Annual Report to the General Assembly - Vermont Housing and ...
Annual Report to the General Assembly - Vermont Housing and ...
Annual Report to the General Assembly - Vermont Housing and ...
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2008<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong><br />
<strong>Housing</strong> &<br />
Conservation<br />
Board<br />
<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>General</strong> <strong>Assembly</strong>
<strong>Vermont</strong> <strong>Housing</strong> & ConserVation Board<br />
Christine H. Hart, Chair; Executive Direc<strong>to</strong>r, Brattleboro <strong>Housing</strong> Authority<br />
Thomas Weaver, Vice-Chair; Bartlett-Weaver Associates, Essex Junction<br />
Roger Allbee, Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food <strong>and</strong> Markets<br />
Sarah E. Carpenter, Executive Direc<strong>to</strong>r, <strong>Vermont</strong> <strong>Housing</strong> Finance Agency<br />
Kevin Dorn, Secretary, Agency of Commerce <strong>and</strong> Community Development<br />
John T. Ewing, Burling<strong>to</strong>n<br />
Roy Folsom, Farmer, Crooked Brooks Farm, Cabot<br />
G. Kenneth Perine, President, National Bank of Middlebury<br />
Jonathan Wood, Secretary, Agency of Natural Resources<br />
agriCultural adVisory Committee<br />
Cecile Branon, Fairfield farmer<br />
Vicky Drew, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service<br />
Colleen Leonard, UVM Extension Service<br />
George Putnam, Yankee Farm Credit<br />
Jon Satz, Br<strong>and</strong>on farmer<br />
Harvey Smith, USDA Farm Service Agency<br />
VERMoNT FARM ViABiLiTY PRoGRAM ADViSoRY BoARD<br />
Anson Tebbetts, Chair; Deputy Secretary, VT Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets<br />
Gary Braman, Loan officer, USDA Farm Service Agency<br />
Vicky Carson, Newbury farmer<br />
Jane Clifford, Starksboro farmer<br />
Sarah isham, <strong>Vermont</strong> Economic Development Authority<br />
Doug Lantagne, Dean, UVM Extension Service<br />
David Marchant, Fairfax farmer<br />
George Robson, <strong>Vermont</strong> Department of Economic Development<br />
Gus Seelig, Executive Direc<strong>to</strong>r, <strong>Vermont</strong> <strong>Housing</strong> & Conservation Board<br />
Bill Suhr, Shoreham apple grower<br />
VHCB STAFF<br />
Executive Direc<strong>to</strong>r: Gus Seelig<br />
Financial: Kathy Barrows, Cheryl Morris, Janet S<strong>to</strong>ne<br />
Administration: Larry Mires, Kym Andrews, Pam Boyd, Laurie Graves<br />
Conservation: Nancy Everhart, Billy Coster, Karen Freeman, Ethan Parke<br />
<strong>Housing</strong>: Polly Nichol, Rick DeAngelis, Willa Darley Chapin, Ariane Kissam,<br />
Craig Peltier, Kathleen Kanz<br />
Lead Paint Hazard Reduction Program: Ron Rupp, Marty Bonneau,<br />
Diane Mackay, Bob Zatzke<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> Community Stewardship Program: Joan Misek, Francis Sharpstene<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> Farm Viability Enhancement Program: Ela Chapin<br />
Legal: Jim Libby, Elizabeth Egan<br />
Pho<strong>to</strong>graphy: staff, grantees, <strong>and</strong> as credited<br />
Writing: VHCB staff <strong>and</strong> as credited<br />
Design: Pam Boyd<br />
Printing: Stillwater Graphics<br />
oN THE CoVER:<br />
West Rutl<strong>and</strong> farmer Greg Cox at<br />
<strong>the</strong> Rutl<strong>and</strong> Farmer's market. The<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> L<strong>and</strong> Trust conserved 70<br />
acres of farml<strong>and</strong> at <strong>the</strong> Cox farm<br />
with an option <strong>to</strong> Purchase at<br />
Agricultural Value. S<strong>to</strong>ry, page 11.<br />
Caleb Kenna pho<strong>to</strong><br />
Montpelier Mayor Mary Hooper<br />
<strong>and</strong> Central <strong>Vermont</strong> Community<br />
L<strong>and</strong> Trust Direc<strong>to</strong>r Eileen Peltier<br />
cutting <strong>the</strong> ribbon at <strong>the</strong> Bianchi<br />
Block on Barre Street. Community<br />
members, funders, staff <strong>and</strong> board<br />
members joined <strong>the</strong> celebration.<br />
Chris Wood pho<strong>to</strong>
Julie Richards pho<strong>to</strong><br />
James H. Douglas, governor<br />
governor<br />
Dear vermonters,<br />
state of vermont<br />
office of tHe governor<br />
January 30, 2009<br />
i’m delighted <strong>to</strong> present <strong>the</strong> annual report of <strong>the</strong> vermont <strong>Housing</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
conservation Board. This agency, with many partners around <strong>the</strong> state <strong>and</strong> in state<br />
government, has been a catalyst for positive community development for more than 20<br />
years. This year <strong>the</strong> Board invested in <strong>the</strong> preservation <strong>and</strong> development of 438 homes<br />
<strong>and</strong> apartments <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> conservation of 26 farms while in addition conserving 1,917<br />
acres for public recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection <strong>and</strong> natural areas.<br />
The Board’s essential values are reflected in vermont’s long-st<strong>and</strong>ing smart<br />
growth policies of compact village settlements surrounded by a working l<strong>and</strong>scape.<br />
its innovation <strong>and</strong> creation of <strong>the</strong> farm viability Program as a partnership with our<br />
agency of agriculture, food <strong>and</strong> markets has been an outst<strong>and</strong>ing development. This<br />
year <strong>the</strong> Board’s program sponsored <strong>the</strong> first national conference of farm viability<br />
providers with visi<strong>to</strong>rs from 15 states <strong>and</strong> canadian provinces.<br />
a hallmark of <strong>the</strong> Board’s programs is <strong>the</strong> ability <strong>to</strong> attract federal resources <strong>to</strong> our<br />
state <strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong> leverage public <strong>and</strong> foundation funding. Thus, our investment of $15.1<br />
million this year resulted in projects with a <strong>to</strong>tal value of $87 million.<br />
The state’s difficult financial circumstance may curtail <strong>and</strong> delay some projects. it<br />
will not, however, curtail <strong>the</strong> creativity <strong>and</strong> can-do community spirit that <strong>the</strong> Board<br />
supports.<br />
We look forward <strong>to</strong> working with <strong>the</strong> general assembly <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Board in <strong>the</strong><br />
coming year.<br />
sincerely,<br />
James H. Douglas<br />
governor<br />
Rbbon cutting at <strong>the</strong> reopening of<br />
<strong>the</strong> Lund Family Center’s Residential<br />
Treatment Center in Burling<strong>to</strong>n. VHCB<br />
helped support <strong>the</strong> renovation, which<br />
increased capacity from 18 <strong>to</strong> up <strong>to</strong><br />
30 women <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir children.
Letter from <strong>the</strong> Chair<br />
Above, workers at Champlain<br />
<strong>Housing</strong> Trust’s King Street<br />
<strong>Housing</strong>—20 new apartments <strong>and</strong><br />
CHT offices. Below, boardwalk<br />
at <strong>the</strong> Mount Cavalry Red<br />
Maple Swamp conserved by <strong>the</strong><br />
Burling<strong>to</strong>n City Parks Department.<br />
2<br />
Dear members of <strong>the</strong> general assembly,<br />
i am pleased <strong>to</strong> provide you with <strong>the</strong> annual report of <strong>the</strong> vermont <strong>Housing</strong><br />
<strong>and</strong> conservation Board. in this very difficult economy, it is important that we<br />
maintain <strong>the</strong> highest level of accountability, <strong>and</strong> providing this report is one step<br />
in that process. along with our staff, i look forward <strong>to</strong> meeting with you <strong>and</strong> your<br />
committees <strong>to</strong> answer your questions about <strong>the</strong> choices we make investing <strong>the</strong>se<br />
funds in community development <strong>and</strong> conservation projects around <strong>the</strong> state.<br />
as you examine our report you will note a very high amount of leverage in<br />
<strong>the</strong> projects we invest in. overall, more than $4 has been leveraged for every state<br />
dollar appropriated. over <strong>the</strong> last year, this resulted in commitments <strong>to</strong> build or<br />
rehabilitate 438 homes <strong>and</strong> apartments <strong>and</strong> make 35 homes accessible for people<br />
with mobility impairments while also preserving <strong>and</strong> conserving 26 farms with<br />
4,459 acres, assisting in <strong>the</strong> conservation of significant natural communities <strong>and</strong><br />
public recreation areas <strong>and</strong> investing in diverse his<strong>to</strong>ric buildings for community<br />
<strong>and</strong> cultural use including <strong>the</strong> Bradford library, r<strong>and</strong>olph’s ch<strong>and</strong>ler music Hall,<br />
<strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> samuel read Hall House in Browning<strong>to</strong>n.<br />
Beyond <strong>the</strong> investment in community capital assets, what impresses me most<br />
is <strong>the</strong> high level of community involvement <strong>and</strong> commitment <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong>se assets. The<br />
Board regularly hears presentations from your constituents about why <strong>the</strong> investments<br />
we are making are necessary <strong>and</strong> how <strong>the</strong>y will benefit both <strong>the</strong> economy<br />
<strong>and</strong> quality of life in our communities.<br />
You will also note that <strong>the</strong> efforts of vermonters supported by our programs<br />
continue <strong>to</strong> be recognized on a national <strong>and</strong> international level. The champlain<br />
<strong>Housing</strong> trust won <strong>the</strong> World Habitat award for <strong>the</strong> nor<strong>the</strong>rn Hemisphere from<br />
<strong>the</strong> united nations. The Windham <strong>Housing</strong> trust was recognized by <strong>the</strong> national<br />
community reinvestment coalition as <strong>the</strong> most outst<strong>and</strong>ing rural housing nonprofit<br />
in 2008. The vermont l<strong>and</strong> trust received an environmental merit award<br />
from <strong>the</strong> environmental Protection agency of new engl<strong>and</strong>. Those are but a few<br />
of <strong>the</strong> recognitions that have come from <strong>the</strong> outst<strong>and</strong>ing <strong>and</strong> creative work of<br />
vermonters.<br />
“<strong>Vermont</strong>’s l<strong>and</strong>scape of compact villages separated by farms,<br />
fields, <strong>and</strong> forests is an economic asset. Cus<strong>to</strong>mers come <strong>to</strong><br />
Smugglers’ for <strong>the</strong> specific amenities <strong>and</strong> experiences that we<br />
offer, but being in <strong>Vermont</strong> is definitely part of <strong>the</strong> draw. In a very<br />
real way, VHCB’s conservation work supports <strong>Vermont</strong>’s travel<br />
<strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong>urism industry.”<br />
— Bill Stritzler, Owner <strong>and</strong> Managing Direc<strong>to</strong>r, Smugglers’ Notch
This year has also brought significant<br />
economic difficulty. We have reduced<br />
our grant making <strong>and</strong> administrative<br />
operations by almost $2 million as a<br />
result of rescissions, creating a pipeline<br />
of projects that are awaiting funds when<br />
<strong>the</strong> new fiscal year begins.<br />
as you consider <strong>the</strong> many competing<br />
needs for <strong>the</strong> limited resources <strong>the</strong><br />
state can provide, please know that we<br />
will work carefully with you <strong>and</strong> your<br />
constituents <strong>to</strong> stretch our dollars as far<br />
as possible <strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong> maintain <strong>the</strong> health<br />
of <strong>the</strong> vibrant community development<br />
organizations that are serving every<br />
corner of our state.<br />
We look forward <strong>to</strong> meeting you in<br />
your committee rooms <strong>and</strong> answering<br />
all your questions about our programs.<br />
sincerely,<br />
christine H. Hart, chair<br />
2008 Awards <strong>and</strong> Recognition<br />
Champlain <strong>Housing</strong> Trust CEO Brenda Torpy <strong>and</strong> board<br />
member Richard Kemp traveled <strong>to</strong> Lu<strong>and</strong>a, Angola in<br />
Oc<strong>to</strong>ber <strong>to</strong> accept <strong>the</strong> 2008 United Nations World Habitat<br />
Award for <strong>the</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Hemisphere. CHT was recognized<br />
for its innovative shared-equity homeownership program<br />
which uses public <strong>and</strong> private funds <strong>to</strong> create permanently<br />
affordable homes.<br />
The <strong>Vermont</strong> L<strong>and</strong> Trust received an Environmental Merit<br />
Award from <strong>the</strong> Environmental Protection Agency of New Engl<strong>and</strong> for outst<strong>and</strong>ing<br />
contributions on behalf of our regional environment.<br />
In Washing<strong>to</strong>n, D.C., Windham <strong>Housing</strong> Trust direc<strong>to</strong>r Connie Snow accepted <strong>the</strong> 2008<br />
James Leach National Achievement Award for <strong>the</strong> most outst<strong>and</strong>ing rural non-profit<br />
in <strong>the</strong> nation. The award was presented by <strong>the</strong> National Community Reinvestment<br />
Coalition.<br />
The Federal Administration on Aging named HomeShare <strong>Vermont</strong> a 2008 National<br />
Aging Program Champion, highlighting <strong>the</strong> organization’s mission <strong>to</strong> assist elders <strong>and</strong><br />
persons with disabilities <strong>to</strong> live independently in <strong>the</strong>ir own homes by providing matching<br />
services for homesharing <strong>and</strong> caregiving.<br />
Smart Growth <strong>Vermont</strong> presented <strong>the</strong> 2008 Arthur Gibb Award<br />
for Individual Leadership <strong>to</strong> Paul Bruhn, founder <strong>and</strong> Executive<br />
Direc<strong>to</strong>r of <strong>the</strong> Preservation Trust of <strong>Vermont</strong>. Paul was<br />
honored for his significant contribution <strong>to</strong> preserving <strong>Vermont</strong>’s<br />
l<strong>and</strong>scapes, village centers <strong>and</strong> his<strong>to</strong>ric l<strong>and</strong>marks. Since 1980,<br />
<strong>the</strong> Preservation Trust of <strong>Vermont</strong> has <strong>to</strong>uched <strong>the</strong> lives of<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong>ers in almost every city <strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong>wn in <strong>the</strong> state.<br />
The American Institute of Architects 2008 <strong>Vermont</strong> Design<br />
Awards: Gossens Bachman Architects of Montpelier won an<br />
Honorable Mention in <strong>the</strong> His<strong>to</strong>ric Preservation Category for <strong>the</strong><br />
Bemis Block Res<strong>to</strong>ration <strong>and</strong> Renovation in Hardwick (p. 34). Bread<br />
Loaf Corporation of Middlebury won an Honor Award in <strong>the</strong> Recent<br />
Public Project Category for <strong>the</strong> Ferrisburgh Grange Hall (left).<br />
The Lake Champlain L<strong>and</strong> Trust is one of an inaugural group of<br />
39 l<strong>and</strong> trusts nationwide officially accredited by an independent commission of l<strong>and</strong><br />
conservation experts, <strong>the</strong> L<strong>and</strong> Trust Accreditation Commission. The Lake Champlain<br />
L<strong>and</strong> Trust is celebrating 30 years of partnering with local communities <strong>to</strong> conserve more<br />
than 4,000 acres of l<strong>and</strong>, 16 isl<strong>and</strong>s, <strong>and</strong> 16 miles of Lake Champlain shoreline.<br />
Ed Stretch, retiring direc<strong>to</strong>r of <strong>the</strong> Gilman <strong>Housing</strong> Trust, was<br />
presented with a Community Development Champion Award<br />
by <strong>the</strong> <strong>Vermont</strong> Community Development Program. Ed’s tenacity,<br />
leadership skills, <strong>and</strong> vision for community development improved<br />
housing opportunities for many low-income <strong>Vermont</strong>ers. The<br />
State of <strong>Vermont</strong> thanks Ed for all his years of dedicated service<br />
in creating affordable housing in <strong>the</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>ast Kingdom.<br />
3
4<br />
<strong>Housing</strong> Programs<br />
Responding <strong>to</strong> Need, Supporting<br />
Communities & Stimulating <strong>the</strong> Economy<br />
Vhcb awards state <strong>and</strong> federal dollars <strong>to</strong> meet a variety of housing needs in<br />
communities throughout <strong>the</strong> state. Through a statewide network of nonprofit<br />
housing developers <strong>and</strong> service providers, vhcb funding has led <strong>to</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> acquisition, construction, or rehabilitation of over 9,300 affordable homes since<br />
1987. every county in <strong>the</strong> state has benefitted from affordable housing developed<br />
by this network, whe<strong>the</strong>r in <strong>the</strong> form of rental housing for seniors or families,<br />
homeownership opportunities for first-time homebuyers or service-supported<br />
housing for individuals <strong>and</strong> households with special housing needs.<br />
challenging economic times have increased pressure on <strong>the</strong> rental housing<br />
market <strong>and</strong> resulted in a greater need <strong>to</strong> support <strong>the</strong> most vulnerable vermonters<br />
who may need support services in order <strong>to</strong> live independently. opportunities <strong>to</strong><br />
acquire federally assisted developments from <strong>the</strong> original owner/developer have<br />
resulted in <strong>the</strong> preservation of a substantial number of apartments that house<br />
<strong>the</strong> lowest income vermonters. vhcb funds have been used <strong>to</strong> construct new<br />
apartments, <strong>to</strong> acquire <strong>and</strong> rehabilitate existing ones <strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong> acquire <strong>and</strong> preserve,<br />
usually for a modest investment of state dollars, rental properties in which <strong>the</strong>re<br />
had already been an investment of public funds. The sharp increase in energy<br />
costs during <strong>the</strong> summer resulted in a strong focus on bringing buildings acquired<br />
or renovated with vhcb funds <strong>to</strong> a new level of energy efficiency including, in<br />
a number of cases, <strong>the</strong> use of alternative energy technology including biomass<br />
boilers or solar hot water.<br />
for every dollar of state funds invested in an affordable rental housing<br />
development by vhcb, ano<strong>the</strong>r $7 in federal <strong>and</strong> private money is usually invested<br />
as well. in <strong>the</strong> case of homeownership, that leverage is typically 5 <strong>to</strong> 1. not only<br />
does <strong>the</strong> state’s contribution directly generate substantial investments from o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
sources, it also helps <strong>to</strong> create jobs <strong>and</strong> support local economies. according <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
u.s. Department of commerce, an investment of $1 million in housing creates 35<br />
construction jobs. investments in affordable housing also benefit local businesses<br />
by increasing <strong>the</strong> likelihood of employee retention when employees have an<br />
affordable place <strong>to</strong> live in close proximity <strong>to</strong> where <strong>the</strong>y work. When fire has ravaged<br />
an important down<strong>to</strong>wn or village center building, or when disinvestment has<br />
left a commercial or residential structure blighted or vacant, time after time <strong>the</strong><br />
community has turned <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> non-profit sec<strong>to</strong>r <strong>to</strong> rebuild using vhcb <strong>and</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
funds. such investments not only create affordable housing but also bring renewed<br />
economic vitality <strong>to</strong> a down<strong>to</strong>wn or village center. often this rebuilding includes<br />
commercial space as well as apartments.<br />
Fiscal Year 2008<br />
HOUSING<br />
State Funding Commitments<br />
$8,622,000<br />
438 units; 25 projects<br />
Federal Funding Commitments<br />
HOME Program<br />
$4,293,348<br />
Lead-Based Paint<br />
Hazard Reduction Program<br />
$ 502,645<br />
Above, Sylvan Woods in S<strong>to</strong>we<br />
constructed in 2007 with 28<br />
rental homes (24 affordable)<br />
<strong>and</strong> 8 condominiums (3 with<br />
homel<strong>and</strong> grants). The Lamoille<br />
<strong>Housing</strong> Partnership had 157<br />
applicants for <strong>the</strong> apartments.
