelburne<br />
Stevens & Associates, Brattleboro<br />
Stewart Structural Engineering, Barnet<br />
Summit Engineering, South Burlington<br />
SVE Associates, Brattleboro<br />
Thomas Mechanical, South Burlington<br />
Tighe <strong>and</strong> Bond, Bellows Falls<br />
Trudell Engineering, Williston<br />
Wolbach Engineering, South Burlington<br />
Wright Engineering, Ltd., Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
WV Engineering Associates, Keene, NH<br />
L<strong>and</strong>scapers<br />
Broadleaf L<strong>and</strong>scape Architecture, Waitsfield<br />
Distinctive L<strong>and</strong>scaping, Charlotte<br />
Earthworks, Waitsfield<br />
Ed Hough’s Snowplowing & Excavation, Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
Ellis Merchant, Barton<br />
Felicia Piette, Jay<br />
Goldleaf Enterprises, Burlington & Swanton<br />
Grime Nursery <strong>and</strong> L<strong>and</strong>scaping, Waterford<br />
Heartwood L<strong>and</strong>scape Design & Maintenance,<br />
Essex Junction<br />
Jean E. Vissering L<strong>and</strong>scape, Montpelier<br />
KRG L<strong>and</strong> & Tree Services, Woodbury<br />
Maple Hill L<strong>and</strong>scaping<br />
North Country L<strong>and</strong>scaping, Williston<br />
Smitty’s L<strong>and</strong>scaping, Morgan<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> Offenders Work Program<br />
Wagner McCain, Burlington<br />
Lead Paint Contractors<br />
CPG Home Safe Paint & Construction LLC,<br />
Winooski<br />
Environmental Hazards Management, Inc.,<br />
Williston<br />
Heritage Environmental Projects, Inc., Burlington<br />
Lighthouse Environmental & Construction LLC,<br />
E. Middlebury<br />
Services<br />
A-1 Sewer & Drain Services, Inc., W. Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
Acadia Insurance, South Burlington<br />
A-Cross America Moving & Storage, Keene &<br />
Chesterfield, NH<br />
Advance Sprinkler, Essex Junction<br />
Advance Technology Answering Service, Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
Advanced System Resources, Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
AFI, Jericho<br />
Agway Energy Products, South Burlington<br />
Alderson, Inc., Burlington<br />
All Around Rental, St. Johnsbury<br />
All Aspects Demolition, Burlington<br />
All Lines Communications Ltd., South Burlington<br />
All Paint & Stain, Inc., Montpelier<br />
Allen Lumber, Barre<br />
Arnold’s Automotive, St. Johnsbury<br />
Alpine Building Restoration, South Burlington<br />
Alpine Sprinkler, South Burlington<br />
American Health Value, Boise, ID<br />
Aspen Publishers, Inc., Frederick, MD<br />
Associated Insurance Agencies, Newport<br />
Aquacheck, Perkinsville<br />
Austins Rubbish & Roll Off Services,<br />
W. Charleston<br />
Avery’s Cafe, Lyndonville<br />
B&B Septic, Danville<br />
B & B Rubbish Removal, Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
Bard Flooring, Burlington<br />
Barden Inspection & Consulting Services,<br />
Hinesburg<br />
Bay Sate Elevator, Essex Junction<br />
Bazin Brothers Trucking, Westminster<br />
Bean’s Mobile Homes, Lyndonville<br />
Beldon Company, Inc., Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
Bendig, Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
Best Energy Saving Technologies, Bellows Falls<br />
Bishop Enterprises, North Springfield<br />
Bienvenue & Ackel, Addison<br />
Blake Jenkins Painting, St. Johnsbury<br />
Blanchard Door & Hardware, Burlington<br />
Blanchard Drywall, Mt. Holly<br />
Blue Mountain Trucking, Groton<br />
BlueCross/Blue Shield of <strong>Vermont</strong>, Montpelier<br />
Blueprints Etc., Inc., South Burlington<br />
Bohn & Associates, Hartford<br />
Boise Cascade, Pittsburgh, PA<br />
Partial list as provided by grant recipients.
