Vermont Housing Conservation Board 2005 - Vermont Housing and ...

LETTER FROM THE CHAIR
In FY 2005, VHCB
2
Dear Members of the General Assembly,
On behalf of the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board and our very
dedicated staff, we want to thank you for your continued support and investment
in the Board’s programs. This has been a banner year for the Board, as external
entities have recognized the excellent work that is being done by citizens
and community organizations across the state, in partnership with the Board, to
enhance the quality of life in our communities.
In FY 2005, VHCB investments will result in 436 affordable homes, the conservation
of 19 farms and 3,383 acres of agricultural land, the conservation of 15
parcels and 847 acres for open space, recreation, wildlife habitat and the revitalization
of seven historic buildings for community use.
Today, as we write this report, work funded by VHCB is underway in downtown
St. Albans, Winooski, Brattleboro and recently completed in Rutland.
Many of our small rural communities, like Groton and Whitingham, are re-investing
in their village centers, and growing communities, like South Burlington,
Dorset and Middlebury, are welcoming new neighbors.
The Board’s agricultural programs continue to attract and leverage federal
dollars and private funding. Last year’s investment of 2.1 million was matched
by 1.9 million in federal funds, while private foundations, particularly the
Freeman Foundation, invested 2.5 million in our agricultural communities.
The Board has also seen steady growth in our Farm Viability Program. Administration
of that program will transition to the Agency of Agriculture next year.
Through the help of Senator Leahy, matching federal earmarks have been appropriated.
Private funding has been secured, and VHCB received a foundation
grant for the Farm-to-School Initiative, spearheaded by Shelburne Farms, which
is now active in 53 communities.
While VHCB’s most visible roles are in housing and agriculture, our statutory
mission also encompasses the protection of natural areas, recreation lands
and historic sites. The impact from investments in these areas, though less
apparent, is tremendously important to our quality of life. A diverse array of
conservation projects is described in this report. The Nature Conservancy is
acquiring land for addition to areas of biological richness targeted for protection
in Bridport, North Pawlet and Fair Haven. Residents in Jericho and Underhill
conserved Casey’s Hill—a treasured spot where families enjoy sledding in the
winter and picnicking in the spring, summer and fall. Municipalities and community
groups are revitalizing historic landmarks in Roxbury, Ferrisburgh, and
Morrisville.
We continue to see dual goal projects, such as the new Otter View Park in
Middlebury that will create a new 17-acre town park with a boardwalk for birdwatching
and three building sites including one affordable home to be built by
Habitat for Humanity.
A key part of the Board’s job is to assure the accountability of the VHCB
for wise use of public funds. Each project is evaluated carefully by our staff and
then reviewed by the Board to make sure we investing consistent with VHCB’s
investments will result
in 436 affordable
homes, the conservation
of 19 farms and
3,383 acres of agricultural
land, the conservation
of 15 parcels
and 847 acres for open
space, recreation, wildlife
habitat and the
revitalization of seven
historic buildings for
community use.
The American Precision Museum
in Windsor: birthplace of modern
manufacturing. Story on page 36.
Bob Eddy