Preservation of existing rental developments<br />
in which public investment has already been made<br />
is one of <strong>the</strong> major priorities for vhcb funding.<br />
During <strong>the</strong> period covered by this annual<br />
report a number of important preservation<br />
opportunities presented <strong>the</strong>mselves <strong>and</strong> received<br />
vhcb funding. These investments not only result<br />
in improvement of physical conditions but also<br />
keep <strong>the</strong>se properties affordable permanently<br />
through <strong>the</strong> use of housing subsidy covenants,<br />
insuring that <strong>the</strong> public will not have <strong>to</strong> buy <strong>the</strong>se<br />
properties again <strong>to</strong> keep <strong>the</strong>m affordable.<br />
Keeping vermont’s most vulnerable citizens<br />
adequately housed with <strong>the</strong> support services<br />
necessary <strong>to</strong> enable <strong>the</strong>m <strong>to</strong> succeed as tenants<br />
is an important part of vhcb’s mission. recently<br />
funded developments include housing for people<br />
leaving homeless shelters, people with mental<br />
illness, battered women <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir children,<br />
homeless veterans <strong>and</strong> individuals in recovery<br />
from substance abuse.<br />
an important element of vhcb’s housing<br />
program is creating permanently affordable<br />
homeownership opportunities. since 1987 vhcb<br />
has helped approximately 800 vermonters<br />
become homeowners, most for <strong>the</strong> first time.<br />
During <strong>the</strong> period covered by this annual<br />
report 85 households benefitted from such<br />
vhcb assistance though a number of programs<br />
including homel<strong>and</strong>, Habitat for Humanity,<br />
new developments of condominiums or single<br />
family homes <strong>and</strong> resales of existing permanently<br />
affordable homes that are being stewarded by<br />
community l<strong>and</strong> trusts <strong>and</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r non-profit<br />
housing organizations. The resale restrictions<br />
that accompany vhcb purchase subsidies limit<br />
<strong>the</strong> buyer’s share of <strong>the</strong> home’s appreciation<br />
<strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>reby insure that <strong>the</strong> property will<br />
remain affordable <strong>to</strong> future generations of<br />
homebuyers.<br />
in all of its housing programs, vhcb remains<br />
committed <strong>to</strong> responding <strong>to</strong> community<br />
identified needs, investing in down<strong>to</strong>wns <strong>and</strong><br />
village centers, <strong>and</strong> serving lower-income<br />
vermonters with a wide range of housing<br />
needs.<br />
Funding Programs<br />
Through a number of innovative programs, <strong>the</strong> Board funds <strong>the</strong> acquisition,<br />
rehabilitation <strong>and</strong> construction of affordable housing. All vhcb-funded housing<br />
serves households earning less than 100 percent of median income. The<br />
majority of housing funded by VHCB serves households with incomes less than<br />
80 percent of median <strong>and</strong> often between 30 <strong>and</strong> 50 percent of median income.<br />
Feasibility Funds Grants of up <strong>to</strong> $15,000 pay for predevelopment costs such<br />
as appraisals, engineering <strong>and</strong> environmental studies, energy audits, options,<br />
preliminary architectural <strong>and</strong> title work <strong>and</strong> market analyses.<br />
Multi-Family Rental <strong>Housing</strong> The Board funds acquisition <strong>and</strong> rehabilitation<br />
or new construction of rental housing.<br />
HOME Program Private developers <strong>and</strong> non-profit organizations are eligible <strong>to</strong><br />
apply for federal HOME funds <strong>to</strong> increase <strong>the</strong> affordability of rental housing.<br />
<strong>Annual</strong> reporting <strong>and</strong> income verification requirements apply.<br />
Service-Supported <strong>Housing</strong> Social service agencies provide support services<br />
specific <strong>to</strong> residents’ needs (for elders, battered women, or physically, developmentally,<br />
or mentally disabled persons, for example).<br />
Site-Based Home Ownership Funding is available for home ownership units in<br />
multi-unit developments.<br />
Home Ownership Programs<br />
• Homel<strong>and</strong> Grants of up <strong>to</strong> $40,000 subsidize <strong>the</strong> cost of single family<br />
homes, duplexes <strong>and</strong> condominiums, increasing affordability <strong>and</strong> guaranteeing<br />
perpetual affordability upon resale. Appreciation is limited by an<br />
agreement between <strong>the</strong> non-profit <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> home owner. In return, <strong>the</strong><br />
purchase price of <strong>the</strong> home is reduced significantly.<br />
• Single Family Assistance Program Participating non-profit housing organizations<br />
administer grants of up <strong>to</strong> $4,000 <strong>to</strong> assist homebuyers with down<br />
payment <strong>and</strong> closing costs.<br />
• Habitat for Humanity & Vocational Education Grants help pay for l<strong>and</strong><br />
or lower <strong>the</strong> costs of construction. The resulting savings are passed on <strong>to</strong><br />
first-time home buyers.<br />
• Mobile Home Parks VHCB funds assist with <strong>the</strong> purchase <strong>and</strong> upgrading<br />
of mobile home parks by non-profit housing organizations or co-ops.<br />
• Mobile Home Purchase Subsidy Program Funds assist low-income households<br />
<strong>to</strong> purchase mobile homes in non-profit– or cooperatively-owned<br />
mobile home parks. Funds are provided for down payment assistance, <strong>to</strong><br />
prevent foreclosure, or <strong>to</strong> upgrade or replace deteriorated homes.<br />
Transitional <strong>Housing</strong> Fund supports <strong>the</strong> development of housing for people in<br />
transition who need both temporary housing as well as support services.<br />
<strong>Housing</strong> for Persons Living with HIV/AIDS Federal funds from <strong>the</strong> U.S. Department<br />
of <strong>Housing</strong> <strong>and</strong> Urban Development subsidize housing <strong>and</strong> supplemental<br />
services for persons living with HIV/AIDS.<br />
Energy Fund One-time set aside provides small grants for upgrades <strong>to</strong> building<br />
systems in multi-unit apartment buildings leading <strong>to</strong> reduced energy costs.<br />
Lead Paint Hazard Reduction Program Homeowners <strong>and</strong> l<strong>and</strong>lords utilize federal<br />
funds for services <strong>to</strong> reduce lead hazards in older buildlings.<br />
5
6<br />
Conservation Programs<br />
“I could have sold <strong>the</strong> l<strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong> a developer for more, but <strong>the</strong>y would<br />
have developed every square inch. And can you imagine <strong>the</strong> impact<br />
on <strong>the</strong> <strong>to</strong>wn? I’ve spent my whole life here. This was our chance <strong>to</strong><br />
do something good for Hinesburg.” — Wayne Bissonette<br />
VHCB Conservation Programs<br />
Benefit Environment <strong>and</strong> Economy<br />
In <strong>the</strong> last 18 months, vhcb funded 26 farml<strong>and</strong> protection projects, 20 natural<br />
area <strong>and</strong> outdoor recreation projects, <strong>and</strong> five his<strong>to</strong>ric preservation projects.<br />
in addition, <strong>the</strong> farm viability enhancement Program, supported <strong>and</strong> administered<br />
by vhcb, provided business planning <strong>and</strong> technical assistance <strong>to</strong> a <strong>to</strong>tal of<br />
54 farmers. The s<strong>to</strong>ries profiled in this report, along with <strong>the</strong> list of project awards,<br />
provide an overview of <strong>the</strong> multiple benefits of conservation.<br />
Farml<strong>and</strong> Protection<br />
acting on applications from all corners of <strong>the</strong> state, <strong>the</strong> farml<strong>and</strong> Protection<br />
Program reflects <strong>the</strong> diversity of agriculture in vermont. <strong>to</strong> name a few examples<br />
funded this year:<br />
• Benning<strong>to</strong>n: An 86-acre Christmas tree farm owned by Barry Horst was<br />
protected with a vhcb grant <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> vermont l<strong>and</strong> trust (vlt) for <strong>the</strong> purchase<br />
of development rights.<br />
• Alburgh: The Board made a grant <strong>to</strong> vlt for <strong>the</strong> purchase of development<br />
rights on leo <strong>and</strong> nancy Henry’s 359-acre organic dairy farm on <strong>the</strong> canadian<br />
border.<br />
Fiscal Year 2008<br />
CONSERVATION<br />
STATE FUNDING COMMITMENTS<br />
Agricultural L<strong>and</strong>:<br />
$3,596,207<br />
26 farms; 4,459 acres<br />
Natural Areas, Recreational L<strong>and</strong>s,<br />
His<strong>to</strong>ric Properties:<br />
$2,913,161<br />
20 projects; 1,917 acres<br />
5 his<strong>to</strong>ric properties<br />
FEDERAL FUNDS<br />
Farm <strong>and</strong> Ranchl<strong>and</strong><br />
Protection Program:<br />
$4,089,500<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> L<strong>and</strong> Trust pho<strong>to</strong>
• Springfield: vhcb made funds available for <strong>the</strong> protection of a 38-acre,<br />
fifth generation vegetable farm on <strong>the</strong> connecticut river owned by David <strong>and</strong><br />
Jennifer Blais.<br />
• St. Johnsbury: vhcb granted <strong>the</strong> agency of agriculture funds for development<br />
rights on gary <strong>and</strong> veronica olcott’s 155-acre dairy farm.<br />
Natural Areas <strong>and</strong> Recreation L<strong>and</strong>s<br />
The dem<strong>and</strong> for natural area <strong>and</strong> recreation l<strong>and</strong> funding exceeds vhcb’s funding<br />
capacity. among <strong>the</strong> projects funded this year:<br />
• Bellows Falls: The Windmill Hill Pinnacle Association moved quickly<br />
<strong>to</strong> save Bald Hill, a prominent wooded hill behind <strong>the</strong> high school for hiking,<br />
skiing, mountain biking, cross-country running, <strong>and</strong> educational activities.<br />
• West Haven <strong>and</strong> Fair Haven: The Nature Conservancy needed funds <strong>to</strong><br />
secure <strong>the</strong> habitat around one of only two known timber rattlesnake dens in<br />
vermont. vhcb made <strong>the</strong> grant that will allow for this important acquisition.<br />
• Middlesex: The Middlesex Conservation Commission worked diligently<br />
<strong>to</strong> negotiate <strong>the</strong> purchase of over 400 acres of forested l<strong>and</strong> at <strong>the</strong> sou<strong>the</strong>rn end<br />
of <strong>the</strong> Worcester range. vhcb’s grant may lead <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> creation of a new hiking<br />
trail from middlesex notch north <strong>to</strong>ward <strong>the</strong> summit of Hunger mountain.<br />
His<strong>to</strong>ric Preservation<br />
In his<strong>to</strong>ric preservation, <strong>the</strong> Board focuses its efforts on community groups<br />
that seek <strong>to</strong> save important his<strong>to</strong>ric buildings <strong>and</strong> renovate <strong>the</strong>m for public<br />
use. a sampling:<br />
• Readsboro: The Board provided funds <strong>to</strong> Readsboro Home<strong>to</strong>wn Redevelopment<br />
inc. for <strong>the</strong> rehabilitation of <strong>the</strong> 1890 Bullock Building—a l<strong>and</strong>mark,<br />
three-s<strong>to</strong>ry structure in <strong>the</strong> center of <strong>the</strong> village. a mixture of public uses is<br />
planned.<br />
• Browning<strong>to</strong>n: vhcb funded res<strong>to</strong>ration of <strong>the</strong> samuel read Hall House.<br />
This 1831 federal style mansion, owned by <strong>the</strong> orleans county His<strong>to</strong>rical society,<br />
will become part of <strong>the</strong> old s<strong>to</strong>ne House museum complex, <strong>and</strong> will be used<br />
primarily for education activities.<br />
Farm Viability Enhancement Program<br />
The farm viability enhancement Program helps farmers exp<strong>and</strong>, innovate,<br />
diversify, <strong>and</strong> transfer ownership. examples of farm enterprises that received<br />
viability assistance include an organic dairy <strong>and</strong> maple operation in fairfield;<br />
an apple orchard in shelburne; a nursery <strong>and</strong> vineyard in Poultney; a large<br />
dairy in Braintree; an organic dairy <strong>and</strong> poultry operation in Hardwick; <strong>and</strong> a<br />
poultry <strong>and</strong> vegetable operation in Wheelock. read more about <strong>the</strong> program<br />
on page 30.<br />
Pictured opposite: The <strong>Vermont</strong> L<strong>and</strong> Trust, <strong>the</strong> Hinesburg L<strong>and</strong> Trust <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Trust<br />
for Public L<strong>and</strong>s worked with Wayne <strong>and</strong> Barbara Bissonette <strong>to</strong> conseve 600 acres of<br />
open <strong>and</strong> forested l<strong>and</strong> in Hinesburg including productive agricultural l<strong>and</strong>. The project<br />
features trails for <strong>the</strong> public, res<strong>to</strong>ration of 130 acres of wetl<strong>and</strong>s (with funding from<br />
<strong>the</strong> Clean <strong>and</strong> Clear Program), creation of a <strong>to</strong>wn forest <strong>and</strong> a <strong>to</strong>wn cemetery <strong>and</strong><br />
protection of habitat for an endangered bat species. (VHCB, federal <strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong>wn funds,<br />
local fundraising, foundation funding <strong>and</strong> a bargain sale by <strong>the</strong> Bissonettes.)<br />
Economic <strong>and</strong><br />
Environmental Impacts<br />
of L<strong>and</strong> Conservation<br />
What is <strong>the</strong> economic impact of conservation<br />
projects funded by VHCB?<br />
Farm <strong>and</strong> forest l<strong>and</strong> protection preserves<br />
jobs in agriculture, forestry, <strong>and</strong><br />
value-added processing. Income from<br />
farming <strong>and</strong> forestry ripples through<br />
communities, sustaining small businesses<br />
<strong>and</strong> services. Conservation helps<br />
diversify <strong>and</strong> stabilize local economies,<br />
drawing additional entrepreneurs <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
area. Conservation also focuses growth<br />
<strong>and</strong> investment on village centers,<br />
where his<strong>to</strong>ric building rehabilitation<br />
can streng<strong>the</strong>n down<strong>to</strong>wn commercial<br />
activity. On a larger scale, conserved<br />
l<strong>and</strong>scapes protect <strong>the</strong> rural image <strong>and</strong><br />
maintain <strong>the</strong> competitiveness of products<br />
that capitalize on <strong>the</strong> <strong>Vermont</strong> name.<br />
L<strong>and</strong> conservation also pays dividends<br />
in environmental protection. A<br />
uvm researcher found that acre for acre,<br />
developed l<strong>and</strong> generates three times<br />
more phosphorous than farml<strong>and</strong> (<strong>and</strong><br />
40 times as much as an acre of forestl<strong>and</strong>).<br />
Case studies by Forest Trends,<br />
an organization based in Washing<strong>to</strong>n<br />
D.C., have documented that conserving<br />
forestl<strong>and</strong> in a public watershed is far<br />
less expensive—<strong>and</strong> as effective—as<br />
upgrading water treatment plants. In<br />
addition, forests take in carbon dioxide (a<br />
greenhouse gas) while cooling <strong>the</strong> air <strong>and</strong><br />
reducing <strong>the</strong> danger of flooding.<br />
7
8<br />
Family Rental <strong>Housing</strong><br />
THE DALY SHOE BUILDING:<br />
Brattleboro’s New His<strong>to</strong>ric <strong>Housing</strong><br />
On Birge street in Brattleboro, a boarded up commercial warehouse that<br />
was originally owned by <strong>the</strong> Daly shoe company is now home <strong>to</strong> 29<br />
households. The non-profit housing developer Windham <strong>Housing</strong> trust<br />
(wht) also calls <strong>the</strong> building home, with <strong>the</strong>ir offices located in 5,000 square feet<br />
on <strong>the</strong> ground floor.<br />
The 37,000 square foot building was acquired by wht in 2007 with assistance<br />
from vhcb. This ambitious project was <strong>the</strong> organization’s first adaptive reuse<br />
initiative, creating new rental housing from vacant commercial space. Daly<br />
shoe Building is among a growing number of more financially complex housing<br />
development initiatives undertaken by Windham <strong>Housing</strong> trust in recent years.<br />
The majority of wht’s prior development work (encompassing more than 450<br />
permanently affordable homes <strong>and</strong> apartments) involved rehabilitation of existing<br />
rental housing in his<strong>to</strong>ric buildings <strong>and</strong> neighborhoods in down<strong>to</strong>wn Brattleboro<br />
<strong>and</strong> Windham county <strong>to</strong>wns. at Daly shoe, more new housing units were created<br />
in <strong>the</strong> <strong>to</strong>wn of Brattleboro than had been created in wht’s first 19 years.<br />
While preserving his<strong>to</strong>ric features including post-<strong>and</strong>-beam construction, large<br />
windows, high ceilings <strong>and</strong> original wood warehouse floors, wht incorporated<br />
new technologies <strong>and</strong> systems <strong>to</strong> save energy, water, <strong>and</strong> money. What’s more, <strong>the</strong><br />
comfortable, permanently-affordable apartments <strong>and</strong> office space are conveniently<br />
located within walking distance of down<strong>to</strong>wn Brattleboro.<br />
“The Daly Shoe building is <strong>the</strong> nicest<br />
place I have ever lived <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> most<br />
affordable place I’ve lived. This building<br />
is so beautiful with <strong>the</strong> large windows<br />
<strong>and</strong> views. There is a nice playground<br />
for my son <strong>to</strong> play, <strong>and</strong> I have great<br />
neighbors. I love living here.”<br />
— Tifani Tasca (with son, Mitchel)<br />
Andrew Kline pho<strong>to</strong><br />
© 2007 Jeff Woodward
Hollis Burbank-Hammarlund/WHT pho<strong>to</strong><br />
Solar Gain<br />
in recent months, <strong>the</strong> Windham <strong>Housing</strong> trust has turned <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> sun for<br />
assistance in maintaining <strong>the</strong> affordability of its rental apartments, installing its first<br />
set of solar panels high a<strong>to</strong>p <strong>the</strong> Daly shoe Building. additional domestic hot water<br />
solar installations are planned for five o<strong>the</strong>r WHt buildings with 28 apartments<br />
in Brattleboro, including <strong>the</strong> abbott Block on canal street <strong>and</strong> properties located<br />
on elliot street <strong>and</strong> Hor<strong>to</strong>n Place. funding for <strong>the</strong>se solar energy projects is made<br />
possible through <strong>the</strong> vermont energy investment corporation’s solar <strong>and</strong> small<br />
Wind incentive Program.<br />
Daly shoe’s new solar hot water system will act as a pre-heater for <strong>the</strong> existing<br />
indirect water heaters, which are heated by <strong>the</strong> building’s oil-fired boilers, <strong>and</strong><br />
will provide an estimated 70 percent of <strong>the</strong> hot water needs for <strong>the</strong> building. This<br />
technology represents an important new direction for wht, as <strong>the</strong> organization<br />
searches for innovative ways <strong>to</strong> improve <strong>the</strong> energy efficiency of its housing<br />
portfolio. (like most non-profit housing developers, wht pays tenants’ heating<br />
costs. The organizations are limited in <strong>the</strong>ir ability <strong>to</strong> raise rents due <strong>to</strong> affordability<br />
restrictions that come with vhcb <strong>and</strong> federal home Program funding.)<br />
on average, wht’s water heating bills should drop 50–80 percent by going<br />
solar. The installation of solar panels at o<strong>the</strong>r wht properties in 2009 is expected<br />
<strong>to</strong> annually save wht more than $12,500 <strong>and</strong> nearly 3,000 gallons of heating oil.<br />
<strong>and</strong> because energy from <strong>the</strong> sun is free, wht will be protected, in part, from fuel<br />
shortages <strong>and</strong> price hikes in <strong>the</strong> future. in turn, this will ensure wht is able <strong>to</strong> keep<br />
its rents affordable <strong>and</strong> its tenants comfortable.<br />
before<br />
DALY SHOE FACTS:<br />
Developer:<br />
Windham <strong>Housing</strong> Trust<br />
Adaptive reuse of 37,000<br />
square feet on two floors<br />
29 apartments plus<br />
Windham <strong>Housing</strong> Trust offices<br />
Walking distance <strong>to</strong> down<strong>to</strong>wn<br />
Preservation of his<strong>to</strong>ric details:<br />
post-<strong>and</strong>-beam construction, large<br />
windows, high ceilings <strong>and</strong> original<br />
wood warehouse floors<br />
Energy-saving technologies <strong>and</strong><br />
systems including wht’s first<br />
solar hot water system<br />
Total Development Costs:<br />
$6,922,670<br />
<strong>General</strong> Contrac<strong>to</strong>r:<br />
Baybutt Construction<br />
Architect:<br />
Williams & Frehsee Architects<br />
Engineer:<br />
Stevens & Associates<br />
Development Consultant:<br />
J.D. Kan<strong>to</strong>r, Inc.<br />
9
Since 1987, VHCB’s Farml<strong>and</strong> Conservation<br />
Program has conserved<br />
over 126,000 acres on 490 farms.<br />
Working in partnership with <strong>the</strong> <strong>Vermont</strong><br />
Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets <strong>and</strong> non-profit conservation organizations<br />
such as <strong>the</strong> <strong>Vermont</strong> L<strong>and</strong> Trust <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Upper Valley L<strong>and</strong> Trust, <strong>Vermont</strong>’s investment<br />
has been met with private support from <strong>the</strong> Freeman Foundation <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Merck Fund. Since 1997, with help from Sena<strong>to</strong>r Patrick Leahy, VHCB has received<br />
$26 million through <strong>the</strong> federal Farml<strong>and</strong> Protection Program administered by<br />
<strong>the</strong> usda Natural Resource Conservation Service. These federal funds match up<br />
<strong>to</strong> 50 percent of <strong>the</strong> cost of each easement, leveraging <strong>the</strong> state’s investment <strong>to</strong><br />
conserve <strong>Vermont</strong>’s most productive farml<strong>and</strong>.<br />
Agriculture remains an important sec<strong>to</strong>r of <strong>Vermont</strong>’s economy, generating<br />
$674 million in cash receipts in 2007. Securing <strong>Vermont</strong>’s agricultural l<strong>and</strong> base<br />
is vital <strong>to</strong> ensuring that our agricultural sec<strong>to</strong>r remains vibrant <strong>and</strong> strong. While<br />
dairy farming remains <strong>the</strong> backbone of <strong>Vermont</strong>’s agricultural industry, interest in<br />
diversification, direct marketing, <strong>and</strong> transitioning <strong>to</strong> organic continues <strong>to</strong> intensify,<br />
with many farmers seeking assistance through <strong>the</strong> Farm Viability Enhancement<br />
Program described on page 30.<br />
With milk prices expected <strong>to</strong> drop sharply in 2009, <strong>and</strong> costs of production<br />
such as fuel <strong>and</strong> grain remaining high, dairy farmers are bracing <strong>the</strong>mselves once<br />
again for <strong>to</strong>ugh economic times, <strong>and</strong> are more likely than ever <strong>to</strong> seek <strong>to</strong> diversify<br />
or transition <strong>to</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r types of farming enterprises.<br />
Through <strong>the</strong> purchase of permanent conservation easements, <strong>the</strong> Farml<strong>and</strong><br />
Conservation Program protects working farml<strong>and</strong> with good agricultural soils in<br />
strong farming communities where agriculture is likely <strong>to</strong> remain viable. Farmers<br />
use proceeds from <strong>the</strong> sale of development rights <strong>to</strong> invest in <strong>the</strong>ir operations by<br />
modernizing facilities, financing new farm enterprises, buying additional farml<strong>and</strong>,<br />
or <strong>to</strong> transfer conserved farml<strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> next generation of farmers at an affordable<br />
price.<br />
The Farml<strong>and</strong> Conservation Program operates on a willing buyer/willing seller<br />
basis, with appraisals determining <strong>the</strong> price that is paid for an agricultural conservation<br />
easement. In order <strong>to</strong> keep conserved farml<strong>and</strong> in <strong>the</strong> h<strong>and</strong>s of working<br />
farmers, VHCB encourages farmers <strong>to</strong> include <strong>the</strong> “Option <strong>to</strong> Purchase at Agricultural<br />
Value” in <strong>the</strong> easement. Farmers who decide <strong>to</strong> include this affordability<br />
option in <strong>the</strong> easement are compensated additionally if <strong>the</strong>y agree <strong>to</strong> restrict <strong>the</strong><br />
future sales price of <strong>the</strong> conserved l<strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong> its agricultural value. During <strong>the</strong> last<br />
year, all <strong>the</strong> conserving farmers have agreed <strong>to</strong> include <strong>the</strong> affordability option in<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir 10 easements.<br />
Farml<strong>and</strong> Conservation Program<br />
Bob Eddy pho<strong>to</strong>s<br />
“Federal funds match up <strong>to</strong><br />
50 percent of <strong>the</strong> cost of<br />
each easement, leveraging<br />
<strong>the</strong> state’s investment <strong>to</strong><br />
conserve <strong>Vermont</strong>’s most<br />
productive farml<strong>and</strong>.”