Partners in Project Development January 2004 –December <strong>2005</strong><br />
Bourne’s, Inc., Morrisville<br />
Brattleboro Reformer, Brattleboro<br />
Brattleboro Self Storage, Brattleboro<br />
Breann Electric, Groton<br />
Brown’s Welding, Bristol<br />
Bugbee Insulation, Jericho<br />
Burlington Electric Department, Burlington<br />
Burlington Public Works, Burlington<br />
Burrell Roofing, Williamstown<br />
C & C Painting, Shelburne<br />
Cacicio’s Heating, Inc., Barre<br />
Caledonian-Record Publishing, St. Johnsbury<br />
Carlene Paquette, Dummerston<br />
Carpet Barn, Newport<br />
Carpet Warehouse, Inc., Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
Carter Fire Protection, South Barre<br />
Casella Waste Management, Montpelier<br />
Cellular One, Colchester<br />
Central <strong>Vermont</strong> Public Service Corp., Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
Central <strong>Vermont</strong> Communications, Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
Champlain Sprinkler, Inc., St. Albans<br />
Champlain Valley Weatherization, Burlington<br />
Charlestown Cornerstone, Charlestown, NH<br />
Charter Communications, Danville<br />
Chase Electric, Williamstown<br />
Cheshire Fire Protection Services, Troy, NH<br />
Chris Lyon, Plainfield<br />
Chuck’s Heating & Air Conditioning, Colchester<br />
Citizens Energy Services, Newport<br />
Citizens Utilities, Newport<br />
Clark Construction, Fair Haven<br />
Clark’s Moving Service, Barre<br />
Claude Desautels, Richford<br />
Cocoplum Appliance, Brattleboro<br />
Concord Heritage Life Insurance, Concord, NH<br />
Construction Materials Testing, Inc., Gilman<br />
Cooper Fence Company, Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
Co-Operative Insurance Company, Middlebury<br />
Countertop & Tub Re-Nu, Inc., Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
Country Barrel Marketplace, St. Johnsbury<br />
Country Home Center, Morrisville<br />
Cowan Surveying, Vergennes<br />
Credit Bureau Service of <strong>Vermont</strong>, S. Burlington<br />
Credit Bureau Services of <strong>Vermont</strong>, Carnegie, PA<br />
CSE, Inc., Williston<br />
CT Group, Utica, NY<br />
Cummings & Son, Br<strong>and</strong>on<br />
Curt Albee, So. Strafford<br />
Custodial, William J. Allen, Newport<br />
CVC Paging Services, Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
D.G. Roofing, St. Johnsbury<br />
David B. Dwyer, Jr, Newport<br />
David Vadnais, Fair Haven<br />
Denis, Ricker & Brown, Montpelier<br />
Dennis Williams, St. Albans<br />
DeSign Graphics, Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
Development Cycles, Amherst, MA<br />
Dibernardi Assoc., Bellows Falls<br />
Dick’s Lock Repair, Brattleboro<br />
Donna <strong>and</strong> Ike Danforth, Groton<br />
Earth Waste Systems, Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
East Coast Carpet, Perkinsville<br />
Eastern Pipe Service, Merrimack, NH<br />
Partial list as provided by grant recipients.<br />
Eastman’s, Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
Edson Painting, South Barre<br />
Elevator Sales & Service, Inc., Dalton, MA<br />
Energy Federation, Montpelier<br />
Eric Morse, Guilford<br />
ESP Security Systems, St. Johnsbury<br />
Evergreen Roofing, Burlington<br />
F & M Development, Burlington<br />
F.W. Webb Company, Williston<br />
Farr’s Tree Service, Waterbury<br />
Federal Kemper Life Assurance, Chicago, IL<br />
Fl<strong>and</strong>ers Telephone Service, St. Johnsbury Center<br />
Flek, Inc., St. Johnsbury<br />
Foster M. Whipple, Newport<br />
Fred Blakely Plumbing, Adamant<br />
Fyles Bros., Inc., Orwell<br />
Gallipo Logo Imprints, Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
Garwal Lawn Services, Inc., Swanzey, NH<br />
Gary Hall Photography, South Burlington<br />
Gent Communication, Richmond<br />
Giancola Construction Corp., Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
Giroux Sign Smith, Burlington<br />
Gordon’s Window Décor, Essex Junction<br />
Gordon’s Custom Stonework, Chester<br />
Gosselin Inc, Derby<br />
Gould Well Drilling, Lyndonville<br />
Gray’s Paving <strong>and</strong> Sealing, Newport<br />
Green Mountain Carpet Cleaning, Lyndonville<br />
Green Mountain Drywall, Wallingford<br />
Green Mountain Electric Supply, Newport<br />