Rutl<strong>and</strong> Area Farm <strong>and</strong> Food Link:<br />
An Incuba<strong>to</strong>r for Young Farmers in Rutl<strong>and</strong> County<br />
Reprinted from <strong>the</strong> <strong>Vermont</strong> L<strong>and</strong> Trust <strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong>.<br />
S<strong>to</strong>ry by Tamarack Media Pho<strong>to</strong>s by Caleb Kenna<br />
Rutl<strong>and</strong> farmer greg cox likes <strong>to</strong> talk about his diversified farm in terms of rudolf steiner’s<br />
<strong>the</strong>ory of biodynamics. “my philosophy is that you need <strong>to</strong> think about <strong>the</strong> farm as a whole<br />
<strong>and</strong> how things are connected,” he explains, “<strong>and</strong> also how people are part of that connection.”<br />
out in his 15 acres of organic vegetables, <strong>the</strong>se connections mean using <strong>the</strong> manure from <strong>the</strong> animals<br />
he raises as fertilizer <strong>and</strong> trusting that each year <strong>the</strong>re will be thriving crops that compensate for any<br />
disappointing harvests.<br />
greg also sees <strong>the</strong>se connections extending beyond Boardman Hill farm <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> rutl<strong>and</strong> community.<br />
for example, through a pilot program administered by <strong>the</strong> nor<strong>the</strong>ast organic farming association<br />
(nofa), he is providing nutritious, local food <strong>to</strong><br />
over 150 seniors in <strong>the</strong> area—a satisfying complement<br />
<strong>to</strong> his thriving city farmst<strong>and</strong>, large csa, <strong>and</strong><br />
bustling farmers’ market trade.<br />
Despite growing interest in local food in rutl<strong>and</strong><br />
county, greg remains concerned about one<br />
major challenge <strong>to</strong> agriculture in <strong>the</strong> region: <strong>the</strong><br />
lack of young people going in<strong>to</strong> farming. as a men<strong>to</strong>r<br />
<strong>to</strong> nofa apprentices <strong>and</strong> green mountain college<br />
students, he cultivates <strong>the</strong> next generation one<br />
farmer at a time. <strong>and</strong> if a particularly committed<br />
<strong>and</strong> passionate intern comes along, greg <strong>and</strong> his<br />
wife, gay, have been known <strong>to</strong> lend <strong>the</strong> aspiring<br />
farmer equipment <strong>and</strong> a few acres on which <strong>to</strong><br />
hone skills <strong>and</strong> develop his or her markets.<br />
a few years back, greg joined with o<strong>the</strong>r farmers,<br />
local planners, <strong>and</strong> concerned citizens <strong>to</strong> exp<strong>and</strong> his efforts <strong>to</strong> grow agriculture in rutl<strong>and</strong> from<br />
<strong>the</strong> bot<strong>to</strong>m up. The result is <strong>the</strong> rutl<strong>and</strong> area farm <strong>and</strong> food link (raffl), a new incuba<strong>to</strong>r for young<br />
farmers modeled on Burling<strong>to</strong>n’s intervale. Their plans range from acquiring l<strong>and</strong> with <strong>the</strong> help of vlt<br />
<strong>to</strong> investing in flash freezing equipment <strong>and</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r infrastructure.<br />
“The economic model that we want <strong>to</strong> create here is a real community-based food system with a<br />
priority on accessibility,” says greg. “Where’s our economic future? i think it’s what started communities<br />
from <strong>the</strong> beginning—agriculture. We can create a community <strong>and</strong> an engine for jobs around clean,<br />
local food that’s affordable.”<br />
in an early raffl planning meeting, greg was introduced <strong>to</strong> local vlt staff <strong>and</strong> began <strong>to</strong> think about<br />
<strong>the</strong> future of his own farm. This last year, he conserved it through vlt with support from <strong>the</strong> vermont<br />
<strong>Housing</strong> <strong>and</strong> conservation Board. “i owe this place a lot more than it owes me. it has provided for my<br />
family <strong>and</strong> provided for so many families over <strong>the</strong> years. so i really wanted <strong>to</strong> conserve this l<strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong><br />
make sure it continued as a farm.”<br />
greg feels in his heart that his children will continue <strong>to</strong> farm at Boardman Hill, but now he knows for<br />
sure that if <strong>the</strong>y don’t, someone will. <strong>and</strong>, with raffl helping new farmers get started <strong>and</strong> weaving <strong>the</strong><br />
connections between farms <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> community, <strong>the</strong> future of agriculture in rutl<strong>and</strong> is looking bright.<br />
11
12<br />
Home Ownership<br />
At Green Woods Village in Shoreham,<br />
<strong>the</strong> Addison County Community<br />
Trust is developing eight homes,<br />
three of which are subsidized with<br />
VHCB Homel<strong>and</strong> grants. Located close<br />
<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> village green in <strong>the</strong> center of<br />
<strong>to</strong>wn, <strong>the</strong> home designs blend in with<br />
<strong>the</strong> his<strong>to</strong>ric res<strong>to</strong>ration of <strong>the</strong> New<strong>to</strong>n<br />
Academy, also supported with VHCB<br />
funds. The homes have <strong>the</strong> highest<br />
government Energy Star rating of 5+<br />
stars, <strong>and</strong> come with energy efficient<br />
appliances.<br />
ACCT is working in partnership with<br />
local contrac<strong>to</strong>r Jeremiah Parker Res<strong>to</strong>ration,<br />
who is building <strong>the</strong> homes<br />
<strong>and</strong> completing <strong>the</strong> work on <strong>the</strong><br />
New<strong>to</strong>n Academy. The First National<br />
Bank of Orwell recently donated a<br />
178-year-old, two-s<strong>to</strong>ry farmhouse<br />
that ACCT moved <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> site <strong>to</strong> be reconfigured<br />
in<strong>to</strong> two additional homes<br />
for sale.<br />
The <strong>Vermont</strong> Smart Growth Collaborative<br />
has praised <strong>the</strong> public-private<br />
partnership between ACCT, <strong>the</strong> local<br />
bank <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> builder.<br />
Homel<strong>and</strong> Program<br />
The Homel<strong>and</strong> Program provides purchase subsidies <strong>and</strong> assistance with down<br />
payment <strong>and</strong> closing costs <strong>to</strong> make home ownership more affordable for moderateincome<br />
vermonters. since <strong>the</strong> program was established in 1990, vhcb has enabled<br />
nearly 800 households <strong>to</strong> purchase a new home with <strong>the</strong> help of a Homel<strong>and</strong><br />
purchase subsidy grant. in addition <strong>to</strong> grants for <strong>the</strong> purchase of single-family<br />
homes, vhcb also provides awards <strong>to</strong> subsidize <strong>the</strong> purchase of condominiums<br />
in multi-family developments.<br />
This year, vhcb awarded $802,000 <strong>to</strong> provide purchase subsidies <strong>to</strong> 16 purchasers<br />
in chittenden, addison, rutl<strong>and</strong>, Washing<strong>to</strong>n, Windham <strong>and</strong> Windsor<br />
counties. nine rehab loans were also awarded <strong>to</strong> existing homeowners <strong>to</strong> help<br />
with home maintenance. There are now 10 groups across <strong>the</strong> state working with<br />
this program.<br />
Homel<strong>and</strong> funds subsidize <strong>the</strong> purchase of for-sale homes, increasing affordability<br />
<strong>and</strong> guaranteeing permanent affordability upon resale. appreciation is limited<br />
by an agreement between <strong>the</strong> non-profit <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> home buyer. in return, <strong>the</strong> price<br />
of <strong>the</strong> home <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> buyer is reduced by <strong>the</strong> amount of <strong>the</strong> grant. The non-profit<br />
retains <strong>the</strong> first option <strong>to</strong> market <strong>the</strong> property when <strong>the</strong> home buyer who received<br />
<strong>the</strong> subsidy decides <strong>to</strong> sell. This model results in <strong>the</strong> affordable resale of homes<br />
without additional public subsidy.<br />
How It Works<br />
applicants for Homel<strong>and</strong> funds are pre-qualified <strong>to</strong> purchase a home within<br />
a given price range based upon <strong>the</strong>ir income. Depending on income level, need,<br />
<strong>and</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r fac<strong>to</strong>rs, home owners may receive grants of 20 percent of <strong>the</strong> purchase<br />
price—up <strong>to</strong> $40,000—<strong>to</strong>wards <strong>the</strong> price of a home. Buyers obtain mortgage loan<br />
financing <strong>and</strong> contribute at least $1,500 of <strong>the</strong>ir own cash resources <strong>to</strong>wards down<br />
payment <strong>and</strong> closing costs. low-interest mortgage loan financing from <strong>the</strong> vermont<br />
<strong>Housing</strong> finance agency is available through private banks statewide. usda rural<br />
Development also sponsors low-interest mortgage financing programs. additional<br />
loans of up <strong>to</strong> $4,000, repayable upon <strong>the</strong> sale of <strong>the</strong> home, are available <strong>to</strong> assist<br />
with rehabilitation, down payment <strong>and</strong> closing costs.<br />
successful completion of a one-day home purchase education program at one of<br />
<strong>the</strong> neighborWorks ® Homeownership centers around <strong>the</strong> state is a requirement<br />
for each buyer receiving Homel<strong>and</strong> funds. The six neighborWorks ® Homeownership<br />
centers are located in Burling<strong>to</strong>n, st. albans, springfield, West rutl<strong>and</strong>,<br />
lyndonville <strong>and</strong> Barre.<br />
To find out more about <strong>the</strong> Homel<strong>and</strong> Program<br />
or <strong>to</strong> be referred <strong>to</strong> a participating non-profit,<br />
call 828-2965 or find contact information for<br />
participating organizations at:<br />
www.vthomeownership.org
Harvey <strong>and</strong> Trina Draper with daughter Tenika <strong>and</strong> sons Ryan <strong>and</strong> Jordan.<br />
g r e e n mo u n t a i n ha b i t a t fo r hu m a n i t y :<br />
Creating A New Neighborhood in Mil<strong>to</strong>n<br />
Located off Barnum street near <strong>the</strong> center of mil<strong>to</strong>n is trayah street, <strong>the</strong> site<br />
of a 5-lot development created by green mountain Habitat for Humanity<br />
where this year, volunteers <strong>and</strong> families <strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r built three identical ranch<br />
homes. next year, two more homes will be completed. according <strong>to</strong> David mullin,<br />
Direc<strong>to</strong>r of <strong>the</strong> Habitat chapter, “vhcb provides funds that enable us <strong>to</strong> start<br />
<strong>the</strong> projects, <strong>and</strong> we bring private donations <strong>to</strong> create <strong>the</strong> most affordable housing<br />
available.”<br />
neatly finished with grey clapboard <strong>and</strong> white trim, each home has a front<br />
porch, an open floor plan with kitchen, living <strong>and</strong> dining area, three bedrooms, a<br />
full basement <strong>and</strong> a separate shed.<br />
The three families that moved in early in november have eight children between<br />
<strong>the</strong>m, creating a new neighborhood. The kids walk <strong>to</strong> school <strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r—one group<br />
<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> high school <strong>and</strong> ano<strong>the</strong>r <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> elementary school. They got <strong>to</strong> know each<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r this summer.<br />
“We hit it off right from <strong>the</strong> beginning,” trina Draper says of her neighbors.<br />
While <strong>the</strong> homes were going up, <strong>the</strong> kids were “hanging out,” says trina, mo<strong>the</strong>r<br />
of ryan (14), Jordan (12) <strong>and</strong> tenika (10).<br />
trina <strong>and</strong> Harvey Draper moved <strong>the</strong>ir family <strong>to</strong> mil<strong>to</strong>n from fairfax, where for<br />
15 years <strong>the</strong>y had lived with trina’s parents. for <strong>the</strong> last 10 years, trina has provided<br />
care for her mo<strong>the</strong>r, who is disabled—nearly a full-time job. she’ll continue <strong>to</strong> do<br />
so, traveling <strong>to</strong> fairfax daily. The Draper’s home is wheelchair accessible, so when<br />
her mo<strong>the</strong>r feels up <strong>to</strong> it, she can come visit.<br />
as part of <strong>the</strong>ir contract with Habitat,<br />
each adult in <strong>the</strong> family is required<br />
<strong>to</strong> contribute 200 hours of “sweat equity,”<br />
helping <strong>to</strong> build <strong>the</strong>ir own home, with<br />
ten percent of that time spent working<br />
on ano<strong>the</strong>r Habitat home or fundraising<br />
for <strong>the</strong> organization. Harvey Draper<br />
works for Business interiors in Willis<strong>to</strong>n.<br />
He was able <strong>to</strong> pitch in on <strong>the</strong><br />
weekends.<br />
“i put 500 hours in,” said trina, “i<br />
had <strong>the</strong> crew we called ‘<strong>the</strong> old geezers.’<br />
There was grant <strong>and</strong> gil <strong>and</strong> Joe, two<br />
lees, <strong>and</strong> a guy named ron. They were<br />
all older than 70. everyday we set a goal<br />
for ourselves, something we knew we<br />
could accomplish.”<br />
The regular crew worked two days a<br />
week, beginning in July. They were joined<br />
by volunteer crews from ge Healthcare<br />
information technology, Best Buy, iBm,<br />
loews <strong>and</strong> church groups.<br />
trina recalls, “We put <strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r a crew<br />
on a saturday. There were about 10 of<br />
us here that day, <strong>and</strong> a boom truck, <strong>and</strong><br />
mind you it was 90º. We got <strong>the</strong> trusses<br />
up in an hour <strong>and</strong> a half.”<br />
asked if <strong>the</strong>y will help with <strong>the</strong> two<br />
houses going up next summer, trina<br />
says, “We know how we felt. i’d work<br />
<strong>the</strong> next house just <strong>to</strong> have a good time<br />
building like i did. We’d all be working<br />
on our houses <strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r <strong>and</strong> could holler<br />
back <strong>and</strong> forth. it was fun, <strong>and</strong> we had<br />
a good time.”<br />
“it was time <strong>to</strong> get our own place,”<br />
says Harvey, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> kids seem <strong>to</strong> be adjusting<br />
<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir new home, new friends<br />
<strong>and</strong> new schools.<br />
VHCB funding helped Green Mountain<br />
Habitat for Humanity purchase <strong>the</strong> l<strong>and</strong><br />
for <strong>the</strong> 5-lot development <strong>and</strong> provided<br />
purchase subsidy grants <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> home<br />
owners. The benefit of <strong>the</strong> initial subsidy is<br />
passed on <strong>to</strong> subsequent buyers.<br />
13
14<br />
Recreational L<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> Natural Areas<br />
Hiking <strong>the</strong> Windmill Ridge<br />
by susan shea <strong>and</strong> ted vogt<br />
This is an abridged version of an article that originally appeared<br />
in The long trail news, published by <strong>the</strong> Green Mountain Club<br />
Susan Shea pho<strong>to</strong><br />
In <strong>the</strong> sou<strong>the</strong>astern corner of vermont, thanks <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> efforts of dedicated<br />
volunteers, a new trail system has emerged over <strong>the</strong> past two decades. The<br />
14-mile long Windmill ridge trail <strong>and</strong> its ten side trails traverse a long ridge<br />
through rockingham, a<strong>the</strong>ns, Westminster, Brookline, <strong>and</strong> Putney. The Putney<br />
mountain association (pma) <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Windmill Hill Pinnacle association (whpa)<br />
joined forces <strong>to</strong> build this trail network, <strong>and</strong> have conserved over 2,000 acres <strong>to</strong><br />
create a nature reserve surrounding it. says Bev major, one of <strong>the</strong> founders of <strong>the</strong><br />
Windmill Hill Pinnacle association, “This part of vermont has much less public<br />
access <strong>and</strong> conserved l<strong>and</strong> than o<strong>the</strong>r areas. We wanted <strong>the</strong>re <strong>to</strong> be a trail for local<br />
people <strong>to</strong> use <strong>to</strong> enjoy <strong>the</strong> outdoors.”<br />
Blazed in white, <strong>the</strong> Windmill ridge trail follows a south-north running ridge<br />
connecting <strong>the</strong> summits of Putney mountain (1660 ft.), <strong>the</strong> Pinnacle (1683 ft.) <strong>and</strong><br />
Paul’s ledges. from <strong>the</strong> high points, <strong>the</strong>re are stunning vistas <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> west of mount<br />
snow, magic mountain <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> green mountain range, including Bromley, strat<strong>to</strong>n<br />
<strong>and</strong> Killing<strong>to</strong>n. Pocket views may be had <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> east of <strong>the</strong> connecticut river valley<br />
<strong>and</strong> mount monadnock in new Hampshire. on a clear day, mount ascutney can<br />
be seen <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> north <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> sou<strong>the</strong>rn White mountains <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> nor<strong>the</strong>ast.<br />
s<strong>to</strong>ne Walls, Hawks, <strong>and</strong> Hemlocks<br />
Hugh Davis, President of <strong>the</strong> Putney mountain association, notes that Windmill<br />
ridge is “unique in that it’s pretty remote <strong>and</strong> un<strong>to</strong>uched by development due <strong>to</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> difficulty of access.” true <strong>to</strong>day, but as <strong>the</strong> many s<strong>to</strong>ne walls, old roads, <strong>and</strong><br />
occasional cellar hole attest, <strong>the</strong> area was cleared for agriculture <strong>and</strong> habitation in<br />
colonial times. it was used extensively for sheep pasture, in some places as recently<br />
Since 1987, VHCB has assisted<br />
<strong>the</strong> Windmill Hill Pinnacle<br />
Association <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Putney<br />
Mountain Association with grant<br />
awards for 11 projects <strong>to</strong> acquire<br />
2,022 acres.
as <strong>the</strong> 1940s. The remains of a lime kiln from <strong>the</strong> first half of <strong>the</strong> nineteenth century<br />
can be found along <strong>the</strong> Dunn nature trail, where impure marble was heated for<br />
days <strong>to</strong> obtain lime.<br />
many species of wildlife live in <strong>the</strong> recovering forests along <strong>the</strong> Windmill ridge,<br />
including moose, black bear, deer, <strong>and</strong> fisher. Habitat is varied, <strong>and</strong> ranges from<br />
groves of beech-maple <strong>and</strong> red oak <strong>to</strong> pocket wetl<strong>and</strong>s <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> rare hophornbeam<br />
savanna, an open woodl<strong>and</strong> that may have originally been established by fire.<br />
several rare plant species are found in <strong>the</strong> reserve, including <strong>the</strong> vermont<br />
endangered barbed bulrush. Dense st<strong>and</strong>s of hemlock provide important deer<br />
wintering habitat. Hemlocks were once prevalent on <strong>the</strong> northwestern oriented<br />
slopes of <strong>the</strong> ridge but were heavily logged. The patches that remain are a beautiful<br />
feature of <strong>the</strong> trail, <strong>and</strong> contain some extraordinary trees.<br />
Putney mountain has long been known as a hawk-watching site during <strong>the</strong><br />
fall migration. Thous<strong>and</strong>s of rap<strong>to</strong>rs ride <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>rmals which rise above <strong>the</strong> ridge.<br />
Broad-winged hawks, red-tails, kestrels, ospreys, <strong>and</strong> turkey vultures are some<br />
of <strong>the</strong> birds of prey commonly sighted. The reserve contains over a dozen vernal<br />
pools, small temporary ponds in <strong>the</strong> woods where frogs <strong>and</strong> salam<strong>and</strong>ers breed in<br />
<strong>the</strong> spring. a goal of both organizations is <strong>to</strong> conserve <strong>the</strong>se upl<strong>and</strong>s for wildlife<br />
habitat, in addition <strong>to</strong> recreation <strong>and</strong> education.<br />
Beginning in <strong>the</strong> late 1980s, <strong>to</strong> date <strong>the</strong> Windmill Hill Pinnacle association has<br />
conserved 23 parcels of l<strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong>taling 1,562 acres through purchase, donations, <strong>and</strong><br />
conservation easements. The Putney mountain association has now protected 460<br />
acres. The success of <strong>the</strong> groups’ conservation efforts has been due in large part <strong>to</strong><br />
funding from <strong>the</strong> vermont <strong>Housing</strong> <strong>and</strong> conservation Board. “vhcb has been a<br />
marvelous resource for us,” says major.<br />
An Outdoor Lab<br />
in addition <strong>to</strong> providing a wonderful recreational trail network <strong>and</strong> a wildlife<br />
corridor, <strong>the</strong> Windmill ridge serves as an outdoor labora<strong>to</strong>ry <strong>to</strong> teach children<br />
about nature, says arthur Westing, a whpa founder <strong>and</strong> long-time board member.<br />
The Westminster <strong>and</strong> Putney schools <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> private compass school all use <strong>the</strong><br />
area. a uvm Ph.D. student studied bears <strong>the</strong>re, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> fieldwork for at least two<br />
master’s degrees has been conducted in <strong>the</strong> nature reserve. pma <strong>and</strong> whpa have<br />
moni<strong>to</strong>red animal tracks in <strong>the</strong> winter <strong>and</strong> vernal pools in <strong>the</strong> spring. The reserve<br />
has two self-guided nature trails with brochures available at <strong>the</strong> trailhead.<br />
future plans of <strong>the</strong> two groups include closing <strong>the</strong> mile-long gap in <strong>the</strong> ridge trail<br />
at <strong>the</strong> nor<strong>the</strong>rn end of <strong>the</strong> reserve <strong>and</strong> extending <strong>the</strong> trail southward <strong>to</strong> link with<br />
trails being developed in Dummers<strong>to</strong>n. a new side trail off <strong>the</strong> Pinnacle is under<br />
construction, with <strong>the</strong> assistance of <strong>the</strong> vermont Youth conservation corps.<br />
side trails <strong>and</strong> dirt roads in <strong>the</strong> area allow a number of loop hike possibilities.<br />
most of <strong>the</strong> Windmill ridge trail is easy <strong>to</strong> moderate in difficulty. once one is on<br />
<strong>the</strong> ridge, though <strong>the</strong>re are some short, sporty bits, <strong>the</strong>re are no extended climbs<br />
or descents.<br />
This trail system packs a lot of beauty <strong>and</strong> natural diversity in<strong>to</strong> its 20 or so<br />
miles. What a wonderful way <strong>to</strong> explore sou<strong>the</strong>astern vermont!<br />
For more information <strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong> download a map, visit <strong>the</strong> websites<br />
www.windmillhillpinnacle.org <strong>and</strong> www.putneymountain.org<br />
“v h c b has been a<br />
marvelous resource for us.”<br />
— Beverly Major, Windmill<br />
Hill Pinnacle Association<br />
Public Trails Supported<br />
with VHCB Funding<br />
East Montpelier Trails<br />
Ascutney Mountain<br />
The Long Trail<br />
Cross <strong>Vermont</strong> Trail<br />
Catamount Trail<br />
Alburgh Rail Trail<br />
Lake Paran Trails, Benning<strong>to</strong>n<br />
Burling<strong>to</strong>n Bike Path<br />
Colchester Pond Trails<br />
North Branch Park, Montpelier<br />
Charlotte Community Trails<br />
Lowell Lake State Park<br />
Wrights Mountain, Bradford<br />
Hartford Trails<br />
Windsor Trails<br />
North Pownal Trails<br />
Cross <strong>Vermont</strong> Trail, Gro<strong>to</strong>n<br />
15
Homeless <strong>and</strong> Transitional <strong>Housing</strong><br />
16<br />
(before)<br />
“Pretty much anything that<br />
needs <strong>to</strong> be hooked up,<br />
fixed, what not, I tear apart<br />
<strong>and</strong> fix it. I’m pretty good<br />
with numbers, computer<br />
skills, electronics.”<br />
— Jessica LaBelle<br />
Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Lights House: A Partnership for Success<br />
NORTHERN LigHTS HOuSE is a transitional housing residence where<br />
women being released from prison can rebuild <strong>the</strong>ir lives. The project<br />
was developed by <strong>the</strong> Burling<strong>to</strong>n <strong>Housing</strong> Authority in partnership with<br />
a consortium of social service agencies. The HowardCenter manages <strong>the</strong><br />
11-bed house, providing case management, skill building <strong>and</strong> relaxation<br />
groups, 24-hour staffing, supervision <strong>and</strong> support. Additional support<br />
services are provided by <strong>Vermont</strong> Works for Women, <strong>Vermont</strong> Childrens<br />
Aid Society, <strong>the</strong> Mercy Connections Womens Men<strong>to</strong>ring Program,<br />
Probation <strong>and</strong> Parole, <strong>and</strong> Women Helping Battered Women. Each<br />
resident is required <strong>to</strong> be working or engaged in something positive at least<br />
30 hours a week. According <strong>to</strong> HowardCenter Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Lights Program<br />
Coordina<strong>to</strong>r, Cara Gleason, “Our goal is that people move out <strong>and</strong> have<br />
long-term success in <strong>the</strong> community.”<br />
tiffany Bluemle of vermont Works for Women had heard for years from prison<br />
program graduates about <strong>the</strong> difficulties <strong>the</strong>y face finding safe, affordable<br />
housing. Her staff had witnessed how stable, affordable housing is fundamental <strong>to</strong><br />
successful outcomes for women while <strong>the</strong>y build longer-term job skills.<br />
on <strong>the</strong> lookout for a site <strong>to</strong> create model housing with support services for<br />
this population, tiffany noticed a vacant <strong>and</strong> ab<strong>and</strong>oned house <strong>and</strong> learned it was<br />
owned by <strong>the</strong> catholic Diocese <strong>and</strong> slated for demolition. following negotiations,<br />
<strong>the</strong> Burling<strong>to</strong>n <strong>Housing</strong> authority was able <strong>to</strong> purchase <strong>the</strong> property from <strong>the</strong><br />
Diocese. located central <strong>to</strong> down<strong>to</strong>wn Burling<strong>to</strong>n on cherry street, <strong>the</strong> his<strong>to</strong>ric<br />
vic<strong>to</strong>rian is now res<strong>to</strong>red <strong>and</strong> painted a h<strong>and</strong>some grey green with blue trim <strong>and</strong><br />
burgundy doors.<br />
section 8 vouchers provided by <strong>the</strong> Burling<strong>to</strong>n <strong>Housing</strong> authority cover up <strong>to</strong> 70<br />
percent of each resident’s rent obligation. residents meet weekly with a men<strong>to</strong>r who<br />
is trained by mercy connections <strong>to</strong> support <strong>the</strong> needs of previously incarcerated<br />
women. vermont Works for Women provides one-on-one employment support<br />
<strong>to</strong> assist <strong>the</strong> women <strong>to</strong> find, apply for <strong>and</strong> keep a job—a critical component of<br />
living independently.<br />
“not surprisingly, when women are released <strong>the</strong>y find it hard <strong>to</strong> get hired if<br />
<strong>the</strong>y disclose <strong>the</strong> fact of <strong>the</strong>ir incarceration,” explains leigh steele, vww’s program<br />
coordina<strong>to</strong>r. “We’re working <strong>to</strong> help place women with employers who are open<br />
<strong>to</strong> hiring women with prior convictions—<strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong> support <strong>the</strong>m through <strong>the</strong> first<br />
few months of <strong>the</strong>ir initial transition <strong>to</strong> work.”<br />
at nor<strong>the</strong>rn lights <strong>the</strong>re is a house dinner twice a week for residents <strong>and</strong><br />
volunteers. in <strong>the</strong> kitchen, each resident has her own cupboard for food s<strong>to</strong>rage.<br />
every monday night <strong>the</strong>re is a house meeting <strong>and</strong> every Thursday night <strong>the</strong>re is a<br />
group activity of some kind after dinner—often an outing.
“<br />
It’s an awesome program, it’s honestly changed my life a lot,” says Jessica laBelle,<br />
who moved in april 21, 2008. Jessica credits <strong>the</strong> support services at nor<strong>the</strong>rn<br />
lights for providing her with <strong>the</strong> <strong>to</strong>ols she needs <strong>to</strong> learn <strong>to</strong> live sober. a<br />
recovering addict, she’s been clean since oc<strong>to</strong>ber 3, 2007.<br />
a variety of support services are available at nor<strong>the</strong>rn lights, including a staff<br />
person on h<strong>and</strong> 24/7, provided by Howardcenter. Jessica suffers from post traumatic<br />
stress disorder (ptsd) <strong>and</strong> has frequent nightmares. she can find someone <strong>to</strong> talk<br />
<strong>to</strong> in <strong>the</strong> middle of <strong>the</strong> night, if need be, <strong>and</strong> she’s involved in complementary<br />
programs <strong>to</strong> guide her transition <strong>to</strong> independent living. Seeking Safety is a behavior<br />
science program she attends at uvm serving individuals with ptsd <strong>and</strong> substance<br />
abuse disorders.<br />
Jessica grew up in Burling<strong>to</strong>n. she has a seven year old son who has been adopted<br />
by her mo<strong>the</strong>r, who lives in gr<strong>and</strong> isle. “she is his registered foster parent.<br />
so he stayed with my family. i get visits, i talk <strong>to</strong> him every saturday at noon.<br />
our relationship is a lot healthier now that i’m sober.”<br />
Her gr<strong>and</strong>parents live on archibald street. she visits <strong>the</strong>m <strong>the</strong>re once or<br />
twice a week. Jessica’s gr<strong>and</strong>fa<strong>the</strong>r owned clem’s tv shop on north Winooski<br />
avenue where she spent a lot of time growing up.<br />
“Pretty much anything that needs <strong>to</strong> be hooked up, fixed, what not, i tear apart<br />
<strong>and</strong> fix it. i’m pretty good with numbers, computer skills, electronics,” she says.<br />
Jessica has a new job training opportunity with Holiday spirit, a program of<br />
<strong>the</strong> vermont children’s aid society, where she will earn a stipend from vocational<br />
rehabilitation. she’ll maintain a data base <strong>and</strong> organize donations of holiday gifts<br />
for children of incarcerated women <strong>and</strong> for children in state cus<strong>to</strong>dy. in s<strong>to</strong>res set<br />
up at <strong>the</strong> women’s prisons, Windsor <strong>and</strong> Dale, women can choose gifts for <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
children, along with wrapping paper, cards <strong>and</strong> ribbon.<br />
“i’m very proud of myself. . . i feel like i’m going <strong>to</strong> be successful when i leave<br />
here as long as i finish <strong>the</strong> program in <strong>the</strong> right way.”<br />
c<strong>and</strong>y mayo is one of <strong>the</strong> first <strong>to</strong> “graduate” from nor<strong>the</strong>rn lights. she lived<br />
here for just over a year, beginning in oc<strong>to</strong>ber 2007. c<strong>and</strong>y is a recovering<br />
alcoholic <strong>and</strong> addict who spent time in jail on drug-related charges.<br />
“i kind of miss <strong>the</strong> house,” she says, “it’s like leaving ano<strong>the</strong>r family. i moved<br />
in with my boyfriend, in essex. it’s very quiet. i can take <strong>the</strong> bus down here <strong>to</strong><br />
visit, <strong>and</strong> i do! There’s so much <strong>the</strong>y offer. if nothing else, i want <strong>to</strong> stay connected,<br />
because it seems <strong>to</strong> work. There is so much structure <strong>and</strong> so much support. . . . it’s<br />
a privilege <strong>to</strong> live here, it really is.”<br />
she credits leigh steele of vermont Works for Women for helping her find a<br />
good job as a cashier at interstate shell on <strong>the</strong> Willis<strong>to</strong>n road. she’s been <strong>the</strong>re for<br />
five months. “The pay’s not bad,” she says, “$9.00 per hour, <strong>and</strong> i love my job!”<br />
c<strong>and</strong>y has four children, ages 23, 20, 19 <strong>and</strong> 16, <strong>and</strong> two gr<strong>and</strong>daughters, 5<br />
years old <strong>and</strong> 6 months old. for a long time, she only saw her youngest daughter<br />
once a year.<br />
“my life is so much better <strong>to</strong>day. i have a relationship with my children, my mom<br />
again, my gr<strong>and</strong>children . . . Those are <strong>the</strong> blessings you get when you do what you<br />
are supposed <strong>to</strong> do. so long as i keep doing what i’m doing, it gets better.”<br />
“I definitely could not have stayed<br />
out of jail without this house. If I<br />
hadn’t come here, I would have been<br />
doing <strong>the</strong> same thing—in <strong>and</strong> out, in<br />
<strong>and</strong> out—but here it’s like a security<br />
blanket. There is so much structure<br />
<strong>and</strong> so much support. ...If you really<br />
apply yourself, it works, it becomes<br />
a routine part of your life. That’s<br />
what’s worked for me. You’ve got<br />
<strong>to</strong> give it your all.”<br />
— C<strong>and</strong>y Mayo<br />
Economic Impact<br />
The $637,000 project<br />
employed 18 local contrac<strong>to</strong>rs<br />
<strong>and</strong> was funded by<br />
VHCB, <strong>the</strong> Burling<strong>to</strong>n Electric<br />
Department, <strong>the</strong> Department<br />
of Corrections, <strong>the</strong> Agency of<br />
Human Services <strong>and</strong> private<br />
donations.<br />
17
Farml<strong>and</strong> Conservation<br />
All in <strong>the</strong> Family: A New Generation<br />
Takes Over at Isl<strong>and</strong>acres Farm<br />
A<br />
six-year odyssey of financial ups <strong>and</strong> downs ended in June 2008, when<br />
steve <strong>and</strong> Kelly robinson were finally able <strong>to</strong> purchase <strong>the</strong> 75-cow dairy<br />
farm that had been in steve’s family more than 50 years. a vhcb grant <strong>to</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> south Hero l<strong>and</strong> trust for <strong>the</strong> purchase of development rights was instrumental<br />
in <strong>the</strong> deal.<br />
“my fa<strong>the</strong>r s<strong>to</strong>pped milking 12 years ago,” explained steve. “Then six years ago he<br />
wanted <strong>to</strong> sell <strong>the</strong> farm. We established an llc <strong>to</strong> purchase <strong>the</strong> cattle <strong>and</strong> machinery<br />
<strong>and</strong> paid rent <strong>to</strong> cover <strong>the</strong> farm debt. But in 2002 milk was $9 a hundredweight.<br />
sometimes we’d get a call from st. albans [co-operative creamery] saying we don’t<br />
have enough [after deductions] <strong>to</strong> send you a check. it was discouraging.”<br />
<strong>to</strong> make matters worse, <strong>the</strong> location of <strong>the</strong> farm, along route 2 in south Hero<br />
village, <strong>and</strong> with frontage on lake champlain, made it a prime piece of real estate,<br />
which steve’s parents, with retirement looming, <strong>and</strong> four heirs, could not afford<br />
<strong>to</strong> give away. enter <strong>the</strong> south Hero l<strong>and</strong> trust. executive Direc<strong>to</strong>r minner Hobbs<br />
<strong>and</strong> her staff set about raising $320,000 in private donations, while applying <strong>to</strong><br />
vHcB, with assistance from <strong>the</strong> vermont l<strong>and</strong> trust, for <strong>the</strong> balance needed <strong>to</strong><br />
18 purchase development rights.