Green Mountain Insulation, White River Junction,<br />
Williston<br />
Green Mountain Messenger, Waterbury<br />
Green Mountain Power Corp., Colchester<br />
Green Mountain Systems & Service, Essex Jct.<br />
Green Mountain Trading Post, St. Johnsbury<br />
GreenScreen, Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
Gregory Supply, Burlington<br />
Gretchen Fadden, Sheffield<br />
Grime Nursery & L<strong>and</strong>scaping, Waterford<br />
Guyette Roofing & Remodeling, Peterborough, NH<br />
H.A. Manosh, Corp., Morrisville<br />
Ha Maintenance, Brattleboro<br />
Hank Gadouas Concrete, St. Albans<br />
Harold Wilkins, Lyndonville<br />
Harold’s Concrete Construction, Concord<br />
Harrison Concrete, Georgia & St. Albans<br />
Hartigan Co., Stowe<br />
Harvies Windows, Williston<br />
Hathorn’s Surveys, Wilder<br />
Havreluk Construction, East Fairfield<br />
Hawley’s Florist, Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
HCI Craftsmen, Winooski<br />
Helie’s Carpet, Claremont, N.H.<br />
HOK Masonry, Johnson<br />
Homans Associates, LLC, Williston<br />
Home Partners, Lebanon, NH<br />
Howard Irish Drywall, Cambridge<br />
Howard’s Fire Control, Inc., Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
Hubbard Brothers, Inc., Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
Hurd’s Upholstering, Springfield<br />
IKON Financial Services, Macon, GA<br />
J K Lynch Disposal, Inc, Colebrook, NH<br />
J.B. Masonry, Jericho<br />
J&B Glass, Bellows Falls<br />
Jay L<strong>and</strong>scape & Tree Service, Newport Center<br />
Jeff Pitts, Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
Jeffrey Lanoue, Orleans<br />
Jim Billado Roofing, Colchester<br />
John Douglas Welding, Cambridge<br />
John D. Kelley, Barton<br />
John Ryan, Amherst, MA<br />
John W. Wheeler, Jr., Newport<br />
Johnson Insurance, Montpelier<br />
Juddy’s Septic Tank Service, Morgan<br />
K-D Associates, South Burlington<br />
Kelly Services, Inc., Philadelphia, PA<br />
Kent Haskell, Groton<br />
Kingdom Iron Works, South Ryegate<br />
Kinney Pike Insurance, Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
L. Brown & Sons Printing, Inc., Barre<br />
Laberge Building, Hinesburg<br />
Lacillade Lumber, Williamstown<br />
Lajeunesse Interiors, Barre<br />
Lamoille Lock & Key, Waterbury Center<br />
Latham Trailer Sales, Waterbury<br />
LaValley’s Building Supply, Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
Lee Sturtevant Extinguisher Sales & Service,<br />
Morrisville<br />
Levaggi Environmental, Hyde Park<br />
Levesque Plumbing & Heating, Windsor<br />
Lewis Appliance Service <strong>and</strong> Repair, St. Johnsbury<br />
Life Safety Systems, Essex Junction<br />
Little River Survey Co., Stowe<br />
Loren Hogaboom Masonry, Georgia<br />
Lori’s Cleaning Service, Stowe<br />
Lorman Education Services, Eau Claire, WI<br />
Lyndon Waste Water Department, Lyndonville<br />
Lyndonville Electric Dept, Lyndonville<br />
Lyndonville Hardware, Lyndonville<br />
Lyndonville Water Dept., Lyndonville<br />
Mad River Research, Waitsfield<br />
Mail Boxes Etc., Rutl<strong>and</strong> & Montpelier<br />
Main Street Glass, North Springfield<br />
Mansfield Environmental Abatement Group, Essex Jct.<br />
Mark Valley, Repairs Plus, Sheffield<br />
Mark Woodward, Johnson<br />
Master Pluming, Cuttingsville<br />
Mathews Excavating, Waterford<br />
Mayo’s Carpet Cleaning, St. Johnsbury<br />
Mayotte Tree Service, Gilford<br />
McBee Systems, Inc., Athens, OH<br />
MCI, Louisville, KY<br />
McCullough Crushing, Inc., Middlesex<br />
McLean Electric, Barre<br />
Melanie Webb, Newport<br />
Memphramagog Press, Newport<br />
Micro Information Products, Inc., Austin, TX<br />
Mid State Appliances, North Clarendon<br />
MidState Asbestos, Roxbury<br />
Milton F. Lamberton, Groton<br />
Modern Floors, East Barre<br />
Modern Carpet <strong>and</strong> Upholtry, North Fayston<br />
Moe Dubois Excavating, Shelburne<br />
Mona Richardson, Putney<br />
Moretown L<strong>and</strong>fill, Moretown<br />
55
Partners in Project Development January 2004 –December <strong>2005</strong><br />
56<br />
Services<br />
Moriah Roofing Corp., Essex Junction<br />
Mount Vernon Lodge, Morrisville<br />
Mountain Glass & Lock, Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
Mountain Ridge Plumbing <strong>and</strong> Heating,<br />
Brownington<br />
Mountain Valley Sprinkler System, Williston<br />
National Flood Services, Deerfield Beach, FL<br />
NCUHS-Culinary Arts Dept., Newport<br />
Northeast Kingdom <strong>Board</strong> of Realtors,<br />
Montpelier<br />
Nelson & Small, Inc., Portl<strong>and</strong>, ME<br />
Nelson’s Welding, Alstead, NH<br />
New Engl<strong>and</strong> Floor Covering, Burlington<br />
New Engl<strong>and</strong> Foam & Coating, St. Johnsbury<br />
New Engl<strong>and</strong> Guaranty, Montpelier<br />
New Engl<strong>and</strong> Testing, Enfield, NH<br />
Newport Daily Express, Newport<br />
North Star Communications, Cumberl<strong>and</strong>, ME<br />
Northeast Delta Dental, Manchester, NH<br />
Northeast Masonry, Penham, NH<br />
Northeast Paging, St. Johnsbury<br />
Northern Community Management Corp.,<br />
St. Johnsbury<br />
Northern Environmental Service, Piermont, NH<br />
Northern Petroleum Co., St. Johnsbury<br />
Northern Security Insurance Co, Brattleboro<br />
Noyle W. Johnson Insurance Agency, Montpelier<br />
Oil Supply Corporation, Orleans<br />
O’Raine & Sun Co., Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
One Beacon Insurance, Boston, MA<br />
One Beacon Insurance, S. Portl<strong>and</strong>, ME<br />
One Star Long Distance, Inc, Evansville, IN<br />
Opulent Interiors, South Burlington<br />
Orleans County <strong>Board</strong> Realtors, Newport<br />
Orleans County Sheriff Dept, Newport<br />
Ormsby’s Computer Store, Barre<br />
Parker & Sterns, Inc., Johnson<br />
Patrick Lee, St. Johnsbury<br />
Patriot Insulation, Colchester<br />
Peerless Insurance Company, Keene, NH<br />
Pest Control Service Co., Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
Peter Wrenn, Brattleboro<br />
Photo Pronto, Lyndonville<br />
Pinnacle Ventures, LLC, Enosburg Falls<br />
Pitney Bowes, Inc., Louisville, KY<br />
Planning Insights, Yarmouth, ME<br />
Plaza Appliance Center, Rutl<strong>and</strong> Town<br />
Ploof Excavating, Salisbury<br />
Poulos Insurance, St. Johnsbury<br />
Power Shift Online, Stowe<br />
Prime Offset, Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
Professional Touch Painting, Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
Property Management & Maintenance of Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
Pulglise Excavating, Underhill<br />
Putnam Investments, Providence, RI<br />
Quality Appliance, Newport<br />
Quick Response Sprinkler Systems, St. Albans<br />
R & M Maintenance, East Barre<br />
R&R Sprinkler, Swanton<br />
R.J. Weston, Essex Junction<br />
R.K. Masonry, Cambridge<br />
Reed Supply, St. Johnsbury<br />
Reliance Steel, Colchester<br />
Reprographics of New Engl<strong>and</strong>, Rutl<strong>and</strong> &<br />
Williston<br />
RGF Painting, Barre<br />
Richards Gates Hoffman & Clay Ins, Brattleboro<br />
Ricketts & Sons, Warren<br />
RK Masonry, Cambridge<br />
Robert N. Taplin, Inc., Derby<br />
Ron Chase <strong>and</strong> Sons Plumbing <strong>and</strong> Heating,<br />
Concord<br />
Ron’s Trucking & Rubbish Removal, St. Johnsbury<br />
Round Hill Fence, Irasburg<br />
Rumery L<strong>and</strong> Surveys, Newport<br />
Rural Community Transportation, St. Johnsbury<br />
Rusty’s Electric, Derby Line<br />
Rutl<strong>and</strong> Chimney Service, Inc., Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
Rutl<strong>and</strong> Contract Cleaners, Inc., Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
Rutl<strong>and</strong> Printing Co. Inc., Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
Rutl<strong>and</strong> Roofing Co., Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
S & M Drywall, Jericho<br />
S.D Irel<strong>and</strong> Brothers, South Burlington<br />
S.E. Benson, Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
S.T. Griswold & Company, Williston<br />
S.T. Paving, Waterbury<br />
SAW Carpentry, South Rygate<br />
Schindler Elevator Corporation, Springfield, MA<br />
Sears, Chicago, IL<br />
Seeley Earthmoving, Middlebury<br />
ServiceMaster of Central <strong>Vermont</strong>, Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
Seth Rowell, Isl<strong>and</strong> Pond<br />
Seven Days, Burlington<br />
Sharon Edson, Barre<br />
Sherwin Williams, Barre & Brattleboro<br />
Signs by Steck, Burlington<br />