The combined funding resulted in protection of 151 acres. after discussions with<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>to</strong>wn, a 19-acre portion of <strong>the</strong> farm, in <strong>the</strong> heart of <strong>the</strong> village, was excluded<br />
from <strong>the</strong> conservation easement <strong>to</strong> allow for future village expansion.<br />
steve <strong>and</strong> Kelly are pleased with <strong>the</strong> outcome. “We’re now in a position paymentwise<br />
<strong>to</strong> make some renovations,” declared steve. “We’re paying less than a third of<br />
what we were paying before. <strong>and</strong> we could actually go on a vacation for <strong>the</strong> first<br />
time ever”—but not during vegetable season.<br />
steve <strong>and</strong> Kelly’s vegetable business has been an important complement <strong>to</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> dairy. all summer <strong>the</strong>y sell produce at <strong>the</strong> south Hero farmers’ market <strong>and</strong><br />
at a roadside st<strong>and</strong>. a senior citizens’ center where Kelly works two days a week<br />
also serves meals that use robinson farm vegetables. sweet corn is <strong>the</strong> farm’s<br />
specialty.<br />
“The first two years we made enough money on sweet corn <strong>to</strong> pull us through<br />
<strong>and</strong> buy groceries,” said Kelly. “The dem<strong>and</strong> is unbelievable. We never could<br />
physically keep up with it. ten thous<strong>and</strong> cars drive by here daily, <strong>and</strong> we can sell<br />
30 dozen ears in less than 20 minutes, always on <strong>the</strong> honor system. We’ve never<br />
felt that people were taking more than <strong>the</strong>y should.”<br />
as <strong>the</strong> farm begins <strong>to</strong> prosper, Kelly <strong>and</strong> steve are also mulling new enterprises.<br />
They are looking in<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> possibility of selling pasteurized bottled milk, or perhaps<br />
cream for a local ice cream maker’s use. These ideas may help make <strong>the</strong> business<br />
profitable for <strong>the</strong> robinsons’ two grown sons—<strong>the</strong> newest generation hoping <strong>to</strong> The South Hero L<strong>and</strong> Trust conserved<br />
make a living on <strong>the</strong> family farm.<br />
<strong>the</strong> Robinson farm with <strong>the</strong> help of<br />
“The next project is <strong>to</strong> figure this thing out for <strong>the</strong> boys,” confirmed Kelly.<br />
a VHCB grant <strong>and</strong> a successful<br />
“so <strong>the</strong>y won’t have <strong>to</strong> go through what we went through,” added steve, in<br />
local fundraising campaign.<br />
reference <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> six-year struggle <strong>to</strong> buy <strong>the</strong> farm.<br />
for <strong>the</strong> time being, however, <strong>the</strong> robinsons are just happy <strong>to</strong> be in south<br />
Hero. “i could have gone 20 miles west of here [<strong>to</strong> new York state] <strong>and</strong> bought a<br />
farm,” steve reflected. “But this area is where we both grew up, <strong>and</strong> we’re glad it’s<br />
all worked out.” Economic Impacts of<br />
Intergenerational Transfer:<br />
• Farm buyer gains<br />
asset at reduced cost<br />
• Farm seller secures<br />
retirement<br />
• Capital freed up for<br />
modernization, expansion<br />
or innovation<br />
• Farml<strong>and</strong> secured for<br />
<strong>the</strong> local ag economy<br />
19
20<br />
Senior <strong>Housing</strong><br />
The Heineberg Senior <strong>Housing</strong> Resident Choir, Burling<strong>to</strong>n<br />
<strong>Housing</strong> for Seniors in Village <strong>and</strong> Town Centers:<br />
Construction Spurs Local Economies<br />
In st. albans, Derby, newport, st. Johnsbury, mil<strong>to</strong>n, vernon <strong>and</strong> irasburg,<br />
vhcb funds are assisting with acquisition, rehabilitation <strong>and</strong> new construction<br />
of more than 145 affordable homes for elders. <strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r, <strong>the</strong> <strong>to</strong>tal development<br />
costs of <strong>the</strong>se seven projects amount <strong>to</strong> $24 million. using u.s. Department<br />
of commerce multipliers, that equates <strong>to</strong> 590 jobs for construction workers,<br />
electricians, plumbers, l<strong>and</strong>scapers, painters, roofers, etc. additionally, new senior<br />
housing creates jobs for staff <strong>and</strong> service providers for <strong>the</strong> residents.<br />
most senior housing developed with vhcb funding includes rental subsidies,<br />
usually provided by <strong>the</strong> u.s. Department of <strong>Housing</strong> <strong>and</strong> urban Development<br />
(hud) or usda rural Development, making <strong>the</strong>se units affordable <strong>to</strong> individuals<br />
with limited, fixed incomes.<br />
Meadowlane Apartments, Mil<strong>to</strong>n—Bigger <strong>and</strong> Better<br />
<strong>Housing</strong> foundation, inc. acquired <strong>and</strong> rehabilitated <strong>the</strong> 20-unit meadowlane<br />
apartments <strong>and</strong> is constructing 16 new apartments with rental assistance from<br />
usda rural Development. vhcb <strong>and</strong> home Program grants <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> $6.06 million<br />
project <strong>to</strong>tal $807,678.<br />
Newport Seniors Gain Down<strong>to</strong>wn Digs<br />
The gilman <strong>Housing</strong> trust will complete 13 new apartments for elders this year<br />
in down<strong>to</strong>wn newport. gilman acquired two buildings on main street where <strong>the</strong>y<br />
are refurbishing <strong>the</strong> street level commercial space <strong>and</strong> adding a third floor <strong>and</strong><br />
an eleva<strong>to</strong>r <strong>to</strong> create housing on <strong>the</strong> two upper s<strong>to</strong>ries. federal funding from hud<br />
provides rental assistance <strong>to</strong> 12 of <strong>the</strong> tenants; <strong>the</strong> 13 th apartment will be occupied<br />
by a resident manager.<br />
Vernon Senior <strong>Housing</strong><br />
A 24-unit development with 19<br />
affordable apartments developed<br />
by <strong>the</strong> Windham <strong>Housing</strong> Trust <strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>Housing</strong> <strong>Vermont</strong>.<br />
Meadowlane Apartments, Mil<strong>to</strong>n<br />
The <strong>Housing</strong> Foundation, Inc. is<br />
rehabilitating 20 apartments <strong>and</strong><br />
constructing 16 new units.<br />
Senior housing being developed on<br />
two upper s<strong>to</strong>ries in Newport by<br />
<strong>the</strong> Gilman <strong>Housing</strong> Trust.
In Irasburg, Senior <strong>Housing</strong> on <strong>the</strong> Green<br />
in irasburg, <strong>the</strong> gilman <strong>Housing</strong> trust will create ten affordable apartments<br />
near <strong>the</strong> village center using modular housing units. The development will include<br />
a common area for ga<strong>the</strong>rings <strong>and</strong> activities. The site is located within 1,000 feet<br />
of <strong>the</strong> <strong>to</strong>wn common, a market, <strong>the</strong> post office, <strong>the</strong> library <strong>and</strong> two churches, with<br />
beautiful views of farm <strong>and</strong> forestl<strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> north <strong>and</strong> west.<br />
Derby Senior <strong>Housing</strong> Acquired by Gilman <strong>Housing</strong> Trust<br />
Derby line gardens, a beautiful his<strong>to</strong>ric home (circa 1830) provides 11 onebedroom<br />
apartments for seniors. Developed with a large investment of federal<br />
<strong>and</strong> vhfa funds in 1979, it was sold <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> gilman <strong>Housing</strong> trust this year by <strong>the</strong><br />
original owner/opera<strong>to</strong>r. The building faces main street <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> public green in<br />
<strong>the</strong> village of Derby line <strong>and</strong> is located close <strong>to</strong> retail businesses, offices, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
public library. acquisition by gilman will preserve <strong>the</strong> rental subsidies <strong>and</strong> maintain<br />
<strong>the</strong> quality of <strong>the</strong> development. vhcb <strong>and</strong> home Program awards <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> $767,500<br />
project <strong>to</strong>tal $400,000.<br />
Four Winds Senior <strong>Housing</strong>: New Ownership in St. Albans<br />
ca<strong>the</strong>dral square corporation purchased four Winds senior <strong>Housing</strong>, comprised<br />
of 11 four-unit buildings <strong>and</strong> a community building. The group rehabilitated <strong>the</strong><br />
development, increasing accessibility with new kitchen <strong>and</strong> bath fixtures <strong>and</strong><br />
introducing social services for <strong>the</strong> residents, including on-site health services,<br />
wellness clinics, nursing services, 24-hour emergency call response, recreational<br />
activities <strong>and</strong> general needs assessment <strong>and</strong> service coordination. vhcb <strong>and</strong> home<br />
Program funding provided $640,000 <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> $3,914,500 project.<br />
St. Johnsbury’s Passumpsic <strong>Housing</strong> Gets a Facelift<br />
fourteen senior apartments with section 8 subsidies in three buildings located<br />
close <strong>to</strong> down<strong>to</strong>wn have been rehabilitated <strong>and</strong> refinanced by <strong>Housing</strong> vermont.<br />
<strong>Housing</strong> subsidies will be preserved at <strong>the</strong>se apartments serving households<br />
at less than 60 percent of median income. rehab will include new heating <strong>and</strong><br />
hotwater systems, plumbing systems, roofing <strong>and</strong> external stairs as well as increased<br />
accessibility. vHcB invested $350,000 in <strong>the</strong> $3.06 million redevelopment, which<br />
also includes 14 family apartments at a different site.<br />
Vernon Development Home <strong>to</strong> 24 Senior Households<br />
<strong>Housing</strong> vermont <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Windham <strong>Housing</strong> trust worked with a community<br />
group <strong>to</strong> develop Huckle Hill senior <strong>Housing</strong> in 2006—a 24-unit development with<br />
19 affordable apartments supported with vhcb <strong>and</strong> federal home Program funding.<br />
The community raised nearly $1 million in donations <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> project benefitted<br />
from hud funding, fur<strong>the</strong>r increasing affordability. The <strong>to</strong>wn of vernon donated<br />
<strong>the</strong> l<strong>and</strong> for <strong>the</strong> development. an additional vhcb grant in 2007 subsidized <strong>the</strong><br />
affordability of two additional units <strong>and</strong> filled a funding gap due <strong>to</strong> a shortfall of<br />
federal funds. Huckle Hill is one of <strong>the</strong> first projects in <strong>the</strong> country <strong>to</strong> use <strong>the</strong> hud<br />
202 Program with low income housing tax credits.<br />
Residents in 44 apartments at<br />
Four Winds Senior <strong>Housing</strong> in<br />
St. Albans will appreciate social<br />
services being in<strong>to</strong>duced by<br />
Ca<strong>the</strong>dral Square Corporation,<br />
including on-site health services,<br />
wellness clinics, nursing services,<br />
24-hour emergency call response,<br />
recreational activities <strong>and</strong> general<br />
needs assessment <strong>and</strong> service<br />
coordination.<br />
Preserving Rental Assistance<br />
Non-profit acquisition of <strong>the</strong>se<br />
properties will preserve not only<br />
<strong>the</strong> physical structures, but also <strong>the</strong><br />
147 units of rental assistance from<br />
hud <strong>and</strong> usda Rural Development,<br />
each of which is worth more than<br />
$7,000 annually <strong>to</strong> a household<br />
earning $675 per month from Social<br />
Security.<br />
21
22<br />
Farml<strong>and</strong> Conservation<br />
A New Home for <strong>the</strong> Maxham Family’s Jerseys—<br />
Conserved Farm Maximizes Comfort, Profits<br />
These beautifully clean, doe-eyed Jersey cows, in three tidy rows in <strong>the</strong> spotless<br />
tie barn, are <strong>the</strong> maxham family’s pride <strong>and</strong> joy.<br />
“it’s a lot of work. They get brushed every day. They have mats <strong>and</strong> sawdust under<br />
<strong>the</strong>m. We get done milking <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>y lie right down. You know <strong>the</strong>y’re comfortable.<br />
a year ago <strong>the</strong>y would have been in <strong>and</strong> up <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir knees in mud because i didn’t<br />
have a facility. in our freestall we were never able <strong>to</strong> reach <strong>the</strong> level of comfort i<br />
wanted. But here….”<br />
This facility—<strong>the</strong> renovated cow barn on <strong>the</strong> former roy farm—is home <strong>to</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> maxham family’s registered Jerseys because of a complex conservation project<br />
engineered by <strong>the</strong> south Hero l<strong>and</strong> trust (shlt) <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> vermont l<strong>and</strong> trust,<br />
funded in part by vhcb.<br />
it all started in 2006 when shlt began working with John <strong>and</strong> sharon roy <strong>to</strong><br />
save <strong>the</strong>ir 92-acre farm for agriculture. The farm had s<strong>and</strong>y, loam soil <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> place<br />
looked ripe for subdivision. time was of <strong>the</strong> essence, because <strong>the</strong> roys had sold<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir cows <strong>and</strong> needed <strong>to</strong> realize <strong>the</strong> value in <strong>the</strong>ir real estate in order <strong>to</strong> retire.<br />
“Here <strong>the</strong> goal is <strong>to</strong> take as good<br />
care of <strong>the</strong> cows as possible. We’ve<br />
increased milk production <strong>and</strong> are<br />
making 51 <strong>to</strong> 54 pounds of milk per<br />
cow at 4.9 <strong>to</strong> 5 percent butterfat.”<br />
— Jill Maxham
meanwhile Jill <strong>and</strong> tim maxham, <strong>the</strong> opera<strong>to</strong>rs of <strong>the</strong> largest dairy in south Hero,<br />
were looking <strong>to</strong> exp<strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir l<strong>and</strong> base <strong>and</strong> also <strong>to</strong> separate <strong>the</strong>ir registered Jerseys<br />
from <strong>the</strong>ir 300-cow Holstein herd. The separate Jersey herd was a diversification<br />
strategy. in a good facility <strong>the</strong> cows could be showcased <strong>to</strong> cattle buyers <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
maxhams could supplement <strong>the</strong>ir milk income with <strong>the</strong> sale of breeding s<strong>to</strong>ck.<br />
However, <strong>the</strong> maxhams were in no position <strong>to</strong> buy <strong>the</strong> roy farm, least of all<br />
at its full market value, which because of its location, was appraised at more than<br />
$750,000. When it became clear that <strong>the</strong> roys were not able <strong>to</strong> wait through what<br />
could be a lengthy process of fundraising for <strong>the</strong> development rights purchase, shlt<br />
approached <strong>the</strong> castanea foundation, a vermont-based philanthropy, <strong>to</strong> become<br />
interim owners. in 2007 castanea bought <strong>the</strong> farm <strong>and</strong> began working with shlt,<br />
with <strong>the</strong> maxhams, <strong>and</strong> with Jill maxham’s parents, ron <strong>and</strong> celia Hackett.<br />
The castanea foundation agreed that fixing up <strong>the</strong> house, <strong>and</strong> especially <strong>the</strong><br />
barn, was important so that <strong>the</strong> maxhams could begin leasing <strong>the</strong> farm for <strong>the</strong><br />
Jersey cows. castanea generously invested in <strong>the</strong> improvements. “We gutted it <strong>and</strong><br />
added on; <strong>the</strong> barn was rehabbed completely,” said tim maxham. now <strong>the</strong> barn<br />
has 49 comfort stalls, three big box stalls, <strong>and</strong> a new milking system.<br />
The maxhams enrolled in vhcb’s farm viability Program <strong>to</strong> develop a business<br />
plan, but buying <strong>the</strong> farm was still out of <strong>the</strong> question. it was <strong>the</strong>n that Jill’s parents,<br />
owners of <strong>the</strong> conserved Hackett orchard in south Hero, offered <strong>to</strong> become <strong>the</strong><br />
second interim owner. in 2008, when vhcb funds combined with shlt private<br />
fundraising <strong>to</strong> purchase <strong>the</strong> development rights, <strong>the</strong> Hacketts purchased <strong>the</strong> farm<br />
at a reduced price <strong>and</strong> continued <strong>the</strong> lease <strong>to</strong> tim <strong>and</strong> Jill.<br />
someday in <strong>the</strong> future, <strong>the</strong> maxhams will buy <strong>the</strong> farm from Jill’s parents. for<br />
now, <strong>the</strong>y will just try <strong>to</strong> keep <strong>the</strong> cows happy in this old fashioned style stable<br />
<strong>and</strong> make some milk.<br />
“it’s a shame we’ve all been pushed <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> bigger facilities,” said Jill. “Here <strong>the</strong><br />
goal is <strong>to</strong> take as good care of <strong>the</strong> cows as possible. We’ve increased milk production<br />
<strong>and</strong> are making 51 <strong>to</strong> 54 pounds of milk per cow at 4.9 <strong>to</strong> 5 percent butterfat.” The<br />
high fat content is important <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> maxham’s milk buyer, st. albans creamery,<br />
which markets milk <strong>to</strong> Ben <strong>and</strong> Jerry’s ice cream.<br />
The maxhams have found that it is also good business <strong>to</strong> produce milk of <strong>the</strong><br />
highest quality. With <strong>the</strong> remodeled barn, <strong>the</strong>y are able <strong>to</strong> maintain high st<strong>and</strong>ards<br />
for cleanliness <strong>and</strong> herd health—<strong>the</strong> Jerseys do <strong>the</strong> rest.<br />
Economic Impacts of<br />
Farml<strong>and</strong> Conservation<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
Farm jobs retained<br />
Food processors supplied<br />
Farm service sec<strong>to</strong>r<br />
supported<br />
Stable l<strong>and</strong> base<br />
maintained<br />
Environment protected<br />
23
24<br />
Main Street <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Arts:<br />
Res<strong>to</strong>ring <strong>and</strong> Redeveloping<br />
His<strong>to</strong>ric L<strong>and</strong>marks for Public Arts<br />
t he<br />
His<strong>to</strong>ric Preservation<br />
res<strong>to</strong>ration of his<strong>to</strong>ric buildings as arts <strong>and</strong> cultural facilities secures<br />
<strong>and</strong> stabilizes architectural treasures <strong>and</strong> enhances <strong>the</strong> future potential<br />
of <strong>the</strong>se buildings. as centers of civic pride, <strong>the</strong>se resources help define<br />
<strong>the</strong> individuality of communities. important arts-related l<strong>and</strong>mark buildings in<br />
morrisville, r<strong>and</strong>olph, readsboro <strong>and</strong> Hardwick are icons of those down<strong>to</strong>wns,<br />
known for <strong>the</strong> numerous ways <strong>the</strong>y have served <strong>the</strong>ir communities.<br />
Lamoille Grange<br />
originally home <strong>to</strong> morrisville’s high school, <strong>the</strong> former lamoille grange<br />
Hall building has become an important component of morrisville’s down<strong>to</strong>wn<br />
revitalization. under <strong>the</strong> new ownership of river arts, <strong>the</strong> grange Hall is now <strong>the</strong><br />
center for diversified arts <strong>and</strong> community events programs that are improving <strong>the</strong><br />
quality of life in <strong>to</strong>wn <strong>and</strong> spawning o<strong>the</strong>r investments. The nonprofit organization<br />
offers accessible, affordable <strong>and</strong> centrally located events space <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> public. The<br />
river arts center is also <strong>the</strong> home <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> new lamoille valley year-round farmers<br />
<strong>and</strong> artisans market which opened in march 2008. By res<strong>to</strong>ring its his<strong>to</strong>rical<br />
integrity <strong>and</strong> improving long-term functionality, <strong>the</strong> 160-year old greek revival<br />
building has been returned <strong>to</strong> community use for arts education, performance <strong>and</strong><br />
gallery space, <strong>and</strong> public ga<strong>the</strong>rings. The transformation has sparked a renewed<br />
spirit, met by <strong>the</strong> rehabilitation <strong>and</strong> reuse of o<strong>the</strong>r buildings in <strong>the</strong> down<strong>to</strong>wn.<br />
Ch<strong>and</strong>ler Center for <strong>the</strong> Arts<br />
The ch<strong>and</strong>ler center for <strong>the</strong> arts is a his<strong>to</strong>ric facility known for its acoustical<br />
excellence <strong>and</strong> elegant interior. undergoing structural improvements <strong>and</strong><br />
res<strong>to</strong>ration, <strong>the</strong> arts center is not only a venue for cultural enrichment, but also<br />
a community ga<strong>the</strong>ring place. ch<strong>and</strong>ler is a place where young people get <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
first exposure <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> arts, where teens ga<strong>the</strong>r after school, where <strong>the</strong> community<br />
votes. ch<strong>and</strong>ler contributes <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> r<strong>and</strong>olph area’s economy in direct <strong>and</strong> indirect<br />
ways: salaries, supplies, <strong>and</strong> services <strong>to</strong> operate <strong>and</strong> maintain <strong>the</strong> building stay in<br />
<strong>the</strong> community. more than 15,000 patron visits are made <strong>to</strong> ch<strong>and</strong>ler annually <strong>to</strong><br />
experience arts performances or see exhibits, resulting in <strong>the</strong> purchase of goods<br />
“What I love about <strong>the</strong> Ch<strong>and</strong>ler<br />
is <strong>the</strong> fact that one week I can<br />
hear Midori perform, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> next<br />
week, true community <strong>the</strong>ater<br />
presented by amazing high school<br />
talent. Ch<strong>and</strong>ler energizes <strong>the</strong><br />
whole region, making it a place<br />
where people want <strong>to</strong> raise<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir children <strong>and</strong> conduct <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
business,”<br />
— Alex Aldrich,<br />
Executive Direc<strong>to</strong>r,<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> Arts Council<br />
Above, R<strong>and</strong>olph’s Ch<strong>and</strong>ler<br />
Center for <strong>the</strong> Arts; on stage at<br />
<strong>the</strong> Ch<strong>and</strong>ler. Above left, <strong>the</strong> circa<br />
1890 Bullock Building in Readsboro<br />
Village, slated for res<strong>to</strong>ration as a<br />
cultural facility with potential for<br />
housing <strong>and</strong> commercial uses.