Simon Operation Services, Waterbury<br />
Simpson’s Heating <strong>and</strong> Plumbing, Lyndon Center<br />
Slate Valley Electric, Inc., Fair Haven<br />
Smalley Contractors, Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
Smith Electric, Windsor<br />
Smith Bell & Thompson, Burlington<br />
Sovernet, Bellows Falls<br />
St. Albans Glass, St. Albans<br />
St. Jay Hardware, St. Johnsbury<br />
Stabilized Structures, Taftsville<br />
Stairs Unlimited, Richford<br />
Staples, Des Moines, IA<br />
Steve Howard, Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
Steve Pitkin, Albany<br />
Stone Envirnmental, Montpelier<br />
Sunapee Flooring & Bedding, Newport, NH<br />
Sundown Corp., Stowe<br />
SymQuest Group, Inc., South Burlington<br />
Taylor’s Color World, Morrisville<br />
Technical Planning & Management, Waitsfield<br />
The Chronicle, Inc., Barton<br />
The Converse Company, Orleans<br />
The Hardwick Gazette, Hardwick<br />
The Hartford, Philadelphia, PA<br />
The Rutl<strong>and</strong> Herald, Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
The Travelers, Chicago, IL<br />
The <strong>Vermont</strong> Labor Law Poster, Montpelier<br />
The Wall Doctor, South Burlington<br />
The Xpress, Stowe<br />
Tina’s Home Designs, Burlington<br />
Toby’s Sign Shop, Derby<br />
Tom Dillon, Burlington<br />
Toner’s Satellite, Milton<br />
Topnotch Property Maintenance, Orleans<br />
Total Home Center, St. Albans<br />
Travelers Insurance Co, Hartford, CT<br />
Triple T Trucking, Vernon<br />
Tri-State Drilling & Boring Inc, West Burke<br />
Tri-State Sprinkler, Inc., St. Albans<br />
Tri-State Water Systems, Dummerston<br />
Troll Press, Inc., St. Johnsbury<br />
Truline L<strong>and</strong> Surveyors, St. Johnsbury<br />
Tuck Press - Printers, Woodsville, NH<br />
U 1st Plumbing-Heating Co., North Clarendon<br />
U.S. Postal Service<br />
Unicel Long Distance, Des Moines, IA<br />
Union Mutual Fire Insurance Co., Montpelier<br />
VACE, Montpelier<br />
Variable Annuity Life Ins Co., Houston, TX<br />
VeriSign, Inc., Baltimore, MD<br />
Verizon Wireless, Tucson, AZ<br />
Verizon, Inglewood, CA<br />
Verizon, Worcester, MA<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> Attorneys Title Corporation, Burlington<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> Color Photo Lab, Bennington<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> Electric Cooperative, Johnson<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> Gas Systems, South Burlington<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> Heritage Distributors, Newport<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> Mapping Program, Waterbury<br />
Vemont Mechanical, Williston<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> Mutual Insurance Co., Brattleboro &<br />
Montpelier<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> Offenders Work Program, St. Johnsbury<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> Shade & Blind, Br<strong>and</strong>on<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> Specialty Products, Queensbury, NY<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> State Employee Credit Union,<br />
Montpelier<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> Tent, South Burlington<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> Testing, Moretown<br />
Village of Derby Water & Sewer, Derby<br />
Village of Orleans Electric, Orleans<br />
Village Photography, Morrisville<br />
Vital Signs, Colchester<br />
VMBA, Essex<br />
Vortech Communications, Newport Center<br />
VOWP, Waterbury<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> Center for Independent Living,<br />
Montpelier<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> Retail Association Insurance, Essex Jct.<br />
Walter Noyes, Lyndonville<br />
Ward’s Home Repair & Remodeling, E. Arlington<br />
Ward’s Systems, Morrisville<br />
Wayne’s Remodeling, West Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
Weber Accessibility Systems, Inc., Richmond<br />
Wehse & Kinney Insurance, Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
Westbay Drywall, Manchester<br />
Westside Press, Inc., West Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
WGMT Magic 97.7 FM Radio, Lyndonville<br />
White’s Heating, Northfield<br />
Partial list as provided by grant recipients.