<strong>and</strong> services at local s<strong>to</strong>res, cafés, restaurants, <strong>and</strong> service stations. Performers<br />
stay, shop <strong>and</strong> eat in r<strong>and</strong>olph. The his<strong>to</strong>ric music hall <strong>and</strong> gallery is one leg of a<br />
s<strong>to</strong>ol that keeps <strong>the</strong> community healthy <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> his<strong>to</strong>ric down<strong>to</strong>wn vibrant. The<br />
ch<strong>and</strong>ler is within walking distance for elders <strong>and</strong> young families <strong>and</strong> also draws an<br />
audience from a population of 300,000 in a 60-mile radius that includes Burling<strong>to</strong>n,<br />
springfield, <strong>and</strong> st. Johnsbury as well as new Hampshire’s upper valley region.<br />
Bullock Building<br />
The Bullock building is an 1890 l<strong>and</strong>mark structure in <strong>the</strong> center of readsboro<br />
village. sometimes referred <strong>to</strong> as <strong>the</strong> “masonic Building,” <strong>the</strong> building first housed<br />
<strong>the</strong> e.J. Bullock & co. s<strong>to</strong>re. later it was used as a masonic temple, <strong>the</strong> <strong>to</strong>wn library,<br />
an apartment complex <strong>and</strong>, in 1911, for <strong>the</strong> first screening of a silent movie in <strong>to</strong>wn.<br />
time, neglect <strong>and</strong> decay have led <strong>to</strong> serious degradation of <strong>the</strong> building <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
structure has not been suitable for public use since 2004.<br />
<strong>the</strong> recent acquisition of <strong>the</strong> Bullock building by readsboro Home<strong>to</strong>wn<br />
redevelopment is enabling <strong>the</strong> stabilization <strong>and</strong> res<strong>to</strong>ration work <strong>to</strong> begin. original<br />
architectural elements such as larger two-over-two windows on <strong>the</strong> building’s<br />
sides <strong>and</strong> wooden cornice brackets below <strong>the</strong> eves of <strong>the</strong> roof will be reinstalled.<br />
fortunately, a great deal of <strong>the</strong>se original his<strong>to</strong>ric materials had been salvaged <strong>and</strong><br />
were s<strong>to</strong>red in <strong>the</strong> building.<br />
Public participation has been high in planning <strong>the</strong> redevelopment of this local<br />
icon in<strong>to</strong> a mix of business, community <strong>and</strong> residential uses. Working with ano<strong>the</strong>r<br />
local nonprofit, readsboro arts, <strong>the</strong> partners are supporting <strong>the</strong> growth of <strong>the</strong> arts in<br />
readsboro <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> surrounding communities <strong>and</strong> creating a variety of community<br />
spaces as part of <strong>the</strong> Bullock project. The redevelopment of this his<strong>to</strong>ric building<br />
is seen as <strong>the</strong> impetus <strong>to</strong> revitalizing this once thriving mill <strong>to</strong>wn. The renovated<br />
facility will function as a cultural center, economic anchor, community ga<strong>the</strong>ring<br />
place <strong>and</strong> regional asset.<br />
GRACE’s Old Firehouse<br />
one of <strong>the</strong> key components emerging from <strong>the</strong> preservation of cultural <strong>and</strong><br />
his<strong>to</strong>ric resources is <strong>the</strong>ir critical role in a community’s economic rebirth. centrally<br />
located in Hardwick’s commercial district, <strong>the</strong> old fire House is located between<br />
mill st. <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> lamoille river, just off main street in Hardwick’s down<strong>to</strong>wn. Built<br />
originally as a church, <strong>and</strong> later serving as <strong>the</strong> Hardwick fire station for 72 years, <strong>the</strong><br />
1885 building is listed on <strong>the</strong> national register of His<strong>to</strong>ric sites. The facility is owned<br />
by grass roots art <strong>and</strong> community effort (known as grace), an organization that<br />
serves a diverse population including elders, children, <strong>and</strong> developmentally delayed<br />
adults from <strong>the</strong> surrounding communities of vermont’s nor<strong>the</strong>ast Kingdom. recent<br />
res<strong>to</strong>ration of <strong>the</strong> building is providing space for public workshops, exhibitions,<br />
offices, art collections, <strong>and</strong> a central location for community meetings <strong>and</strong> events.<br />
The replacement of <strong>the</strong> bell <strong>to</strong>wer <strong>and</strong> original 1886 bell <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>to</strong>p of <strong>the</strong> old<br />
firehouse last summer symbolizes <strong>the</strong> preservation of a significant his<strong>to</strong>ric asset,<br />
<strong>the</strong> emergence of a cultural center <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> streng<strong>the</strong>ning of a sense of community<br />
<strong>and</strong> local economy through <strong>the</strong> adaptive use of a meaningful l<strong>and</strong>mark.<br />
River Arts, Morrisville<br />
Above: workers repairing <strong>the</strong><br />
bell <strong>to</strong>wer of <strong>the</strong> Lamoille<br />
Grange, now a community arts<br />
center. Below, a common area in<br />
<strong>the</strong> building provides space for<br />
public meetings, workshops, <strong>and</strong><br />
events organized by River Arts.<br />
25
26<br />
Forestl<strong>and</strong> Conservation<br />
Protecting <strong>Vermont</strong>’s Forestry Resources:<br />
Forest <strong>and</strong> Parkl<strong>and</strong> Acquisitions<br />
vermont is 78 percent forested, making us <strong>the</strong> fourth most forested state in<br />
<strong>the</strong> country. However, as a foundation of vermont’s economy, forests are<br />
often overlooked. forested l<strong>and</strong> provides jobs, encourages <strong>to</strong>urism <strong>and</strong><br />
recreation, provides habitat for fish <strong>and</strong> game, <strong>and</strong> contributes raw materials <strong>to</strong> a<br />
diverse forest products industry. in addition, research shows that forests save money<br />
by keeping <strong>the</strong> environment healthy. trees reduce runoff <strong>and</strong> protect drinking water<br />
supplies, <strong>the</strong>y remove pollution from <strong>the</strong> air, convert harmful carbon dioxide <strong>to</strong><br />
oxygen, <strong>and</strong> help <strong>to</strong> lower temperatures in <strong>the</strong> hot months of summer.<br />
for <strong>the</strong>se reasons <strong>and</strong> more, vhcb continues <strong>to</strong> invest in forestl<strong>and</strong> protection.<br />
When a state agency or a vermont municipality seeks <strong>to</strong> acquire forest l<strong>and</strong> for<br />
public uses, <strong>the</strong>y typically turn <strong>to</strong> vhcb for funding. for instance, in <strong>the</strong> last two<br />
years, vhcb, working with <strong>the</strong> Department of forests, Parks <strong>and</strong> recreation,<br />
funded three acquisitions of state forest l<strong>and</strong>, <strong>and</strong> one acquisition of state parkl<strong>and</strong>.<br />
in <strong>the</strong> same period, vhcb also funded three acquisitions of public wildlife l<strong>and</strong>s<br />
for <strong>the</strong> Department of fish <strong>and</strong> Wildlife. Working with <strong>to</strong>wn officials <strong>and</strong> local<br />
conservation groups, vhcb also funded <strong>the</strong> acquisition of four <strong>to</strong>wn forests during<br />
<strong>the</strong> two-year period.<br />
The Town of Middlesex will acquire<br />
403 acres on <strong>the</strong> sou<strong>the</strong>rn end of<br />
<strong>the</strong> Worcester range, creating a new<br />
<strong>to</strong>wn forest. The property is a timber<br />
investment for <strong>the</strong> <strong>to</strong>wn <strong>and</strong> offers a<br />
unique recreational opportunity—<strong>the</strong><br />
possibility of a ridgeline trail leading<br />
from Middlesex Notch north <strong>to</strong>ward<br />
<strong>the</strong> trails on Hunger Mountain within<br />
<strong>the</strong> C.C. Putnam State Forest.<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> L<strong>and</strong> Trust pho<strong>to</strong>
<strong>to</strong>wnshend state forest<br />
one of <strong>the</strong> most recent state forest projects funded by vhcb is <strong>the</strong> chamberlin<br />
acquisition in <strong>to</strong>wnshend. This 138-acre parcel is bounded on three sides by<br />
<strong>to</strong>wnshend state forest <strong>and</strong> is within walking distance of <strong>to</strong>wnshend state Park<br />
campground <strong>and</strong> hiking trails on nearby Bald mountain. for years, state l<strong>and</strong><br />
managers had been worried about <strong>the</strong> impact on <strong>the</strong> state park <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> state<br />
forest should <strong>the</strong> chamberlin property be developed. suddenly, <strong>the</strong> tract was on<br />
<strong>the</strong> market.<br />
With vhcb <strong>to</strong> turn <strong>to</strong>, <strong>the</strong> state negotiated a purchase, <strong>and</strong> applied <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Board<br />
for funding. The result is that this piece of forest is now joined <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> larger block<br />
of <strong>to</strong>wnshend state forest. it offers good hunting terri<strong>to</strong>ry, <strong>the</strong> potential for hiking<br />
trails, <strong>and</strong> excellent commercial timber potential in sugar maple, cherry, ash, beech,<br />
red oak, yellow birch, white pine, <strong>and</strong> hemlock.<br />
Keiser Pond, Danville<br />
vhcb also funded an acquisition on Keiser Pond in Danville <strong>and</strong> Peacham for<br />
<strong>the</strong> Department of fish <strong>and</strong> Wildlife. The 39 acres of forest l<strong>and</strong> added <strong>to</strong> existing<br />
public acreage around <strong>the</strong> fishing access on this wild <strong>and</strong> scenic pond. The forest<br />
contains white cedar, balsam fir, spruce, <strong>and</strong> tamarack. in recent years <strong>the</strong> pond<br />
has also been host <strong>to</strong> a pair of nesting loons, completing <strong>the</strong> wilderness feel <strong>to</strong><br />
this experience.<br />
With <strong>the</strong> state l<strong>and</strong> acquisition <strong>and</strong> conveyance of accompanying conservation<br />
easements <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> vermont l<strong>and</strong> trust, nearly all <strong>the</strong> developable shoreline<br />
will remain forested forever. The opportunity for <strong>the</strong> public <strong>to</strong> fish for yellow<br />
perch, pickerel, <strong>and</strong> bullhead on this beautiful pond is now protected for future<br />
generations.<br />
middlesex <strong>to</strong>wn forest<br />
ano<strong>the</strong>r project with a wilderness feel adjoins a mountain notch in central<br />
vermont. The <strong>to</strong>wn of middlesex wanted <strong>to</strong> acquire 403 acres of forest on <strong>the</strong><br />
sou<strong>the</strong>rn end of <strong>the</strong> Worcester range. The property held potential as a timber<br />
investment for <strong>the</strong> <strong>to</strong>wn, but also offered a unique recreational opportunity—<strong>the</strong><br />
possibility of a ridgeline trail leading from middlesex notch north <strong>to</strong>ward <strong>the</strong> trails<br />
on Hunger mountain within <strong>the</strong> c.c. Putnam state forest.<br />
Working with <strong>the</strong> vermont l<strong>and</strong> trust, <strong>the</strong> middlesex conservation<br />
commission approached vhcb for funding. The outcome will be a new <strong>to</strong>wn forest<br />
s<strong>to</strong>cked with typical nor<strong>the</strong>rn hardwoods <strong>and</strong> providing habitat for black bear <strong>and</strong><br />
o<strong>the</strong>r reclusive mammals such as coyote, bobcat, <strong>and</strong> fisher. The <strong>to</strong>wn looks forward<br />
<strong>to</strong> planning for recreational access <strong>and</strong> sustainable timber management.<br />
“<strong>Vermont</strong>’s most precious <strong>and</strong> effective mechanism for<br />
countering climate change is our forested l<strong>and</strong>scape.”<br />
— <strong>the</strong> Governor’s Commission on Climate Change<br />
Bob Eddy pho<strong>to</strong><br />
FORESTLAND PROTECTION<br />
PLAYS VITAL ROLE<br />
IN VERMONT’S FUTURE<br />
VHCB investments in forest l<strong>and</strong><br />
are a small but vital component of<br />
<strong>the</strong> effort <strong>to</strong> retain forestl<strong>and</strong> in <strong>the</strong><br />
nor<strong>the</strong>astern U.S.. Federal programs,<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong>’s Use Value Appraisal Program,<br />
Act 250, <strong>and</strong> local l<strong>and</strong> use<br />
regulations also play important roles.<br />
However, according <strong>to</strong> a 2005 U.S.<br />
Forest Service report, <strong>the</strong> advance<br />
of new subdivision <strong>and</strong> development<br />
could reach even <strong>the</strong> remote corners<br />
of <strong>the</strong> nor<strong>the</strong>rn New Engl<strong>and</strong> forest<br />
by 2030, imperiling water supplies,<br />
<strong>and</strong> fragmenting forest l<strong>and</strong> in<strong>to</strong><br />
tracts that are no longer viable for<br />
commercial management or for<br />
wildlife habitat. State forests, state<br />
parks, state wildlife areas <strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong>wn<br />
forests are bulwarks of protection<br />
against <strong>the</strong>se trends, even as<br />
challenges <strong>to</strong> forest l<strong>and</strong> protection<br />
show few signs of slackening.<br />
27
28<br />
AmeriCorps Program<br />
VCSP AmeriCorps members working<br />
with housing organizations:<br />
• help children with school work,<br />
organize before <strong>and</strong> after-school<br />
activities, act as role models<br />
• educate first-time home<br />
buyers at NeighborWorks ® Home<br />
Ownership Centers<br />
• help <strong>Vermont</strong>’s homeless <strong>and</strong><br />
marginally housed population find<br />
permanent affordable housing<br />
• facilitate workshops <strong>and</strong> classes<br />
on nutrition, budgeting, health, <strong>and</strong><br />
resumé writing.<br />
• organize residents <strong>to</strong> create<br />
community gardens & newsletters<br />
<strong>and</strong> hold community meals &<br />
events<br />
• educate residents about <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
rights <strong>and</strong> responsibilities <strong>and</strong><br />
help connect residents with<br />
social services <strong>and</strong> educational<br />
opportunities<br />
Members working with<br />
conservation organizations:<br />
• organize <strong>and</strong> lead environmental<br />
education <strong>and</strong> service opportunities<br />
for school-aged youth<br />
• recruit volunteers<br />
• serve as group leaders<br />
• maintain trails <strong>and</strong> perform l<strong>and</strong><br />
stewardship responsbilities<br />
www.vhcb.org/vcsp.html<br />
2008-2009 Members at <strong>the</strong>ir Pre-Service Orientation<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> Community Stewardship Program<br />
An AmeriCorps National Community Service Program<br />
of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Vermont</strong> <strong>Housing</strong> & Conservation Board<br />
Vhcb’s americorps project, <strong>the</strong> vermont community stewardship Program<br />
(vcsp), places americorps members with affordable housing, l<strong>and</strong> conservation,<br />
<strong>and</strong> environmental education organizations statewide. members<br />
provide direct service <strong>to</strong> residents of affordable housing developments, educate<br />
new home buyers at vermont’s neighborWorks Homeownership centers <strong>and</strong><br />
assist homeless individuals <strong>and</strong> families. They provide environmental education<br />
for students, clear trails <strong>and</strong> remove invasive weeds. They develop out-of-school<br />
programming for youth, promote energy conservation, <strong>and</strong> mobilize volunteers.<br />
The vcsp program provides members with a series of trainings emphasizing<br />
civic engagement <strong>and</strong> professional skills development. in turn, <strong>the</strong> members enable<br />
partnering organizations <strong>to</strong> extend <strong>the</strong>ir reach <strong>and</strong> exp<strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> quality of <strong>the</strong>ir services.<br />
vcsp members represent <strong>the</strong>ir sponsoring organizations, providing services<br />
<strong>and</strong> acting as a liaison between <strong>the</strong> organization <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> community.<br />
in exchange for <strong>the</strong>ir term of service, members receive a living allowance,<br />
education award, health insurance, <strong>and</strong> training opportunities. members who<br />
have completed a season of service with <strong>the</strong> vcsp leave equipped with on-<strong>the</strong>-job<br />
experience with a vermont nonprofit <strong>and</strong> first-h<strong>and</strong> knowledge of issues affecting<br />
<strong>the</strong> quality of life in vermont. over <strong>the</strong> past decade, an average of 27 percent of<br />
vcsp alumni have been hired on by <strong>the</strong>ir sponsoring organization following <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
term of service.<br />
The long-term impact of americorps members’ participation in vermont<br />
communities cannot be overstated. Beyond <strong>the</strong> tangible achievements of service<br />
activities, members positively impact <strong>the</strong> lives of thous<strong>and</strong>s of vermonters, young<br />
<strong>and</strong> old. members carry <strong>the</strong>ir ethic of service with <strong>the</strong>m beyond <strong>the</strong>ir vcsp term.<br />
in fact, for <strong>the</strong> last two years, 100 percent of graduating vcsp members reported<br />
that <strong>the</strong>y planned <strong>to</strong> continue volunteering for <strong>the</strong> rest of <strong>the</strong>ir lives. Whe<strong>the</strong>r
helping a homeless family find stable<br />
housing, helping an elder resident find<br />
resources <strong>to</strong> heat her home, developing<br />
libraries <strong>and</strong> computer labs at affordable<br />
housing properties, teaching children<br />
<strong>the</strong> importance of caring for our natural<br />
environment or stabilizing a weakened<br />
river bank, vcsp has made a positive<br />
difference, resulting in safer, healthier<br />
communities <strong>and</strong> a more beautiful, ecologically<br />
sustainable vermont.<br />
AmeriCorps is a federally-sponsored network<br />
of local, state, <strong>and</strong> national service<br />
programs that connects 75,000 Americans<br />
each year in intensive service <strong>to</strong> meet our<br />
country’s need in education, public safety,<br />
health, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> environment.<br />
Meg McFadden served at <strong>the</strong> John<br />
Graham Shelter in Vergennes.<br />
AmeriCorps Members Helping <strong>the</strong> Homeless<br />
In Rutl<strong>and</strong>, Vergennes, Brattleboro <strong>and</strong> Burling<strong>to</strong>n, VHCB sponsors AmeriCorps<br />
members providing services <strong>to</strong> homeless <strong>and</strong> transitionally housed <strong>Vermont</strong>ers.<br />
Since 1987, <strong>the</strong> Board has funded more than 330 beds in developments including<br />
shelters, single-room occupancies <strong>and</strong> apartments with support services<br />
designed <strong>to</strong> help homeless families <strong>and</strong> individuals develop basic life skills that<br />
help <strong>the</strong>m retain stable housing.<br />
The John Graham Emergency Shelter in Vergennes serves about 180 individuals<br />
per year <strong>and</strong> offers a food shelf, laundry vouchers, transportation, counseling<br />
<strong>and</strong> medical care in cooperation with <strong>the</strong> Open Door Clinic. Meg McFadden,<br />
pictured at left, served two terms of service as a case manager, learning “about<br />
loyalty, about hope, <strong>and</strong> about forming community in <strong>the</strong> midst of struggle.”<br />
Meg was instrumental in streng<strong>the</strong>ning relationships with Middlebury College,<br />
local churches, <strong>and</strong> volunteers.<br />
Elizabeth Ready , Executive Direc<strong>to</strong>r of <strong>the</strong> 17-resident shelter, says that<br />
Meg’s specialty was <strong>to</strong> “make life changing differences in <strong>the</strong> lives of residents,<br />
especially moms <strong>and</strong> children, through simple loving kindness.”<br />
The Committee on Temporary Shelter (COTS) provides emergency shelter,<br />
services <strong>and</strong> housing <strong>and</strong> advocates for long-term solutions <strong>to</strong> end homelessness.<br />
COTS has utilized three AmeriCorps positions each year since <strong>the</strong> inception of<br />
VHCB’s AmeriCorps program.<br />
The Children’s Program Specialist provides educational <strong>and</strong> recreational<br />
opportunities <strong>and</strong> activities for children, working closely with parents, shelter<br />
staff, case managers, schools, <strong>and</strong> local agencies <strong>to</strong> address <strong>the</strong> special needs<br />
of children. The Community Support Staff AmeriCorps member builds trusting<br />
relationships with clients, fostering empowerment <strong>and</strong> assisting with <strong>the</strong> transition<br />
from homelessness <strong>to</strong> housing. An AmeriCorps member serving as <strong>Housing</strong><br />
Resource Specialist works with marginally housed <strong>and</strong> homeless individuals <strong>and</strong><br />
families <strong>to</strong> find housing or stabilize tenuous housing situations.<br />
Kelly Pulawski, Family Services Specialist with <strong>the</strong> Rutl<strong>and</strong> County <strong>Housing</strong><br />
Coalition, is serving her second term of service, acting as a men<strong>to</strong>r <strong>to</strong> families<br />
<strong>and</strong> individuals seeking affordable housing, assisting <strong>the</strong>m in setting goals <strong>and</strong><br />
finding <strong>to</strong>ols <strong>and</strong> resources <strong>to</strong> meet <strong>the</strong>ir goals. She advocates with agencies on<br />
behalf of families, assists with self-advocacy <strong>and</strong> helps coordinate volunteers,<br />
memorial services <strong>and</strong> moving clients.<br />
Morningside Shelter in Brattleboro provides shelter, outreach, referral, intervention,<br />
<strong>and</strong> transitional housing services <strong>to</strong> help eliminate homelessness.<br />
AmeriCorps member Eric Luebbert has been serving as <strong>the</strong> Resource Developer<br />
<strong>the</strong>re for two years. He maintains Morningside’s Homeless Management Information<br />
System, tracking <strong>and</strong> documenting services provided <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> homeless<br />
<strong>and</strong> providing outreach <strong>to</strong> organizational supporters. Eric finds his AmeriCorps<br />
service rewarding when he is able <strong>to</strong> help clients that are homeless find <strong>the</strong><br />
materials <strong>and</strong> resources <strong>the</strong>y need.<br />
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30<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> Farm Viability Program<br />
Dancing Cow Dairy:<br />
Churning Milk In<strong>to</strong> Gold<br />
Steve <strong>and</strong> Karen Getz, pacesetters<br />
in organic grass-based<br />
dairying <strong>and</strong> value-added farm<br />
production, bought <strong>the</strong>ir Bridport<br />
farm in 2003 <strong>and</strong> produce<br />
an aged raw milk cheese that<br />
retails for about $16 per pound.<br />
Their 25 cows are milked seasonally<br />
<strong>and</strong> only once a day.<br />
The Farm Viability Program<br />
helped <strong>the</strong>m develop a comprehensive<br />
business plan in<br />
2006, <strong>and</strong> recently awarded<br />
<strong>the</strong>m a $3000 grant <strong>to</strong> help<br />
purchase a vat <strong>and</strong> exp<strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong>ir cheese-making facility.<br />
The farm viability Program was established at <strong>the</strong> vermont <strong>Housing</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
conservation Board in 2003 in collaboration with <strong>the</strong> vermont agency<br />
of agriculture, food <strong>and</strong> markets. The Program is funded through vhcb<br />
with matching federal funding from usda natural resources conservation service,<br />
secured annually with support from sena<strong>to</strong>r leahy.<br />
services are delivered <strong>to</strong> farmers on <strong>the</strong> farm, <strong>and</strong> are provided by vhcb<br />
contrac<strong>to</strong>rs or grantees such as <strong>the</strong> intervale center, nor<strong>the</strong>ast organic farming<br />
association–vermont, <strong>the</strong> university of vermont extension service, <strong>and</strong> Working<br />
l<strong>and</strong>scapes, inc.. The vermont small Business Development center is ano<strong>the</strong>r<br />
important partner, providing a variety of services through grantee organizations.<br />
Business Planning <strong>and</strong> Technical Assistance<br />
since 2003, 193 farms have completed business plans through <strong>the</strong> vermont<br />
farm viability enhancement Program. These farms utilize more than 60,000<br />
acres <strong>and</strong> provide <strong>the</strong> equivalent of more than 700 full-time jobs. in fy2008, 44<br />
farms completed business plans with <strong>the</strong> program: 21 are dairy farms, 14 grow<br />
vegetables, 12 produce maple syrup, <strong>and</strong> many are quite diversified in <strong>the</strong> products<br />
<strong>the</strong>y produce, including sheep, goats <strong>and</strong> rabbits, oil seed crops, berries, flowers,<br />
vegetable starts <strong>and</strong> mushrooms. The program provided 10 farms with planning <strong>and</strong><br />
technical assistance that resulted in cash flow <strong>and</strong> enterprise analyses <strong>and</strong> federal<br />
grant applications for energy efficiency <strong>and</strong> value-added producer grants.<br />
Program contrac<strong>to</strong>rs offer in-depth financial analysis, assistance in goal setting,<br />
<strong>and</strong> analysis of <strong>the</strong> strengths, weaknesses <strong>and</strong> opportunities of <strong>the</strong> farm business.<br />
targeted assistance is offered in specific cases for farm transfer planning, cash flow<br />
analysis or enterprise analysis.<br />
Implementation Awards<br />
in 2008 <strong>the</strong> Program provided implementation assistance <strong>and</strong> grants <strong>to</strong> 27<br />
farms. a usda rural Development rural Business enterprise grant supported<br />
fur<strong>the</strong>r business planning, financial analysis, <strong>and</strong> professional services <strong>to</strong><br />
implement business plan projects. With funding from <strong>the</strong> argosy foundation,<br />
implementation grants ranging from $2,000-$5,000 were awarded <strong>to</strong> 12 farms for<br />
capital improvements <strong>and</strong> expenditures.<br />
in 2009 <strong>the</strong> implementation grants program will be exp<strong>and</strong>ed with a generous<br />
grant from <strong>the</strong> castanea foundation. competitive grants will be available <strong>to</strong> farmers<br />
for business plan implementation projects, as well as <strong>to</strong> ag-related businesses<br />
that provide processing, distribution <strong>and</strong> marketing for vermont agricultural<br />
products. The first round of funding is for meat processing projects (deadline<br />
march 2009).<br />
Dairy Management Teams<br />
The farm viability Program has provided $100,000 in funding <strong>to</strong> uvm extension<br />
for <strong>the</strong> Dairy management team Program, which brings farmers, facilita<strong>to</strong>rs <strong>and</strong><br />
advisors <strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r in teams for monthly on-farm meetings <strong>to</strong> address issues affecting<br />
a dairy farm’s profitability. approximately 25 dairy farms will be enrolled <strong>and</strong> 10<br />
farms will have completed <strong>the</strong>ir first year with <strong>the</strong> program by <strong>the</strong> end of 2009,
“I love it when people tell me<br />
you can’t do something.”<br />
— Roger Rainville<br />
Experimenting with Fuel Alternatives:<br />
Farms in Alburgh <strong>and</strong> Shaftsbury Grow Their Own<br />
Roger rainville, owner of Borderview farm in alburgh, produces energy.<br />
one of <strong>the</strong> most innovative farmers in vermont, he plants canola,<br />
sunflowers, soybeans, <strong>and</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r crops, primarily <strong>to</strong> make oil <strong>and</strong> biodiesel<br />
for fueling his trac<strong>to</strong>rs. He also conducts seed trials of wheat, oats, corn, <strong>and</strong> barley,<br />
<strong>and</strong> raises dairy replacement heifers on his 300-acre farm on <strong>the</strong> canadian border<br />
north of alburgh village.<br />
vhcb’s farm viability enhancement Program is helping rainville develop a<br />
business plan for his farm; meanwhile rainville is helping o<strong>the</strong>r farmers adapt <strong>to</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> energy crisis. Here’s <strong>the</strong> situation as he sees it: one hundred years ago farmers<br />
were surprisingly self-sufficient. They met <strong>the</strong>ir own energy needs by growing oats<br />
<strong>and</strong> hay that were fed <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> draft horses that did <strong>the</strong> heavy work on <strong>the</strong> farm. <strong>to</strong>day,<br />
most farms are big consumers of fossil fuel, which is costly <strong>and</strong> nonrenewable.<br />
roger is leading <strong>the</strong> way <strong>to</strong> a resurgence of home-grown energy.<br />
“i wanted <strong>to</strong> do <strong>the</strong> whole cycle,” he explained, “<strong>to</strong> try <strong>and</strong> show that farmers<br />
can make <strong>the</strong>ir own fuel.” He not only grows <strong>the</strong> crops, he harvests <strong>the</strong>m, presses<br />
<strong>the</strong> seeds, makes <strong>the</strong> oil, processes it in<strong>to</strong> biodiesel, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>n runs <strong>the</strong> final product<br />
through his diesel trac<strong>to</strong>rs. He also wants <strong>to</strong> convert some of his trac<strong>to</strong>r engines<br />
so that he can run <strong>the</strong>m on straight vegetable oil.<br />
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32<br />
one by-product of oil seed processing is <strong>the</strong> pulp, or residue that is left after <strong>the</strong><br />
crop has been run through rainville’s press. The pulp from oil seed is a nutritious<br />
meal that can be fed <strong>to</strong> cattle or hogs. for ease of h<strong>and</strong>ling, rainville pelletizes <strong>the</strong><br />
meal in a pelletizing machine. in pellet form, <strong>the</strong> material can be readily s<strong>to</strong>red <strong>and</strong><br />
sold for feed, or it can be used in pellet s<strong>to</strong>ves as a fuel. Pellets made from sunflower<br />
seeds have a higher btu rating than prime hardwood pellets.<br />
With multiple enterprises in progress, <strong>and</strong> with so much experimentation<br />
involved, roger needed a roadmap <strong>to</strong> plot where his business was heading overall.<br />
That’s where <strong>the</strong> farm viability enhancement Program came in h<strong>and</strong>y. The vhcb<br />
program is funded by a combination of state appropriations <strong>and</strong> federal funds<br />
from <strong>the</strong> natural resources conservation service. The program is paying for <strong>the</strong><br />
services of greg mruk, a uvm extension business planning consultant.<br />
With mruk’s assistance, a detailed set of financial statements is being developed<br />
for <strong>the</strong> farm. The statements paint a picture of <strong>the</strong> farm’s current financial status.<br />
in addition, <strong>the</strong> farm’s cash flow is projected in<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> future, allowing <strong>the</strong> farmer <strong>to</strong><br />
see <strong>the</strong> immediate impact of various management decisions. The financial data is<br />
also integrated with a narrative description of <strong>the</strong> farm’s mission, its strengths <strong>and</strong><br />
weaknesses, <strong>and</strong> its strategy for <strong>the</strong> future. it’s a process that helps farmers improve<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir business management skills <strong>and</strong> set a long-term strategic plan. The finished<br />
business plan is also useful in applying for grants <strong>and</strong> loans.<br />
surveying several rows of soybeans waiting <strong>to</strong> be harvested, rainville declared:<br />
“We don’t have <strong>to</strong> be that dependent on foreign oil, i’m convinced.” He noted that<br />
he enjoys figuring out how <strong>to</strong> overcome a challenge. He said he’s always willing <strong>to</strong><br />
try something new <strong>and</strong> is currently working with uvm Professor Hea<strong>the</strong>r Darby<br />
<strong>and</strong> Washing<strong>to</strong>n state university <strong>to</strong> try <strong>and</strong> develop a hops that will have good<br />
production <strong>and</strong> quality for this region. “i love it when people tell me you can’t do<br />
something,” he said.<br />
John <strong>and</strong> Betsey Williamson<br />
State Line Farm, Shaftsbury<br />
The viability Program is also assisting a farm in sou<strong>the</strong>rn vermont that has<br />
been forging <strong>the</strong> way <strong>to</strong> energy independence. John <strong>and</strong> Betsey Williamson<br />
grow a variety of oil seed crops on <strong>the</strong>ir 107-acre state line farm in<br />
shaftsbury. like roger rainville, <strong>the</strong> Williamsons are experimenting with a seed<br />
press <strong>and</strong> with making biodiesel, <strong>and</strong> like its alburgh counterpart, <strong>the</strong> shaftsbury<br />
farm is working with uvm extension <strong>to</strong> develop its farm viability business plan.<br />
according <strong>to</strong> Dr. vern grubinger of nor<strong>the</strong>ast sustainable agriculture research<br />
& education, “John [<strong>and</strong> steve Plummer] have an exciting vision about energy<br />
independence for local agriculture, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>y’ve put innovative thinking <strong>and</strong><br />
practical know-how <strong>to</strong> work <strong>to</strong> start making that vision a reality. it’s amazing how<br />
much <strong>the</strong>y’ve accomplished in short time <strong>to</strong> figure out how <strong>to</strong> grow <strong>and</strong> process<br />
oil seed crops for fuel, on a scale that makes sense for vermont’s farms.”<br />
The vermont sustainable Jobs fund awarded both farms grants <strong>to</strong> develop onfarm<br />
biodiesel production facilities. The Williamson farm will also receive a $3500<br />
implementation grant <strong>to</strong> purchase grain measuring equipment in 2009. This grant is<br />
administered by <strong>the</strong> viability Program, supported by private foundation funds.<br />
Containers for pressed oil sit by<br />
<strong>the</strong> barn at Borderview Farm.<br />
John Williamson with <strong>the</strong><br />
Governor, above, <strong>and</strong> with a crop<br />
of oil-producing sunflowers.
<strong>Vermont</strong> Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Program<br />
The vermont lead Hazard reduction Program continues <strong>to</strong> help lowincome<br />
vermonters <strong>to</strong> remediate lead paint hazards in <strong>the</strong>ir homes.<br />
funded primarily through a series of competitive hud lead Hazard<br />
control grants, <strong>the</strong> program has made over 1,800 homes <strong>and</strong> apartments lead safe<br />
since 1994. outside of <strong>the</strong> city of Burling<strong>to</strong>n’s lead Program, <strong>the</strong> vhcb program<br />
is <strong>the</strong> only source of assistance available for lead hazard reduction in <strong>the</strong> state, so<br />
dem<strong>and</strong> continues <strong>to</strong> be high. in 2008 vhcb closed out a successful hud grant<br />
<strong>and</strong> continued <strong>to</strong> administer ano<strong>the</strong>r $3 million grant awarded in late 2007. These<br />
funds help stimulate economic activity in construction <strong>and</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r areas <strong>and</strong> create<br />
jobs for vermont residents.<br />
The program provides technical <strong>and</strong> financial assistance <strong>to</strong> eliminate lead paint<br />
hazards in private, low-income housing. Homeowners with young children <strong>and</strong><br />
rental property owners receive comprehensive assistance in <strong>the</strong> form of lead paint<br />
testing, development of hazard control plans, construction oversight, <strong>and</strong> dust<br />
testing <strong>to</strong> ensure properties are safe <strong>to</strong> be re-occupied. grants <strong>and</strong> zero percent,<br />
interest-deferred loans are provided <strong>to</strong> pay certified lead abatement contrac<strong>to</strong>rs<br />
<strong>to</strong> complete <strong>the</strong> necessary work. a typical lead hazard reduction project includes<br />
window replacement, stabilization of painted surfaces, removal of lead paint from<br />
friction or impact surfaces (such as door jambs <strong>and</strong> floors), <strong>and</strong> specialized cleaning.<br />
The program also provides funding <strong>and</strong> expertise <strong>to</strong> vhcb’s non-profit housing<br />
partners <strong>to</strong> ensure lead safety <strong>and</strong> regula<strong>to</strong>ry compliance in projects involving <strong>the</strong><br />
rehabilitation of older housing. Because lead funds are utilized <strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r with o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
sources of funding on non-profit rehabilitation projects, <strong>the</strong>se units typically achieve<br />
a much higher level of lead safety <strong>and</strong> are more cost effective for <strong>the</strong> program than<br />
st<strong>and</strong> alone lead projects.<br />
The vhcb lead Program continues <strong>to</strong> promote awareness about lead paint safety<br />
issues through various means including its web site (www.leadsafevermont.org), <strong>and</strong><br />
through partnerships with community-based groups <strong>and</strong> state agencies. The lead<br />
Program also provides essential maintenance Practices training classes throughout<br />
<strong>the</strong> state <strong>and</strong> has worked with both <strong>the</strong> vermont Department of Health <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
vermont at<strong>to</strong>rney’s general office <strong>to</strong> offer additional classes in communities that<br />
have been targeted for increased enforcement of <strong>the</strong> emp law.<br />
lead Program staff devoted considerable time in 2008 <strong>to</strong> implementation of<br />
changes made by <strong>the</strong> legislature <strong>to</strong> vermont’s lead paint laws. in <strong>the</strong> spring of<br />
2008, governor Douglas signed in<strong>to</strong> law updates <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> essential maintenance<br />
Practices law <strong>and</strong> a new consumer protection law that addresses lead in a variety of<br />
consumer goods including children’s <strong>to</strong>ys. more information about <strong>the</strong>se changes,<br />
a schedule of upcoming training sessions, <strong>and</strong> many o<strong>the</strong>r resources are available<br />
on <strong>the</strong> web site.<br />
For more information or <strong>to</strong><br />
apply, contact us at<br />
1-800-290-0527<br />
or (802) 828-5064<br />
or visit our web site:<br />
www.vhcb.org/lead<br />
All children should be<br />
screened for lead poisoning<br />
at ages one <strong>and</strong> two.<br />
To learn about free lead<br />
screening, contact <strong>the</strong><br />
Department of Health<br />
at 1-800-439-8550<br />
For general information <strong>and</strong><br />
a schedule of free training<br />
sessions, visit:<br />
www.leadsafevermont.org<br />
.<br />
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34<br />
HOME Program<br />
HOME Funds Supplement VHCB Awards<br />
Serving Low-Income <strong>and</strong> Disabled <strong>Vermont</strong>ers<br />
Since 1992, <strong>the</strong> vermont <strong>Housing</strong> <strong>and</strong> conservation Board has administered<br />
more than $51 million in federal home Program funds. annually, <strong>the</strong> state<br />
of vermont receives between $3 <strong>and</strong> $4 million in home funds from <strong>the</strong><br />
u.s. Department of <strong>Housing</strong> <strong>and</strong> urban Development. These federal funds are<br />
used <strong>to</strong> rehabilitate existing housing <strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong> build new developments serving very<br />
low-income vermonters <strong>and</strong> those with special needs.<br />
new developments utilizing home funds <strong>to</strong> create a <strong>to</strong>tal of 427 affordable rental<br />
homes have recently been completed in Brattleboro, middlebury, Hardwick, st albans,<br />
<strong>and</strong> s<strong>to</strong>we. home-funded developments underway will create an additional<br />
414 affordable homes including new buildings in Warren, st albans, irasburg <strong>and</strong><br />
colchester, <strong>and</strong> renovations in st Johnsbury, montpelier, Winooski, newport,<br />
Brattleboro, <strong>and</strong> Bellows falls. The majority of <strong>the</strong> developments provide family<br />
rental housing; some provide senior housing or transitional housing with supportive<br />
services for <strong>the</strong> formerly homeless.<br />
This year, vermont’s home Program has again been named by hud as <strong>the</strong> most<br />
effective home program among 51 participating jurisdictions in <strong>the</strong> country. The <strong>to</strong>p<br />
designation for <strong>the</strong> third year in a row reflects <strong>the</strong> program’s efficiency in disbursing<br />
funds <strong>to</strong> produce rental housing affordable <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> neediest vermonters. vermont<br />
ranks among <strong>the</strong> <strong>to</strong>p four jurisdictions in <strong>the</strong> country in serving <strong>the</strong> lowest income<br />
households: those with incomes less than 30 percent of median income.<br />
home Program funds help <strong>to</strong> bring housing costs within reach of families with<br />
incomes as low as $29,450 <strong>to</strong> 35,300 for a four-person household, depending upon<br />
<strong>the</strong> county. home funds are generally used in conjunction with several o<strong>the</strong>r funding<br />
sources such as deferred loans from <strong>the</strong> vermont <strong>Housing</strong> <strong>and</strong> conservation<br />
Board, vermont community Development Program grants, loans from <strong>the</strong> vermont<br />
<strong>Housing</strong> finance agency or private bank loans, <strong>and</strong> tax credit equity raised<br />
by <strong>Housing</strong> vermont <strong>and</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r non-profit organizations.<br />
C. Gary Hall pho<strong>to</strong><br />
Left, <strong>the</strong> Bemis Block in<br />
Hardwick, with 14 affordable<br />
apartments <strong>and</strong> commercial<br />
space leased by Claire’s<br />
Restaurant. Res<strong>to</strong>red by <strong>the</strong><br />
Lamoille <strong>Housing</strong> Partnership<br />
following a fire in 2005.<br />
HOME Funds Used <strong>to</strong> Address<br />
New Septic Permitting Rules<br />
At <strong>the</strong> request of <strong>the</strong> legislature,<br />
VHCB set aside<br />
$200,000 in home Program<br />
funds for septic repair <strong>and</strong><br />
replacement for permanently<br />
affordable homes. The funds<br />
helped pay for work affecting<br />
a <strong>to</strong>tal of 70 units. Hill<br />
House Supportive <strong>Housing</strong> in<br />
Middlebury was hooked up <strong>to</strong><br />
<strong>to</strong>wn sewer lines <strong>and</strong> failing<br />
wastewater systems were<br />
replaced at Shady Pines Mobile<br />
Home Park in Westminster <strong>and</strong><br />
Limehurst Mobile Home Park in<br />
Williams<strong>to</strong>wn.<br />
Private <strong>and</strong> nonprofit developers<br />
are eligible <strong>to</strong> apply for<br />
federal home Program funding<br />
<strong>to</strong> rehabilitate existing housing<br />
<strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong> build new developments<br />
serving very low-income<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong>ers <strong>and</strong> those with<br />
special needs.
Federal Programs Administered by VHCB<br />
Following a fire in 2003 that destroyed<br />
<strong>the</strong> Visi<strong>to</strong>r's Center at <strong>the</strong> Green Mountain<br />
Club Headquarters on Route 100 in<br />
Waterbury Center, a replacement building<br />
is nearing completion. With help from a<br />
HUD Economic Development Incentive<br />
Special Project Grant administered by<br />
VHCB, <strong>the</strong> new 5,500-square-foot visi<strong>to</strong>r<br />
center will include retail space for selling<br />
maps <strong>and</strong> guidebooks, interpretive<br />
displays, space for educational programs<br />
<strong>and</strong> a large meeting room upstairs for 130<br />
people. The timber-framed building is well<br />
insulated <strong>and</strong> features efficient lighting,<br />
biomass heating, composting <strong>to</strong>ilets, <strong>and</strong><br />
locally harvested <strong>and</strong> milled timber.<br />
In recent years, more than 3,000 visi<strong>to</strong>rs<br />
per year have s<strong>to</strong>pped at GMC<br />
headquarters. The campus of <strong>the</strong> Green<br />
Mountain Club is an important fixture in<br />
<strong>the</strong> l<strong>and</strong>scape <strong>and</strong> economy of Waterbury<br />
Center <strong>and</strong> beyond. GMC’s seasonal <strong>and</strong><br />
year-round employees, volunteers, <strong>and</strong><br />
visi<strong>to</strong>rs are part of <strong>the</strong> cus<strong>to</strong>mer base<br />
for local small businesses including a<br />
hardware s<strong>to</strong>re, service stations, eateries,<br />
<strong>and</strong> resorts.<br />
conjunction with state funds, vhcb<br />
In administers federal funding for<br />
programs <strong>to</strong> develop housing, increase<br />
affordability, add support services, provide<br />
technical assistance, <strong>and</strong> leverage state <strong>and</strong><br />
private dollars for l<strong>and</strong> conservation in<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong>.<br />
Lead-Based Paint<br />
Hazard Reduction Program<br />
With funding from <strong>the</strong> u.s. Department<br />
of <strong>Housing</strong> <strong>and</strong> Urban Development, this<br />
program has been operating since 1994,<br />
administering $19.5 million <strong>to</strong> reduce lead<br />
hazards in 1,900 homes <strong>and</strong> apartments<br />
statewide. To read more about <strong>the</strong> program,<br />
see page 33.<br />
AmeriCorps <strong>Vermont</strong><br />
Community Stewardship Program<br />
This program has operated for ten years, cosponsoring<br />
AmeriCorps members <strong>to</strong> serve<br />
with non-profit housing <strong>and</strong> conservation<br />
entities statewide. vhcb has administered<br />
$3.3 million in funds for this program<br />
since 1996. In 2008 <strong>the</strong> program placed 29<br />
AmeriCorps members with housing <strong>and</strong><br />
conservation non-profits statewide. To read<br />
more about <strong>the</strong> program, see page 28.<br />
Agency of Transportation TEA-21<br />
vhcb has been awarded $2.4 million in<br />
tea-21 funds <strong>to</strong> conserve l<strong>and</strong> in proximity<br />
<strong>to</strong> state highways. The “transportation<br />
enhancement” funds leverage state<br />
funds, providing ano<strong>the</strong>r source of funds <strong>to</strong><br />
conserve farml<strong>and</strong>, open l<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> his<strong>to</strong>ric<br />
resources.<br />
HOME Program<br />
Federal home Program funds are aimed at<br />
serving low- <strong>and</strong> very low-income <strong>Vermont</strong>ers<br />
in housing projects meeting <strong>the</strong> priorities<br />
of <strong>the</strong> State Consolidated Plan. These funds<br />
help <strong>to</strong> cover project development costs, <strong>to</strong><br />
create greater affordability in <strong>the</strong> projects,<br />
<strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong> supplement vhcb funds. The Board<br />
administers <strong>the</strong> program on behalf of <strong>the</strong><br />
Department of <strong>Housing</strong> <strong>and</strong> Community<br />
Affairs. vhcb has administered $51.7 million<br />
in home funds since <strong>the</strong> beginning of <strong>the</strong><br />
program in 1992.<br />
Farml<strong>and</strong> Protection Program<br />
Through <strong>the</strong> usda Natural Resource Conservation<br />
Service, vhcb administers funds from<br />
this federal program <strong>to</strong> conserve farml<strong>and</strong>.<br />
These funds supplement <strong>Vermont</strong>’s state<br />
<strong>and</strong> private efforts, increasing <strong>the</strong> amount of<br />
farml<strong>and</strong> conserved. Since 1997, <strong>the</strong> Board<br />
has committed $25.9 million in fpp funds<br />
for farml<strong>and</strong> conservation.<br />
HUD Economic Development<br />
Incentive Special Project Grants<br />
The Board administers <strong>the</strong>se one-time<br />
federal grants <strong>to</strong> designated housing <strong>and</strong><br />
conservation projects in <strong>the</strong> state. Last year,<br />
Special Project Grant funds were awarded<br />
<strong>to</strong> housing developments in Windsor <strong>and</strong><br />
St. Albans, <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Green Mountain Club<br />
<strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Vermont</strong> Food Venture Center<br />
in Hardwick, among o<strong>the</strong>rs. Since 1987, <strong>the</strong><br />
Board has administered nearly $15.3 million<br />
in Special Project Grants.<br />
<strong>Housing</strong> Opportunities<br />
for Persons with AIDS<br />
hopwa funds provide rental subsidies,<br />
emergency assistance <strong>and</strong> supportive<br />
services <strong>to</strong> persons living with hiv/aids.<br />
This program was developed in collaboration<br />
with <strong>the</strong> <strong>Vermont</strong> hiv/aids Care Consortium,<br />
<strong>the</strong> Department of Health, <strong>the</strong> Persons<br />
with aids Coalition, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Vermont</strong> Center for<br />
Independent Living, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> aids service<br />
organizations. vhcb has administered more<br />
than $5.5 million in hopwa funds.
Hardwick Discovers New Opportunities<br />
As a Center of Food-Based Industries<br />
Last Oc<strong>to</strong>ber <strong>the</strong> New York Times published a feature article describing how Hardwick<br />
was pulling itself up from economic hard times by developing a hub of food-based<br />
industries. VHCB is proud <strong>to</strong> have played a role in this resurgence.<br />
Two years ago VHCB funded <strong>the</strong> Center for an Agricultural Economy, a new nonprofit<br />
that sought <strong>to</strong> purchase an 18-acre site in Hardwick Village, <strong>to</strong> be turned in<strong>to</strong> a<br />
sustainable agriculture business incuba<strong>to</strong>r. The parcel contained former granite sheds<br />
as well as some good agricultural soil <strong>and</strong> woodl<strong>and</strong>.<br />
The buildings on <strong>the</strong> site will be rehabilitated <strong>and</strong> reused for s<strong>to</strong>rage, processing,<br />
product development, <strong>and</strong> marketing of products from area farmers <strong>and</strong> value-added<br />
processors. The l<strong>and</strong> will be used for seed trials, demonstration crops, a teaching<br />
garden, <strong>and</strong> recreational trails.<br />
Using HUD Special Purpose Funds, VHCB also made a grant <strong>to</strong> assist <strong>the</strong> expansion<br />
<strong>and</strong> relocation <strong>to</strong> Hardwick of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Vermont</strong> Food Venture Center. The Center, which<br />
had been based in Fairfax for 12 years, needed <strong>to</strong> move from its aging <strong>and</strong> undersized<br />
facility. Hardwick presented an attractive opportunity with its cluster of local food<br />
<strong>and</strong> agriculture-related enterprises.<br />
VHCB’s grant of $100,000 will go <strong>to</strong>ward construction of a new building in <strong>the</strong><br />
Hardwick Industrial Park. The building will contain a meat processing area, a canning<br />
room, a baking area, <strong>and</strong> a cheese room, as well as refrigerated s<strong>to</strong>rage <strong>and</strong> freezer<br />
space. For a modest rental fee, <strong>the</strong> facility will be available for use by local food producers.<br />
Center staff will also offer technical assistance <strong>to</strong> new entrepreneurs.<br />
According <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Times article, <strong>the</strong> bustle of activity in Hardwick is attracting<br />
inves<strong>to</strong>rs who are interested in sustainability. The inves<strong>to</strong>rs are also interested in<br />
Hardwick’s emerging economic model, which relies on local farms, local processors,<br />
<strong>and</strong> community support.<br />
Pictured above is <strong>the</strong> Bemis Block (with housing on <strong>the</strong> upper s<strong>to</strong>ries also funded<br />
by VHCB), where Claire's Restaurant uses local foods grown by area farmers.<br />
C. Gary Hall pho<strong>to</strong><br />
HUD Technical Assistance Funds<br />
vhcb’s Community <strong>Housing</strong> Development<br />
Organization Technical Assistance Program<br />
has administered more than $340,000 in<br />
various hud funds <strong>to</strong> provide training,<br />
operating support <strong>and</strong> technical assistance <strong>to</strong><br />
non-profit developers of affordable housing.<br />
vhcb uses hud technical assistance funds <strong>to</strong><br />
develop <strong>and</strong> co-sponsor trainings.<br />
Farm Viability Enhancement Program<br />
vhcb funding for this new farm program<br />
is supplemented by federal fund-ing<br />
administered by <strong>the</strong> usda Natural Resources<br />
Conservation Service. The Board has<br />
administered more than $976,000 in usda<br />
funds for this program. To read more about<br />
<strong>the</strong> program, see page 30.