Partners in Project Development January 2004 –December <strong>2005</strong><br />
Wilk Paving, Inc., Center Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
Wilk Sealing, Center Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
William D. DeBonville, Barton<br />
William J. Allen, Newport<br />
William St. Cyr, Montpelier<br />
Windows & Doors by Brownell, Williston<br />
Wood Lake Title Co., Inc., Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
Woody’s Sales & Service, Johnson<br />
Wright’s Plumbing <strong>and</strong> Heating, Newport<br />
WSI of <strong>Vermont</strong>, Inc., Waterbury<br />
Ziter Masonry, Washington<br />
Suppliers<br />
A.T.D. Signs, St. Johnsbury<br />
Adrien’s Irving, Newport<br />
Allen Lumber Co., St. Johnsbury<br />
Antenna, O’C Satellite Inc., St. Johnsbury<br />
ARM Trucking, Inc., West Stewartstown, NH<br />
Arnold’s Automotive, St. Johnsbury<br />
Aubuchon Hardware, Manchester, NH<br />
Best Software, Inc., Los Angeles, CA<br />
Boynton Engraving, Spruce Head, ME<br />
Br<strong>and</strong>on Lumber, Br<strong>and</strong>on<br />
Business Essentials, Newport<br />
Canaan Gulf Station, Canaan<br />
Car Laundry, Woodsville, NH<br />
CDW Computer Centers, Inc., Chicago, IL<br />
Cocoplum Appliance, Inc., Brattleboro<br />
Contour Software Inc., San Francisco, CA<br />
Couture S<strong>and</strong> & Gravel, Newport Center<br />
Deacon’s Bench Furniture, Littleton, NH<br />
Dell Account, Des Moines, IA<br />
Densmore Electrical Supply, Inc., Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
Derby Paint & Paper, Newport<br />
Don’s Carpet One, Newport<br />
Dorr Manufacturing, Groton<br />
DT Supply, Inc., Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
E.M. Brown & Son, Inc., Barton<br />
Eagle fuel <strong>and</strong> Lube Company, Isl<strong>and</strong> Pond<br />
Easton Electronics, Canton, MA<br />
Fire ProTec, Colchester<br />
Fl<strong>and</strong>ers Signs, St. Johnsbury<br />
Fred’s Heating Oil & Propane, Derby<br />
Fred’s Propane & Heating Oil, Lyndonville<br />
F.W. Webb, Burlington, MA<br />
Gervais Hardware, Isl<strong>and</strong> Pond<br />
Gilmore Home Center, Bomoseen<br />
Graybar, Chicago, IL<br />
Green Mountain Electric Supply, Newport<br />
Harvey Industries, Inc., White River Junction<br />
Home Depot Supply, San Diego, CA<br />
Home Depot/GECF, Macon, GA<br />
Howard Printing, Inc., Brattleboro<br />
H.S. Supplies Concrete, Lyndonville<br />
Irving Heating Oil, Bangor, ME<br />
Irving Oil & Propane, Lyndonville<br />
Isl<strong>and</strong> Pond True Value, Isl<strong>and</strong> Pond<br />
J. B. Colton, Orleans<br />
LaPierre’s Decorating Center, Newport<br />
LaValleys Building Supply, Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
Lender Support Systems, Inc., San Diego, CA<br />
Lewis Appliance Service & Repair, St. Johnsbury<br />
Lyndonville Hardware, Lyndonville<br />
Lyndonville Office Equipment, Lyndonville<br />
Mayo’s Glass Service Inc., St. Johnsbury<br />
Meadowbrook Lumber, Chelsea<br />
Micro Information Products, Inc., Austin, TX<br />
Morrisville Lumber, Morrisville<br />
National Foundation Credit Counsel, MD<br />
NEBS, Groton, MA<br />
Newport Rental Center, Inc., Newport<br />
Noble True Value Hardware, Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
North Country Vac & Sew, St. Johnsbury<br />
Northeast Business Equipment, Isl<strong>and</strong> Pond<br />
Northeast Computer Systems, Inc., Lyndonville<br />
Northern Petroleum, St. Johnsbury<br />
Nugent Motor Company, Colebrook, NH<br />
Office Quarters, St. Albans<br />
Otter Creek Awnings, Williston<br />
P.A. Hicks & Sons, Inc., Colebrook, NH<br />
Peachtree Business Products, Atlanta, GA<br />
Peck Electric Co., So. Burlington<br />
Perras Ace, Inc., Lancaster, NH<br />
Perry’s Oil Service Inc., Bradford<br />
Persons Concrete LLC, Winnisquam, NH<br />
Pick & Shovel, Newport<br />
Poulin Lumber Inc., Derby<br />
Rapid Forms, Thorofare, NJ<br />
Reed Supply Company, Inc., St. Johnsbury<br />
Register.com, New York, NY<br />
RJ’S Friendly Market, Newport<br />
Rotella, Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
Royal Glass & Security Co., Inc., Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
Sanborn’s Paint Spot, Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
Sears, St. Johnsbury<br />
Sherwin Williams Store 5260, St. Johnsbury<br />
South Main Body Shop, Inc., St. Johnsbury<br />
Spates the Florist, Newport<br />
St. Jay Hardware Inc., St. Johnsbury<br />
St. Johnsbury Paper Company, St. Johnsbury<br />
Surplus Property, Montpelier<br />
The Carpet Connection, Inc., Lyndonville<br />
The Converse Company, Inc., Orleans<br />
The Front Desk, Newport<br />
The May Store, Lyndonville<br />
The Sign Depot, St. Johnsbury<br />
The White Market, Lyndonville<br />
Toolcraft Rental & Sales Center, Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
Viking Office Products, Los Angeles, CA<br />
Wal-Mart, Littleton, NH<br />
Walsh Electric Supply, Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
Walter E. Jock Oil Co., Inc., Wells River<br />
Waynes Appliance, Inc., Lyndonville<br />
Wheeler Building Materials, Lyndonville<br />
Yankee Paint, Rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
57<br />
Stone Hill Apartments, under<br />
construction by the Addison County<br />
Community Trust in partnership with<br />
<strong>Housing</strong> <strong>Vermont</strong>, will provide 22<br />
affordable apartments in a 27-unit<br />
development with underground<br />
parking on Route 7 at the southern<br />
gateway to Middlebury’s downtown.<br />
Partial list as provided by grant recipients.