<strong>Housing</strong> Awards July 2007– June 2008<br />
Addison County Community<br />
Action Group/HOPE<br />
Hill House, Middlebury. $59,020 award <strong>to</strong><br />
renovate an existing 9-room transitional,<br />
supportive housing project for homeless<br />
people with psychiatric disabilities near<br />
<strong>the</strong> center of Middlebury. $140,424 HOME<br />
award, of which $45,000 comes from <strong>the</strong><br />
special set-aside for septic. Total project<br />
costs: $284,000.<br />
Addison County Community Trust<br />
Pine Meadows, Middlebury. $350,000<br />
award <strong>to</strong> renovate an existing 30-unit rental<br />
project near <strong>the</strong> center of Middlebury. Total<br />
project cost: $2,404,055.<br />
Brattleboro <strong>Housing</strong> Authority<br />
Ann Wilder Richards Project, Brattleboro.<br />
$775,000 award <strong>to</strong> purchase <strong>and</strong> renovate<br />
property located at 1063 Western Avenue<br />
in Wester Brattleboro, creating 21 affordable<br />
apartments <strong>and</strong> 7,689 square feet of commercial<br />
space. $250,000 HOME Program<br />
funds. Total project costs: $5,415,754.<br />
Burling<strong>to</strong>n <strong>Housing</strong> Authority<br />
105 East Allen Street, Winooski. $150,000<br />
award for acquisition, rehabilitation <strong>and</strong><br />
reconstruction of 6 units of permanent<br />
supportive rental housing in Winooski.<br />
$206,000 additional Home Program award.<br />
Total project costs: $874,000.<br />
East Allen Dismas House, Winooski.<br />
$162,000 award <strong>to</strong> rehabilitate a building in<br />
Winooski for use as transitional housing by<br />
Dismas House, Inc. which provides transitional<br />
housing for offenders leaving prison.<br />
Total project costs: $623,500.<br />
The Champlain <strong>Housing</strong> Trust completed<br />
construction of 20 new affordable apartments<br />
on King Street in down<strong>to</strong>wn Burling<strong>to</strong>n.<br />
The organization's offices are located<br />
on <strong>the</strong> first two floors, with housing on <strong>the</strong><br />
upper two s<strong>to</strong>ries.<br />
Ca<strong>the</strong>dral Square Corporation<br />
Four Winds Senior <strong>Housing</strong>, St. Albans.<br />
$440,000 award <strong>to</strong> acquire <strong>and</strong> rehabilitate<br />
a 44-unit senior housing development with<br />
11 (4)-unit buildings plus a community<br />
building. Introduction of social services.<br />
$200,000 HOME program award. Total<br />
development costs: $3,914,500.<br />
Champlain <strong>Housing</strong> Trust<br />
Brookside Village <strong>Housing</strong>, Colchester.<br />
$890,000 award <strong>to</strong> develop 42 units of<br />
multifamily rental housing. $500,000<br />
additional HOME Program award. Total<br />
project costs: $9,995,368.<br />
Hagen Hill Condominiums, Charlotte.<br />
$225,000 award <strong>to</strong> provide purchase subsidies<br />
for 5 energy efficient condominiums<br />
in a private development in East Charlotte<br />
Village. Option <strong>to</strong> purchase <strong>to</strong> CHT. Total<br />
project costs: $1,245,000.<br />
Salmon Run, Burling<strong>to</strong>n. $700,000 award<br />
for rehabilitation of eighty (80) rental units.<br />
Total project costs: $7,300,000.<br />
Central <strong>Vermont</strong> Community L<strong>and</strong> Trust<br />
Bianchi Building/S<strong>to</strong>newall Meadows.<br />
$100,000 additional award for acquisition<br />
<strong>and</strong> rehabilitation of 2 properties, creating<br />
18 affordable apartments. Total development<br />
costs: $2,954,165.<br />
Covered Bridge Therapeutic<br />
Communities, Inc.<br />
184 Pearl Street, St. Johnsbury. $89,922<br />
award <strong>to</strong> renovate an existing eight bed<br />
transitional, supportive housing project for<br />
men with substance abuse problems, with a<br />
special focus on men returning from prison.<br />
$70,078 additional HOME Program award.<br />
Total project costs: $302,700.<br />
Fairfax Street Realty, LLC<br />
Brookside I, Town of St. Albans. $250,000<br />
HOME Program award for <strong>the</strong> first phase<br />
of a four-phase housing development, 3 of<br />
which are multi-family <strong>and</strong> one phase of<br />
homeownership. The first phase contains 37<br />
units of multi-family rental housing. Total<br />
project costs: $6,637,163.<br />
Gilman <strong>Housing</strong> Trust<br />
Derby Line Gardens, Derby. $150,000<br />
additional award for acquisition of an 11unit<br />
apartment building for seniors with<br />
HUD Section 8 rental assistance. $140,000<br />
additional HOME Program award. Total<br />
development costs: $767,500.<br />
Irasburg Senior <strong>Housing</strong>, Irasburg. $250,000<br />
award <strong>to</strong> develop ten units of senior housing<br />
on a 1.8 acre parcel in <strong>the</strong> center of Irasburg.<br />
$120,726 additional HOME Program award.<br />
Total project costs: $1,476,726.<br />
37
38<br />
<strong>Housing</strong> Awards July 2007– June 2008<br />
Newport City Senior <strong>Housing</strong>, Newport.<br />
$325,000 award <strong>to</strong> renovate two commercial<br />
buildings in down<strong>to</strong>wn Newport City, construct<br />
a third floor, add an eleva<strong>to</strong>r <strong>and</strong> acquire<br />
a parking lot. Two floors with thirteen<br />
affordable apartments (2 accessible units; 11<br />
adaptable); federal rental assistance; his<strong>to</strong>ric<br />
preservation. Commercial space on ground<br />
floor. $160,000 HOME Program award.<br />
$200,000 HUD Special Purpose Grant. Total<br />
development costs: $4,194,100.<br />
Good Samaritan Haven, Barre<br />
$92,000 award <strong>to</strong> renovate existing 22-bed<br />
homeless shelter <strong>and</strong> add a two-s<strong>to</strong>ry addition.<br />
Structural <strong>and</strong> code improvements<br />
including new roof, insulation, sprinkler<br />
system, upgraded fire alarm system, new<br />
heating <strong>and</strong> ventilation system, accessibility<br />
improvements, new flooring, ceilings,<br />
cabinets <strong>and</strong> counter<strong>to</strong>ps, energy efficient<br />
appliances <strong>and</strong> fixtures, new s<strong>to</strong>rm windows,<br />
repairs <strong>to</strong> exterior siding <strong>and</strong> trim,<br />
<strong>and</strong> painting. Total development costs:<br />
$545,067.<br />
<strong>Housing</strong> Foundation, Inc.<br />
Meadowlane Apartments, Mil<strong>to</strong>n. $445,500<br />
award <strong>to</strong> acquire <strong>and</strong> rehabilitate a 20-unit<br />
senior housing development with Section<br />
8 rental assistance <strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong> construct 16 new<br />
(3 accessible <strong>and</strong> 13 adaptable) apartments<br />
with Rural Development rental assistance.<br />
$362,178 Home Program award. Total development<br />
costs: $6,060,873.<br />
<strong>Housing</strong> <strong>Vermont</strong><br />
Passumpsic <strong>Housing</strong>, St. Johnsbury. $350,000<br />
award for rehabilitation of 14 senior apartments<br />
<strong>and</strong> 14 family apartments on 2 sites.<br />
Total development costs: $3,062,965.<br />
<strong>Housing</strong> <strong>Vermont</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
Rutl<strong>and</strong> <strong>Housing</strong> Authority<br />
Forest Park Renewal, Rutl<strong>and</strong>. $50,000 project<br />
related capacity award <strong>to</strong>wards planning<br />
costs for redevelopment of a 75-unit multifamily<br />
housing development. Architect <strong>and</strong><br />
engineering fees, market study, <strong>and</strong> consultants<br />
on funding <strong>and</strong> legal issues for HUD.<br />
$170,000 for redevelopment of a housing<br />
authority development that will consist<br />
of 78 rental <strong>and</strong> 9 homeownership units.<br />
$250,000 HOME Program award.<br />
Willard Mill, St. Albans. Adaptive reuse of this rambling<br />
his<strong>to</strong>ric mill building by <strong>the</strong> Champlain <strong>Housing</strong> Trust<br />
<strong>and</strong> <strong>Housing</strong> <strong>Vermont</strong> created 27 new apartments (25<br />
permanently affordable) just two blocks from Main<br />
Street. With enormous his<strong>to</strong>ric windows, novelty siding<br />
<strong>and</strong> exposed wooden beams, <strong>the</strong> large units rent<br />
for $517 for <strong>the</strong> most affordable one-bedroom unit<br />
<strong>to</strong> $825 for a market rate three-bedroom unit with<br />
utilities included. Along with VHCB <strong>and</strong> HOME Program<br />
funds, <strong>the</strong> project also received HUD Lead Paint Hazard<br />
Abatement Funding <strong>and</strong> an Economic Development<br />
Incentive Special Project Grant, both administered by<br />
VHCB. O<strong>the</strong>r funding sources included Low Income <strong>and</strong><br />
His<strong>to</strong>ric Rehabilitation Investment Tax Credits, <strong>Vermont</strong><br />
Community Development Program, commercial debt,<br />
State of <strong>Vermont</strong> Tax Credits, VCDP Brownfields, <strong>the</strong><br />
City of St. Albans, <strong>and</strong> Efficiency <strong>Vermont</strong>. Total development<br />
cost was $6.6 million. CHT pho<strong>to</strong>
<strong>Housing</strong> Awards July 2007– June 2008<br />
The Regional Affordable <strong>Housing</strong> Corporation<br />
acquired, rehabilitated <strong>and</strong> constructed<br />
12 affordable apartments on South <strong>and</strong><br />
School Streets in Benning<strong>to</strong>n. Solar panels<br />
on <strong>the</strong> roof are heating domestic hot water<br />
for this 4-unit building on South Street.<br />
RAHC pho<strong>to</strong><br />
John Graham Shelter<br />
East Street Apartments, Vergennes. $87,000<br />
for acquisition, rehabilitation <strong>and</strong> related<br />
expenses for a transitional housing development<br />
at property located at 3 East St. in<br />
Vergennes <strong>and</strong> consisting of 3 apartments<br />
comprising 4 rental units.<br />
Regional Affordable <strong>Housing</strong> Coalition<br />
Pownal Project Related Capacity. $50,000<br />
award <strong>to</strong> identify potential sites <strong>and</strong> secure<br />
site control of l<strong>and</strong> suitable for development<br />
of decent, permanently affordable housing<br />
within <strong>the</strong> <strong>to</strong>wn of Pownal.<br />
Rockingham Area<br />
Community L<strong>and</strong> Trust<br />
Bellows Falls Family <strong>Housing</strong>, Bellows Falls.<br />
$170,000 award for rehabilitation of 28 rental<br />
units. $50,000 additional HOME Program<br />
award. Total project costs: $6,473,557.<br />
Armory Square Apartments, Windsor.<br />
$1,275,000 for acquisition, rehabilitation<br />
<strong>and</strong> related expenses of a 58-unit apartment<br />
complex. Reduction in density; health <strong>and</strong><br />
saftey code improvements; provision of social<br />
services; l<strong>and</strong>scaping. $750,000 HOME<br />
Program award. Total development costs:<br />
$16,616,500<br />
Rutl<strong>and</strong> County Community L<strong>and</strong> Trust<br />
Cottage-Pine-Williams-Dorr, Rutl<strong>and</strong>.<br />
$469,500 award for development of twentyseven<br />
units of rental housing on seven different<br />
sites in down<strong>to</strong>wn Rutl<strong>and</strong>. $375,000<br />
additional HOME program award. Total<br />
project costs: $5,190,478.<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> L<strong>and</strong> Trust<br />
Stranahan Project Homeownership. $35,000<br />
purchase subsidy for an affordable home<br />
located on conserved <strong>to</strong>wn forestl<strong>and</strong>. Bargain<br />
sale of conservation easement; <strong>Vermont</strong><br />
L<strong>and</strong> Trust subsidy of purchase price. Total<br />
development costs: $35,000.<br />
Windham <strong>Housing</strong> Trust/<strong>Housing</strong> <strong>Vermont</strong><br />
Vernon Senior <strong>Housing</strong>, Vernon. $44,322<br />
additional award for development with 17<br />
independent apartments for elderly on a<br />
20-acre parcel donated by <strong>the</strong> <strong>to</strong>wn. $85,698<br />
Home Program award. Total development<br />
costs: $4,226,671.<br />
Single Family Assistance Program. $20,000<br />
set-aside <strong>to</strong> provide assistance with downpayment<br />
<strong>and</strong> closing costs <strong>to</strong> 7 families<br />
purchasing single family homes.<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> Center for Independent Living<br />
Home Access Program. $435,000 award for<br />
approximately 50 home access modification<br />
projects for low-income <strong>Vermont</strong>ers<br />
with physical disabilities. Total project cost:<br />
$1,085,000.<br />
STATEWIDE<br />
American Dream Downpayment Inititative.<br />
$52,091 award <strong>to</strong> supplement federal<br />
program providing downpayment assistance<br />
<strong>to</strong> home buyers.<br />
Feasibility Fund Recapitalization. $125,000<br />
recapitalization of fund <strong>to</strong> analyze feasibility<br />
of individual projects. Awards are made for<br />
appraisals, engineering <strong>and</strong> environmental<br />
studies, options, preliminary architectural<br />
<strong>and</strong> title work <strong>and</strong> marketing analysis.<br />
HOMELAND PROGRAM. $1,275,000<br />
recapitalization of program <strong>to</strong> provide<br />
purchase subsidies <strong>to</strong> 29 homebuyers purchasing<br />
homes through community-based<br />
housing organizations <strong>and</strong> NeighborWorks®<br />
HomeOwnership Centers; down payment<br />
<strong>and</strong> closing cost assistance; 9 rehabilitation<br />
loans <strong>to</strong> HOMELAND home owners.<br />
Organizational Development Grants<br />
$550,638 for organizational development<br />
grants <strong>to</strong> 12 housing organizations operating<br />
around <strong>the</strong> state. $176,173 in HUD funds<br />
for 10 Community <strong>Housing</strong> Development<br />
Organization (CHDO) organizational development<br />
grants.<br />
39
40<br />
<strong>Housing</strong> Awards July – December 2008<br />
Central <strong>Vermont</strong> Community L<strong>and</strong> Trust<br />
North Branch & Barre St Rehab, Montpelier.<br />
$770,000 award <strong>to</strong> construct 45 affordable<br />
apartments at scattered sites including 87<br />
<strong>and</strong> 89 Elm Street, 47 Barre Street, <strong>and</strong> 6-8<br />
Monsignor Crosby Avenue in Monteplier.<br />
$350,000 HOME Program funds. Total<br />
development costs: $5,636,511.<br />
Champlain <strong>Housing</strong> Trust<br />
Pleasant Street Apartments, Enosburg.<br />
$330,000 award <strong>to</strong> construct 24 affordable<br />
apartments at 30-72 Kennison Drive in<br />
Enosburg Falls. Total development costs:<br />
$3,242,947.<br />
Clara Martin Center.<br />
Safe Haven, R<strong>and</strong>olph. $48,000 in Transitional<br />
<strong>Housing</strong> funds award <strong>to</strong> rehabilitate<br />
existing facility for homeless individuals.<br />
Total project costs: $80,111.<br />
Committee on Temporary Shelter<br />
<strong>and</strong> <strong>Housing</strong> <strong>Vermont</strong><br />
Canal Street Veterans <strong>Housing</strong>, Winooski.<br />
$525,000 award <strong>to</strong> construct 30 affordable<br />
apartments at 120 West Canal Street.<br />
$200,000 HOME Program funds. Total<br />
development costs: $ 5,656,212.<br />
<strong>Housing</strong> Foundation, Inc.<br />
Project Related Capacity, Windemere Estates<br />
Mobile Home Park Rehabilitation,<br />
Colchester. $42,795 award <strong>to</strong> investigate options<br />
<strong>to</strong> redevelop <strong>the</strong> park which consists of<br />
85 mobile home lots on Johnson Avenue.<br />
Trust for Public L<strong>and</strong>s &<br />
City of Montpelier<br />
Project Related Capacity, Sabin's Pasture,<br />
Montpelier. $43,962 award <strong>to</strong> investigate<br />
options for creation of 194 affordable housing<br />
apartments on a portion of <strong>the</strong> Sabin's<br />
Pasture property.<br />
Twin Pines <strong>Housing</strong> Trust<br />
Colby House, Fairlee. $677,428 award <strong>to</strong><br />
construct 14 affordable apartments located<br />
on Route 5. $327,428 of this award<br />
is HOME funds. Total development costs:<br />
$2,938,686.<br />
Veterans' Place, Inc.<br />
Project Related Capacity, Vine Street Transitional<br />
<strong>Housing</strong>, Northfield. $25,000 <strong>to</strong><br />
investigate options for creation of 20 bedrooms<br />
consisting of 27 beds for transitional<br />
housing for homeless veterans.<br />
Windham <strong>Housing</strong> Trust<br />
Abbott Neighborhood <strong>Housing</strong>, Brattleboro.<br />
$811,000 award <strong>to</strong> purchase <strong>and</strong> renovate<br />
properties located at 10 Canal Street, 18<br />
Canal Street, 172 Elliot Street, 12 Hor<strong>to</strong>n<br />
Place <strong>and</strong> 16 Hor<strong>to</strong>n Place, creating 28<br />
affordable apartments. $380,000 of this<br />
award is HOME funds. Total projects costs:<br />
$4,232,100.<br />
Central <strong>Vermont</strong> Community L<strong>and</strong> Trust<br />
Staff visiting <strong>the</strong> site of Wheeler Brook<br />
<strong>Housing</strong>—new construction of 16 rental<br />
apartments on <strong>the</strong> Sugarbush Access Road<br />
in Warren. The Sugarbush Resort Group<br />
made a bargain sale of <strong>the</strong> l<strong>and</strong> for <strong>the</strong><br />
development. CVCLT vpho<strong>to</strong>
<strong>Housing</strong> Awards July – December 2008<br />
Burling<strong>to</strong>n Co-<strong>Housing</strong>. VHCB subsidized<br />
<strong>the</strong> purchase price of 10 affordable homes<br />
in a 32-unit new development on East<br />
Avenue. VHCB also made a grant for <strong>the</strong><br />
conservation of 3 acres of <strong>the</strong> site with<br />
public walking trails <strong>and</strong> a grove of chestnut<br />
trees <strong>to</strong> be transferred <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> University of<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> for addition <strong>to</strong> Centennial Park.<br />
Burling<strong>to</strong>n Co-<strong>Housing</strong> pho<strong>to</strong><br />
STATEWIDE<br />
Energy Efficiency Fund<br />
$400,000 set-aside <strong>to</strong> assist existing permanently<br />
affordable multi-family rental<br />
properties with energy efficiency improvements.<br />
Organizational Development Grants<br />
$550,638 for organizational development<br />
grants <strong>to</strong> 12 housing organizations operating<br />
around <strong>the</strong> state. $171,220 in HUD funds<br />
for 10 Community <strong>Housing</strong> Development<br />
Organization (CHDO) organizational development<br />
grants.<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> Center for Independent Living<br />
Home Access Program. $435,000 award<br />
<strong>to</strong> assist approximately 40 low-income<br />
households with home access modification<br />
projects for <strong>Vermont</strong>ers with physical<br />
disabilities. Total annual program budget:<br />
$1,085,000.<br />
HOMELAND program<br />
$892,000 recapitalization of program<br />
providing purchase subsidies, closing<br />
cost assistance <strong>and</strong> rehabilitation loans <strong>to</strong><br />
homebuyers purchasing homes through<br />
community-based housing organizations<br />
<strong>and</strong> NeighborWorks HomeOwnership<br />
Centers. This funding will lead <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> purchase<br />
of approximately 30 affordable homes<br />
for low <strong>and</strong> moderate income <strong>Vermont</strong><br />
households.<br />
Habitat for Humanity/<br />
Vocational Education<br />
$108,000 recapitalization of program <strong>to</strong><br />
provide grants for 4 homes built by Habitat<br />
for Humanity chapters or vocational educational<br />
programs.<br />
Organizational Development Grants<br />
$550,638 for organizational development<br />
grants <strong>to</strong> 12 housing organizations operating<br />
throughout <strong>the</strong> state. $171,220 in HUD<br />
funds for 10 Community <strong>Housing</strong> Development<br />
Organization (CHDO) organizational<br />
development grants.<br />
41
42<br />
Conservation Awards July 2007– June 2008<br />
Benning<strong>to</strong>n Project Independence<br />
Harwood Hill Barn Stabilization. $100,000<br />
in <strong>Vermont</strong> Agency of Transportation Enhancement<br />
funding <strong>to</strong> stabilize <strong>and</strong> preserve<br />
<strong>the</strong> integrity of a rare example of an early<br />
English-style barn, dating <strong>to</strong> 1785. Part of a<br />
larger effort <strong>to</strong> rehabilitate significant his<strong>to</strong>ric<br />
building <strong>and</strong> grounds. Supplements<br />
previous VHCB award. Total project costs<br />
for stabilization: $155,153<br />
Bradford Public Library, Inc.<br />
Woods Library Building, Bradford. $42,500<br />
award for repair of a slate roof, repointing<br />
of brick walls, <strong>and</strong> res<strong>to</strong>ration of terra cotta<br />
detail on <strong>the</strong> exterior of his<strong>to</strong>ric public library<br />
building, built in 1895. Listed on <strong>the</strong><br />
National Register of His<strong>to</strong>ric Places <strong>and</strong><br />
within <strong>the</strong> Bradford Village His<strong>to</strong>ric District.<br />
Total project costs: $327,500.<br />
Ch<strong>and</strong>ler Center for <strong>the</strong> Arts<br />
Ch<strong>and</strong>ler Music Hall <strong>and</strong> Gallery, R<strong>and</strong>olph.<br />
$107,500 award for streng<strong>the</strong>ning <strong>the</strong> back<br />
wall of <strong>the</strong> his<strong>to</strong>ric Music Hall. VHCB funds<br />
leveraged o<strong>the</strong>r funds for overhaul <strong>and</strong> improvements<br />
<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> 1907 building. The Hall<br />
is listed on <strong>the</strong> National Register of His<strong>to</strong>ric<br />
Places <strong>and</strong> is used for music <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>ater<br />
performances as well as community events.<br />
Total project costs: $5 million.<br />
Cross <strong>Vermont</strong> Trail Association<br />
Ben<strong>to</strong>n Property, East Montpelier. $133,000<br />
award for acquisition of an 11-acre parcel <strong>to</strong><br />
be used <strong>to</strong> construct a key segment of <strong>the</strong><br />
Cross <strong>Vermont</strong> Trail—a multi-use recreational<br />
path <strong>to</strong> run from Lake Champlain<br />
<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Connecticut River. The parcel also<br />
provides a 3-acre lot for development of a<br />
Habitat for Humanity affordable home. The<br />
remaining eight acres will be conveyed <strong>to</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>to</strong>wn of E. Montpelier as a park. Total<br />
project costs: $164,500.<br />
Lake Champlain L<strong>and</strong> Trust<br />
Upper LaPlatte River Natural Area, Shelburne.<br />
$318,000 award for acquisition of a<br />
conservation easement <strong>and</strong> public access<br />
on 65 acres of wooded <strong>and</strong> open l<strong>and</strong> along<br />
<strong>the</strong> LaPlatte River. The project protects an<br />
endangered fish species <strong>and</strong> is part of a coordinated<br />
effort <strong>to</strong> create a greenway along<br />
<strong>the</strong> river <strong>to</strong> its mouth at Lake Champlain.<br />
Total project costs: $318,000.<br />
Orleans County His<strong>to</strong>rical Society<br />
Samuel Read Hall House, Browning<strong>to</strong>n.<br />
$78,000 award for res<strong>to</strong>ration <strong>and</strong> rehabilitation<br />
of an 1831 his<strong>to</strong>ric house that is listed<br />
on <strong>the</strong> National Register of His<strong>to</strong>ric Places.<br />
The original home of educa<strong>to</strong>r Samuel Read<br />
Hall, <strong>the</strong> house is a fine example of federal<br />
style architecture. The building will be used<br />
for His<strong>to</strong>rical Society public programs. Total<br />
project costs: $179,350.<br />
Preservation Trust of <strong>Vermont</strong><br />
Bradford Public Library, Bradford. $7,500<br />
award for documentation <strong>and</strong> stewardship<br />
of an his<strong>to</strong>ric preservation easement on<br />
his<strong>to</strong>ric public library building.<br />
Samuel Read Hall House, Browning<strong>to</strong>n.<br />
$7,500 award for documentation <strong>and</strong> stewardship<br />
of his<strong>to</strong>ric preservation easement on<br />
his<strong>to</strong>ric building used for His<strong>to</strong>rical Society<br />
public programs.<br />
Ch<strong>and</strong>ler Music Hall <strong>and</strong> Gallery, R<strong>and</strong>olph.<br />
$7,500 award for documentation <strong>and</strong><br />
stewardship of façade easement on his<strong>to</strong>ric<br />
performing arts center.<br />
Horst Tree Farm, Benning<strong>to</strong>n<br />
The <strong>Vermont</strong> L<strong>and</strong> Trust conserved 86<br />
acres of farml<strong>and</strong> with high quality soils<br />
<strong>and</strong> views of Mount Anthony. The Horst<br />
Tree Farm is surrounded by a productive<br />
block of conserved agricultural l<strong>and</strong>.<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> L<strong>and</strong> Trust pho<strong>to</strong>
Conservation Awards July 2007– June 2008<br />
S<strong>to</strong>we L<strong>and</strong> Trust<br />
Fred Chase Property, S<strong>to</strong>we. $106,000 award<br />
for acquisition of 26 acres of forest l<strong>and</strong> abutting<br />
<strong>the</strong> Sterling Town Forest. The property<br />
provides connections for hiking, mountain<br />
biking, <strong>and</strong> cross country ski trails. The<br />
property will be owned <strong>and</strong> managed by <strong>the</strong><br />
Town of S<strong>to</strong>we <strong>and</strong> will be added <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>to</strong>wn<br />
forest. Total project costs: $198,000.<br />
The Nature Conservancy<br />
Turkey Mountain, Jamaica. $503,000<br />
award consisting of a $397,000 grant <strong>and</strong> a<br />
$106,000 loan for <strong>the</strong> acquisition of 319 acres<br />
of woodl<strong>and</strong> abutting Hamil<strong>to</strong>n Falls State<br />
Natural Area. The property has frontage on<br />
<strong>the</strong> West River, provides a trail connection<br />
from Jamaica State Park, <strong>and</strong> offers opportunities<br />
for hunting, fishing, <strong>and</strong> hiking. Total<br />
project costs: $608,850.<br />
Palmer Property/Cornwall Swamp, Whiting.<br />
$120,500 award for acquisition of 174<br />
acres as an addition <strong>to</strong> conserved l<strong>and</strong><br />