<strong>Vermont</strong> <strong>Housing</strong> &<br />
<strong>Conservation</strong> <strong>Board</strong><br />
Balance Sheet<br />
June 30, <strong>2005</strong><br />
General Funds<br />
Restricted Funds<br />
ASSETS<br />
Cash Accounts $ 10,756,767 $ 881,664<br />
Due from Other Funds 369,258 371,608<br />
Receivables 2,830 21,673<br />
Loans Receivable 56,937,683 23,584,544<br />
Administrative Reimbursements Receivable - 1,420,797<br />
Anticipated Grant Revenues 2,210,500 8,981,753<br />
TOTAL ASSETS $ 70,277,038 $ 35,262,039<br />
LIABILITIES <strong>and</strong> FUND EQUITY<br />
LIABILITIES<br />
Accounts Payable & Accruals $ 173,826 $ 22,965<br />
Due to Other Funds 371,609 369,257<br />
Due to the State of <strong>Vermont</strong> - 1,050,247<br />
Deferred Revenue – Loans 56,937,683 23,191,941<br />
Anticipated Grants Committed 2,210,500 8,981,753<br />
Long-term Debt - 418,413<br />
TOTAL LIABILITIES 59,693,618 34,034,576<br />
58<br />
FUND EQUITY<br />
Fund Balance – Committed to Projects 10,490,154 626,284<br />
Fund Balance – Unreserved 93,266 601,179<br />
TOTAL FUND EQUITY 10,583,420 1,227,463<br />
TOTAL LIABILITIES <strong>and</strong> FUND EQUITY $ 70,277,038 $ 35,262,039<br />
To receive a copy of the audited financial statement, please contact VHCB.
Revenues<br />
$22,486,033<br />
Interest<br />
Income<br />
1%<br />
Loan<br />
Repayments<br />
1%<br />
Other Income<br />
2%<br />
Federal Grant<br />
Revenue<br />
40%<br />
State Property<br />
Transfer Tax<br />
56%<br />
Expenditures<br />
$22,912,231<br />
Other Project<br />
Related Expense<br />
8%<br />
Administration<br />
9%<br />
59<br />
Grants <strong>and</strong> Loans<br />
83%<br />
To receive a copy of the audited financial statement, please contact VHCB.
<strong>Housing</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Conservation</strong> Applications<br />
60<br />
VHCB makes grants <strong>and</strong> loans to<br />
nonprofit organizations, housing<br />
co-ops, municipalities, <strong>and</strong> qualifying<br />
state agencies. The <strong>Board</strong> is able to<br />
respond quickly to assist municipalities<br />
<strong>and</strong> nonprofits to cope with the<br />
adverse impact of development on<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong>’s affordable housing stock,<br />
its agricultural l<strong>and</strong>, <strong>and</strong> its environmental<br />
quality.<br />
The bulk of the <strong>Board</strong>’s awards<br />
are made for projects associated with<br />
the protection of agricultural l<strong>and</strong>s,<br />
natural areas, public recreational<br />
l<strong>and</strong>s, <strong>and</strong> historic properties, <strong>and</strong> for<br />
the preservation, rehabilitation, <strong>and</strong><br />
development of perpetually affordable<br />
housing. Special encouragement<br />
is given to projects that meet both the<br />
affordable housing <strong>and</strong> the conservation<br />
goals of the Fund.<br />
All applicants are required to<br />
show long-term benefit to <strong>Vermont</strong>ers<br />
through deed restrictions or other<br />
mechanisms that ensure the funds<br />
provided will have a lasting effect.<br />
<strong>Housing</strong> projects must target <strong>Vermont</strong>ers<br />
with incomes at or below<br />
median. Program beneficiaries range<br />
from tenants, potential home owners,<br />
<strong>and</strong> farmers, to all who enjoy<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong>’s natural, recreational, <strong>and</strong><br />
historic properties.<br />
The <strong>Board</strong> meets <strong>and</strong> makes decisions<br />
on applications approximately<br />
eight times a year. Applications are<br />
usually reviewed <strong>and</strong> decisions made<br />
within five to ten weeks of submission.<br />
Applications are rated according to the<br />
Adopted Rule of the <strong>Board</strong>. Applicants<br />
are invited to attend the meeting at<br />
which the project is reviewed, <strong>and</strong> are<br />
informed of the <strong>Board</strong>’s decision that<br />
same day.<br />
Site visits by VHCB staff are<br />
required prior to submission of housing<br />
applications.<br />
Purchase of <strong>Conservation</strong><br />
Easements on Farml<strong>and</strong><br />
The <strong>Board</strong> evaluates farml<strong>and</strong> conservation<br />
applications in a two-step<br />
process. Pre-applications are reviewed<br />
by the Agricultural Advisory Committee.<br />
This group recommends projects<br />
to be considered by the full <strong>Board</strong>,<br />
<strong>and</strong> complete applications are developed<br />
for those projects. Evaluation is<br />
based upon soil quality, location, farm<br />
infrastructure, management, <strong>and</strong> other<br />
resources brought to the project.<br />
Federal HOME Funds <strong>and</strong> Lead-Based<br />
Paint Hazard Reduction Funds<br />
Applications for HOME Program<br />
funds are due on the same dates as<br />
VHCB housing project applications.<br />
Applications for Lead-Based Paint<br />
Hazard Reduction funds are reviewed<br />
as they are received.<br />
Farm Viability<br />
Enhancement Program<br />
The <strong>Vermont</strong> Farm Viability Enhancement<br />
Program provides funding to<br />
organizations working with farmers<br />
to provide technical assistance <strong>and</strong><br />
business planning services. Farmers<br />
may apply to the program by filling<br />
out an application available from<br />
VHCB, NOFA-<strong>Vermont</strong>, the Intervale<br />
Foundation, the University of <strong>Vermont</strong><br />
Extension Service, or Working L<strong>and</strong>scapes,<br />
Inc.. Applications are reviewed<br />
as they are received.<br />
Feasibility Funds<br />
The <strong>Board</strong> provides awards of up to<br />
10,000 to assist with feasibility analysis<br />
for individual projects <strong>and</strong> up to<br />
15,000 for housing projects involving<br />
more than one building. This program<br />
pays for appraisals, engineering <strong>and</strong><br />
environmental studies, options, energy<br />
assessments, <strong>and</strong> marketing analysis.<br />
These awards are instrumental in<br />
helping grantees bring projects to the<br />
development stage. For a number of<br />
years, the Public Service Department<br />
has provided the <strong>Board</strong> with funds for<br />
energy efficiency analyses in proposed<br />
housing developments.<br />
Organizational Grants<br />
The <strong>Board</strong> provides grants to nonprofits<br />
for some of the costs associated<br />
with developing affordable housing<br />
<strong>and</strong> conservation projects. This crucial<br />
support ranges from up to 15,000 for<br />
new organizations to up to 40,000<br />
for regional groups actively engaged in<br />
developing VHCB projects.<br />
Application Procedures<br />
Application deadlines, <strong>Board</strong> meeting dates <strong>and</strong> VHCB policies are<br />
available from the VHCB office <strong>and</strong> are posted on the <strong>Board</strong>'s web site<br />
(www.vhcb.org). Applications are available by request. Please call us<br />
for more information or with any questions:<br />
General Information: 828-3250<br />
<strong>Housing</strong>: 828-3526<br />
HOME Program: 828-5060<br />
Lead Paint Program: 828-5064<br />
<strong>Conservation</strong>: 828-5066<br />
Farm Viability: 828-0795<br />
AmeriCorps: 828-3253
PROJECT AWARDS BY COUNTY<br />
1987–<strong>2005</strong><br />
GRAND ISLE<br />
16 units<br />
2,980 acres<br />
FRANKLIN<br />
247 units<br />
30,096 acres<br />
ORLEANS<br />
254 units<br />
19,101 acres<br />
ESSEX<br />
13 units<br />
179,432<br />
acres<br />
CHITTENDEN<br />
2,609 units<br />
11,557 acres<br />
LAMOILLE<br />
162 units<br />
14,612 acres<br />
WASHINGTON<br />
654 units<br />
9,197 acres<br />
CALEDONIA<br />
320 units<br />
5,168 acres<br />
ADDISON<br />
528 units<br />
39,150 acres<br />
ORANGE<br />
314 units<br />
9,477 acres<br />
RUTLAND<br />
276 units<br />
15,496 acres<br />
WINDSOR<br />
874 units<br />
10,323 acres<br />
BENNINGTON<br />
322 units<br />
4,282 acres<br />
WINDHAM<br />
531 units<br />
8,135 acres
CREATING AFFORDABLE HOUSING,<br />
CONSERVING AGRICULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL LANDS,<br />
HISTORIC PROPERTIES, AND NATURAL AREAS.<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong><br />
<strong>Housing</strong> &<br />
<strong>Conservation</strong><br />
<strong>Board</strong><br />
149 State Street, Montpelier, <strong>Vermont</strong> 05602<br />
telephone: 802 828 3250 | www.vhcb.org