within <strong>the</strong> Otter Creek Swamps complex.<br />
The property contains an extremely rare<br />
natural community, a maternity roost for <strong>the</strong><br />
federally endangered Indiana bat, <strong>and</strong> two<br />
state-threatened plant species. Total project<br />
costs: $211,750.<br />
Burleigh Forest, Charlotte. $250,000 award<br />
for acquisition of 127 acres of woodl<strong>and</strong>, including<br />
an uncommon natural community<br />
<strong>and</strong> a 25-acre wetl<strong>and</strong> that will be res<strong>to</strong>red<br />
with funds from <strong>the</strong> <strong>Vermont</strong> Clean <strong>and</strong><br />
Clear Program. The project will also offer<br />
public access for non-mo<strong>to</strong>rized dispersed<br />
recreation. Total project costs, including<br />
bargain sale: $880,103.<br />
Prunier Property/Porcupine Ridge Swamp,<br />
Fair Haven. $75,000 award for acquisition of<br />
93 acres of habitat for <strong>the</strong> state-endangered<br />
eastern timber rattlesnake <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> stateendangered<br />
eastern rat snake. The property<br />
also contains vernal pools, a state significant<br />
natural community, <strong>and</strong> two rare plants.<br />
Total project costs: $122,730.<br />
Sou<strong>the</strong>rn <strong>Vermont</strong> Arts Center Forest.<br />
$250,000 award <strong>to</strong> help fund acquisition<br />
of property on <strong>the</strong> face of Mt. Equinox in<br />
Manchester. Considered one of <strong>the</strong> best<br />
examples of a rich nor<strong>the</strong>rn hardwood forest<br />
community in <strong>the</strong> region. Total project<br />
costs: $895,350<br />
In Fair Haven, <strong>the</strong> Nature Conservancy<br />
of <strong>Vermont</strong> acquired 93 acres of habitat<br />
for <strong>the</strong> state-endangered eastern timber<br />
rattlesnake <strong>and</strong> eastern rat snake. Known<br />
as Porcupine Ridge Swamp, <strong>the</strong> property<br />
also includes vernal pools, a significant<br />
natural community, <strong>and</strong> two rare plants.<br />
The Nature Conservancy of <strong>Vermont</strong> pho<strong>to</strong><br />
Upper Valley L<strong>and</strong> Trust<br />
Loftus/Bly<strong>the</strong>dale Farm, Corinth. $130,500<br />
award for acquisition of a conservation<br />
easement on a 35-acre dairy farm equipped<br />
with an on-farm cheese processing plant. An<br />
Option <strong>to</strong> Purchase at Agricultural Value<br />
was included in <strong>the</strong> project. $110,000 federal<br />
NRCS funds. Total project costs: $240,500.<br />
Sweet Farml<strong>and</strong>, Bradford. $48,000 award<br />
for acquisition of a conservation easement<br />
on 57 acres of farml<strong>and</strong> along <strong>the</strong><br />
Connecticut River. Project includes prime<br />
agricultural soils, public trail access, <strong>and</strong> an<br />
Option <strong>to</strong> Purchase at Agricultural Value.<br />
$27,500 federal NRCS funds. Total project<br />
costs: $75,500.<br />
South Branch Farml<strong>and</strong>, Corinth. $62,500<br />
award for acquisition of a conservation easement<br />
on 69 acres of farml<strong>and</strong> used by nearby<br />
cheese provider. Project includes an Option<br />
<strong>to</strong> Purchase at Agricultural Value <strong>and</strong> public<br />
access <strong>to</strong> a four-season recreational trail.<br />
$57,500 federal NRCS funds. Total project<br />
costs: $182,000.<br />
43
44<br />
Conservation Awards July 2007– June 2008<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> Agency of Agriculture<br />
Food <strong>and</strong> Markets<br />
Mitigation Funds. $39,000 award <strong>to</strong> support<br />
<strong>the</strong> Agency’s work on issues related <strong>to</strong> Act<br />
250 mitigation. The Agency contracts with<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Vermont</strong> Association of Conservation<br />
Districts for this work.<br />
Mitigation Funds. $50,000 award <strong>to</strong> support<br />
<strong>the</strong> Agency’s work on Act 250 mitigation.<br />
The Agency contracts with <strong>the</strong> <strong>Vermont</strong><br />
Association of Conservation Districts for<br />
this three-day per week position.<br />
Stewardship <strong>and</strong> Policy Development.<br />
$26,000 award <strong>to</strong> support <strong>the</strong> L<strong>and</strong> Use<br />
Planner position at <strong>the</strong> Agency. This staff<br />
position focuses on easement stewardship,<br />
policy development <strong>and</strong> VHCB project<br />
development.<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> Department of Forests,<br />
Parks <strong>and</strong> Recreation<br />
Long Range Management Planning. $35,000<br />
award for management planning for l<strong>and</strong>s<br />
conserved with VHCB funds.<br />
Chamberlin Acquisition, Townshend.<br />
$160,000 award for acquisition of a 138-acre<br />
addition <strong>to</strong> Townshend State Forest. The<br />
property adds recreational opportunity,<br />
wildlife habitat, <strong>and</strong> timber resources <strong>and</strong><br />
is within walking distance of Townshend<br />
State Park <strong>and</strong> campground. Total project<br />
costs: $160,000.<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> Departments of Fish <strong>and</strong> Wildlife<br />
<strong>and</strong> Forests, Parks <strong>and</strong> Recreation<br />
Anderson Acquisition, Ludlow. $92,400<br />
award for acquisition of a 19-acre addition <strong>to</strong><br />
Okemo State Forest. The property is within<br />
a known bear corridor <strong>and</strong> contains a twoacre<br />
vernal pool. A right-of-way will provide<br />
management access <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> state forest <strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong><br />
Tiny Pond Wildlife Management Area. Total<br />
project costs: $115,400.<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> L<strong>and</strong> Trust<br />
Wyman Farm, Weybridge. $85,000 award<br />
for retroactive Option <strong>to</strong> Purchase at Agricultural<br />
Value. Facilitates transfer of farm.<br />
Total project costs: $86,606.<br />
Abenaki Village <strong>and</strong> Cemetery, Alburgh.<br />
$100,000 award consisting of a bridge loan<br />
<strong>to</strong> support pending conservation easement<br />
purchase on a 3-acre nationally significant<br />
archeological site. The parcel contains an<br />
intact burial ground dating <strong>to</strong> circa 1500<br />
A.D., as well as fire pits <strong>and</strong> house remnants.<br />
Total project costs: $317,935.<br />
Norris Farml<strong>and</strong>, Shoreham. $180,500 award<br />
for acquisition of a conservation easement<br />
on 199 acres of farml<strong>and</strong> with frontage on<br />
<strong>the</strong> Lemon Fair River <strong>and</strong> one identified<br />
archeological site. The project facilitated<br />
a farm transfer <strong>and</strong> includes an Option <strong>to</strong><br />
Purchase at Agricultural Value. $175,000<br />
federal NRCS funds. Total project costs:<br />
$355,500.<br />
S<strong>to</strong>ney Springs Farm, Orwell. $43,100 for<br />
retroactive Option <strong>to</strong> Purchase at Agricultural<br />
Value. Total projects costs. $43,100.<br />
Wolaver Farml<strong>and</strong>, Shoreham. $204,500<br />
award for acquisition of a conservation easement<br />
on 290 acres of farml<strong>and</strong> that is contiguous<br />
with a large block of o<strong>the</strong>r conserved<br />
agricultural l<strong>and</strong>. The project includes an<br />
Option <strong>to</strong> Purchase at Agricultural Value.<br />
$184,000 federal NRCS funds. Total project<br />
costs: $388,500.<br />
Loftus/Bly<strong>the</strong>dale Farm, Corinth. The<br />
Upper Valley L<strong>and</strong> Trust conserved this<br />
35-acre dairy farm equipped with an<br />
on-farm cheese processing plant.<br />
Upper Valley L<strong>and</strong> Trust pho<strong>to</strong>
Conservation Awards July 2007– June 2008<br />
Doores Acquisition, Arling<strong>to</strong>n. $169,574<br />
award for acquisition of a 13-acre parcel of<br />
l<strong>and</strong> along <strong>the</strong> Batten Kill. The project resulted<br />
in conveyance <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Town of Arling<strong>to</strong>n,<br />
which will use <strong>the</strong> property for public recreation,<br />
access <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> river, <strong>and</strong> educational<br />
<strong>and</strong> agricultural activities. Bargain sale. Total<br />
project costs: $339,324.<br />
Lake Paran Shaftsbury Trail, Benning<strong>to</strong>n<br />
<strong>and</strong> Shaftsbury. $118,827 award for acquisition<br />
of 106 acres of l<strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong> be transferred <strong>to</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> Fund for North Benning<strong>to</strong>n. The project<br />
makes possible a public trail from Lake<br />
Paran in North Benning<strong>to</strong>n <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Robert<br />
Frost Museum in South Shaftsbury. Bargain<br />
sale. Total project costs: $280,827.<br />
Ittleman Farml<strong>and</strong>, Shoreham. $112,500<br />
award for acquisition of a conservation easement<br />
on 113 acres of farml<strong>and</strong> with 3,400 feet<br />
of frontage on <strong>the</strong> Lemon Fair River <strong>and</strong> a<br />
recorded archeological site. The project includes<br />
an Option <strong>to</strong> Purchase at Agricultural<br />
Value. $97,000 federal NRCS funds. Total<br />
project costs: $214,500.<br />
Horst Tree Farm, Benning<strong>to</strong>n. $144,700<br />
award for acquisition of a conservation<br />
easement on an 86-acre Christmas tree<br />
<strong>and</strong> vegetable farm. The property is part<br />
of a growing block of conserved l<strong>and</strong>. The<br />
project includes an Option <strong>to</strong> Purchase at<br />
Agricultural Value. Bargain sale. $207,000<br />
federal NRCS funds. Total project costs:<br />
$434,500.<br />
Bowdish Farml<strong>and</strong>, Weybridge. $57,500<br />
award for acquisition of a conservation easement<br />
on 98 acres of farml<strong>and</strong>. The project<br />
facilitates a transfer of 81 acres <strong>to</strong> a nearby<br />
dairy farm, which will donate a conservation<br />
easement on an additional 17 acres. The<br />
project includes an Option <strong>to</strong> Purchase at<br />
Agricultural Value. $63,000 federal NRCS<br />
funds. Total project costs: $141,500.<br />
Trudell Farml<strong>and</strong>, Fairfield <strong>and</strong> Bakersfield.<br />
$112,000 award for acquisition of a conservation<br />
easement on 190 acres of farml<strong>and</strong> with<br />
4,800 feet of frontage on Black Creek. The<br />
project includes an Option <strong>to</strong> Purchase at<br />
Agricultural Value. Bargain sale. $127,500<br />
federal NRCS funds. Total project costs:<br />
$285,500.<br />
The <strong>Vermont</strong> L<strong>and</strong> Trust conserved 199 acres<br />
of Lemon Fair Valley farml<strong>and</strong> on <strong>the</strong> Norris<br />
Farm in Bridport <strong>and</strong> Shoreham. The project<br />
will enable <strong>the</strong> Pope’s <strong>to</strong> buy <strong>the</strong> farm <strong>and</strong><br />
transition this former dairy farm <strong>to</strong> beef.<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> L<strong>and</strong> Trust pho<strong>to</strong><br />
Zuckerman Nevitt Farm, Hinesburg<br />
$220,500 award for acquisition of a conservation<br />
easement on a 151-acre former dairy<br />
that will be converted <strong>to</strong> a mixed lives<strong>to</strong>ck<br />
<strong>and</strong> vegetable farm. The project includes an<br />
Option <strong>to</strong> Purchase at Agricultural Value<br />
<strong>and</strong> a recorded archaeological site. Bargain<br />
sale. $300,000 federal NRCS funds. Total<br />
project costs: $625,500.<br />
Buzeman Farml<strong>and</strong>, Addison. $78,900<br />
award for acquisition of a conservation<br />
easement on 97 acres of farml<strong>and</strong> abutting<br />
<strong>the</strong> Dead Creek Wildlife Refuge. The project<br />
abuts three previously conserved farml<strong>and</strong><br />
parcels <strong>and</strong> includes an Option <strong>to</strong> Purchase<br />
at Agricultural Value. $58,000 federal NRCS<br />
funds. Total project costs: $136,900.<br />
Middlesex Town Forest, Middlesex.<br />
$268,000 award for acquisition of a 403-acre<br />
woodl<strong>and</strong> parcel <strong>to</strong> become a <strong>to</strong>wn forest.<br />
The property abuts <strong>the</strong> Middlesex Notch<br />
Wildlife Management Area <strong>and</strong> a portion of<br />
<strong>the</strong> C.C. Putnam State Forest. The property<br />
holds potential for a hiking trail <strong>to</strong> connect<br />
<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Worcester Range trails. Bargain sale.<br />
Total project costs: $361,000.<br />
45
46<br />
Conservation Awards July 2007– June 2008<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> L<strong>and</strong> Trust<br />
Charron Farml<strong>and</strong>, Benson. $136,500 award<br />
for acquisition of a conservation easement<br />
on 198 acres of farml<strong>and</strong>. The project includes<br />
protection for a 17-acre rare clayplain<br />
forest. The project also includes an Option<br />
<strong>to</strong> Purchase at Agricultural Value. $116,000<br />
federal NRCS funds. Total project costs:<br />
$252,500.<br />
Noble Farm, Benson. $147,500 award for<br />
acquisition of a conservation easement on<br />
a 142-acre dairy farm. The project facilitates<br />
a transfer of <strong>the</strong> farm <strong>to</strong> a younger family<br />
member. The project also includes an<br />
Option <strong>to</strong> Purchase at Agricultural Value.<br />
$127,000 federal NRCS funds. Total project<br />
costs: $274,500.<br />
Wagner Farml<strong>and</strong>, Franklin. $198,500 award<br />
for acquisition of a conservation easement<br />
on 371 acres of farml<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> a forested wetl<strong>and</strong><br />
known as Little Pond Bog. The project<br />
includes protection for <strong>the</strong> bog <strong>and</strong> also includes<br />
an Option <strong>to</strong> Purchase at Agricultural<br />
Value. $177,500 federal NRCS funds. Total<br />
project costs: $420,500.<br />
Beenen Farml<strong>and</strong>, Ferrisburgh. $283,000<br />
award for acquisition of a conservation easement<br />
on 283 acres of farml<strong>and</strong>. The project<br />
facilitates a transfer of l<strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong> a nearby dairy<br />
farmer. The project also provides protection<br />
for a rare clayplain forest <strong>and</strong> includes an<br />
Option <strong>to</strong> Purchase at Agricultural Value.<br />
$262,500 federal NRCS funds. Total project<br />
costs: $545,500.<br />
Couture-Wilson Farml<strong>and</strong>, Barre Town,<br />
$126,000 award for acquisition of a conservation<br />
easement on 84 acres of farml<strong>and</strong>.<br />
The project facilitates transfer <strong>to</strong> a nearby<br />
dairy farmer who owns an adjacent conserved<br />
farm. The project includes an Option<br />
<strong>to</strong> Purchase at Agricultural Value. $105,500<br />
federal NRCS funds. Total project costs:<br />
$231,500.<br />
Loftus/Bly<strong>the</strong>dale Farm, Corinth. $2,000<br />
award <strong>to</strong> steward an Option <strong>to</strong> Purchase at<br />
Agricultural Value.<br />
Sweet Farml<strong>and</strong>, Bradford. $2,000 award<br />
<strong>to</strong> steward an Option <strong>to</strong> Purchase at Agricultural<br />
Value.<br />
Burleigh Farm, Charlotte. $38,000 award for<br />
acquisition of a conservation easement on 68<br />
acres of farml<strong>and</strong>, facilitating an intergenerational<br />
transfer. $200,000 federal NRCS<br />
funds. Significant bargain sale <strong>and</strong> local<br />
fundraising. Total project costs: $798,000<br />
Tillman Farml<strong>and</strong>, Cornwall. $181,500<br />
award for acquisition of a conservation easement<br />
on 331 acres of farml<strong>and</strong> with 6,800<br />
feet of frontage on <strong>the</strong> Lemon Fair River. The<br />
project includes a recorded archeological site<br />
<strong>and</strong> public trail access. Also included is an<br />
Option <strong>to</strong> Purchase at Agricultural Value.<br />
$150,000 federal NRCS funds. Total project<br />
costs: $331,500.<br />
South Branch Farml<strong>and</strong>, Corinth. $2,000<br />
award <strong>to</strong> steward an Option <strong>to</strong> Purchase at<br />
Agricultural Value.<br />
Blais Farm, Springfield. $163,107 award for<br />
acquisition of a conservation easement on a<br />
38-acre vegetable farm. The project includes<br />
protection for two recorded native American<br />
archeological sites. The project also includes<br />
an Option <strong>to</strong> Purchase at Agricultural Value.<br />
Local funding match also included. $150,000<br />
federal NRCS funds. Total project costs:<br />
$326,500.<br />
Noble Farm, Benson. The <strong>Vermont</strong> L<strong>and</strong><br />
Trust conserved this 142 -acre dairy farm.<br />
The project facilitates a transfer of <strong>the</strong><br />
farm <strong>to</strong> a younger family member.<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> L<strong>and</strong> Trust pho<strong>to</strong>
Conservation Awards July 2007– June 2008<br />
J. <strong>and</strong> T. Boissoneault Farml<strong>and</strong>, St. Albans.<br />
$257,000 award for acquisition of a conservation<br />
easement on 328 acres of farml<strong>and</strong><br />
abutting Black Creek Wildlife Management<br />
Area. The project includes special protection<br />
for a floodplain forest <strong>and</strong> also for two<br />
archeological sites. $236,500 federal NRCS<br />
funds. Total project costs: $493,500.<br />
Bingham Farm, Middlebury. $110,500 award<br />
for acquisition of a conservation easement<br />
on a 99-acre lives<strong>to</strong>ck <strong>and</strong> vegetable farm.<br />
The project includes special protection for<br />
a clayplain forest, <strong>and</strong> also public access <strong>to</strong> a<br />
trail for nonmo<strong>to</strong>rized recreation. $100,000<br />
federal NRCS funds. $10,000 funds from <strong>the</strong><br />
Town of Middlebury. Total project costs:<br />
$220,500.<br />
Moore Farm, Pawlet. $65,500 award for<br />
acquisition of a conservation easement on a<br />
128-acre farm that will be added <strong>to</strong> a previously<br />
conserved mixed lives<strong>to</strong>ck farm, with<br />
a possibility of becoming a farmstead cheese<br />
operation. Bargain sale. $130,000 federal<br />
NRCS funds. Total project costs: $280,500.<br />
Blue Spruce Farml<strong>and</strong>, Bridport. $277,500<br />
award for acquisition of a conservation<br />
easement on 441 acres of farml<strong>and</strong> abutting<br />
a segment of <strong>the</strong> Dead Creek Wildlife Management<br />
Area. The project includes special<br />
protection of a clayplain forest. $257,000<br />
federal NRCS funds. Total project costs:<br />
$534,500.<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> L<strong>and</strong> Trust <strong>and</strong><br />
South Hero L<strong>and</strong> Trust<br />
Hackett Farm, South Hero. $59,000 award<br />
for acquisition of a conservation easement<br />
on a 92-acre dairy farm. South Hero L<strong>and</strong><br />
Trust was a co-applicant for this project,<br />
which facilitates <strong>the</strong> purchase of <strong>the</strong> property<br />
by nearby farmers. Significant bargain<br />
sale <strong>and</strong> Option <strong>to</strong> Purchase at Agricultural<br />
Value. $267,000 federal NRCS funds. Total<br />
project costs: $560,000.<br />
Robinson Farml<strong>and</strong>, South Hero. $141,000<br />
award for acquisition of a conservation easement<br />
on 151 acres of farml<strong>and</strong> with 380 feet<br />
of Lake Champlain frontage. The project<br />
facilitated an intergenerational transfer <strong>and</strong><br />
Olcott Farm, St. Johnsbury. The <strong>Vermont</strong><br />
Agency of Agriculture, Food <strong>and</strong> Markets<br />
conserved 115 acres of productive<br />
farml<strong>and</strong> with over a mile of Moose River<br />
frontage. Sylvia Jensen/VAAFM pho<strong>to</strong><br />
includes an Option <strong>to</strong> Purchase at Agricultural<br />
Value. $410,000 federal NRCS funds.<br />
Total project costs: $844,000.<br />
Windmill Hill Pinnacle Association<br />
Windmill Ridge, Phase IX, Avery Acquisition,<br />
Westminster <strong>and</strong> A<strong>the</strong>ns. $104,345<br />
award for acquisition of 46 acres of wooded<br />
<strong>and</strong> open l<strong>and</strong> abutting <strong>the</strong> ridgeline of <strong>the</strong><br />
Windmill Ridge Nature Reserve <strong>and</strong> Trail for<br />
addition <strong>to</strong> assemblage of conserved l<strong>and</strong>.<br />
Total project costs: $114,565.<br />
Bald Hill Conservation, Westminster.<br />
$166,515 award for 57-acre parcel for public<br />
recreation <strong>and</strong> natural area protection.<br />
Abuts local high school property, providing<br />
hiking, walking <strong>and</strong> running trails <strong>and</strong><br />
educational opportunities. Total project<br />
costs: $264,515.<br />
STATEWIDE<br />
$309,000 for organizational development<br />
grants <strong>to</strong> 10 conservation groups operating<br />
around <strong>the</strong> state.<br />
47
48<br />
Conservation Awards July – December 2008<br />
Preservation Trust of <strong>Vermont</strong><br />
Readsboro Bullock Building, Readsboro.<br />
$7,500 award for documentation <strong>and</strong> stewardship<br />
of preservation easement on <strong>the</strong><br />
his<strong>to</strong>ric building Bullock Building.<br />
Putney <strong>General</strong> S<strong>to</strong>re, Putney. $7,500 award<br />
for documentation <strong>and</strong> stewardship of preservation<br />
easement on <strong>the</strong> his<strong>to</strong>ric Putney<br />
<strong>General</strong> S<strong>to</strong>re.<br />
Putney His<strong>to</strong>rical Society<br />
Putney <strong>General</strong> S<strong>to</strong>re, Putney. $67,500<br />
award for acquisition <strong>and</strong> initial rehab of<br />
his<strong>to</strong>ric village s<strong>to</strong>re building damaged<br />
by fire. Part of larger project <strong>to</strong> rehab <strong>and</strong><br />
reopen an anchor business in <strong>to</strong>wn. Total<br />
project costs: $367,506.<br />
Readsboro Home<strong>to</strong>wn<br />
Redevelopment, Inc.<br />
Readsboro Bullock Building, Readsboro.<br />
$44,000 award for acquisition of <strong>the</strong> Bullock<br />
Building. Total project costs: First phase<br />
of larger project <strong>to</strong> rehab <strong>and</strong> reopen this<br />
mixed-use l<strong>and</strong>mark building in <strong>the</strong> village<br />
center. Total project costs: $104,000.<br />
The Nature Conservancy<br />
Claycreek Farm Natural Area, Fair Haven<br />
<strong>and</strong> West Haven. $130,000 award <strong>to</strong> acquire<br />
<strong>and</strong> conserve 136 acres for natural area protection.<br />
Site includes one of only two known<br />
timber rattlesnake dens in <strong>Vermont</strong>. Total<br />
project costs: $180,600.<br />
Burleigh Farm <strong>and</strong> Forestl<strong>and</strong>, Charlotte.<br />
The Nature Conservancy <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Vermont</strong><br />
L<strong>and</strong> Trust partnered <strong>to</strong> conserve 191 acres of<br />
farml<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> forestl<strong>and</strong> along Spear Street.<br />
The Burleigh family’s significant bargain sale,<br />
<strong>and</strong> local, state <strong>and</strong> federal funds combined<br />
<strong>to</strong> fund a project with high agricultural, recreational<br />
<strong>and</strong> natural community values.<br />
Al Karnatz/<strong>Vermont</strong> L<strong>and</strong> Trust pho<strong>to</strong><br />
Trust for Public L<strong>and</strong>s &<br />
City of Montpelier<br />
Sabins Pasture, Montpelier. $212,500 award<br />
<strong>to</strong> assist with purchase of approximately 80<br />
acres of l<strong>and</strong> that will be conveyed <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> city<br />
of Montpelier for a park. This is part of a<br />
larger dual goal project that will also include<br />
affordable housing on additional acreage.<br />
Total project costs: $2,300,000.<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> Agency of Agriculture,<br />
Food & Markets<br />
Gary & Veronica Olcott, St. Johnsbury.<br />
$288,500 award for acquisition of conservation<br />
easements, associated costs <strong>and</strong><br />
stewardship of 155 acres farml<strong>and</strong>. Option<br />
<strong>to</strong> Purchase at Agricultural Value. $137,500<br />
federal NRCS funds. $19,482.98 ACT250<br />
funds. Total project costs: $288,500.<br />
Darlene & New<strong>to</strong>n Reynolds, Alburgh.<br />
$228,500 award for acquisition of conservation<br />
easements, associated costs <strong>and</strong><br />
stewardship of195.5 acres farml<strong>and</strong>. Option<br />
<strong>to</strong> Purchase at Agricultural Value. Bargain<br />
Sale. $137,500 in NRCS funds. Total project<br />
costs: $288,500.<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> Department of Forest,<br />
Parks & Recreation<br />
March Acquisition, Jamaica. $20,500 award<br />
<strong>to</strong> acquire <strong>and</strong> conserve 12.7 acres of natural<br />
area protection <strong>and</strong> public outdoor recreation<br />
l<strong>and</strong>s. Total project costs: $23,500.<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> L<strong>and</strong> Trust<br />
Marilyn Bingham, Middlebury. $5,000<br />
additional award <strong>to</strong> acquire conservation<br />
easement <strong>and</strong> Option <strong>to</strong> Purchase at Agricultural<br />
Value.<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> Foodbank/Kingsbury Farm, Warren.<br />
$168,000 award <strong>to</strong> acquire conservation<br />
easement <strong>and</strong> affordability restrictions on 20<br />
acres. Includes riparian buffer <strong>and</strong> recreational<br />
trail along <strong>the</strong> Mad River. Facilitates<br />
transfer of farm <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Vermont</strong> Foodbank.<br />
$85,000 NRCS funds. Total project cost:<br />
$288,000.
Conservation Awards July – December 2008<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> L<strong>and</strong> Trust<br />
Hogback Mountain, Marlboro. $318,590<br />
award <strong>to</strong> acquire 593 acres for natural area<br />
protection, public outdoor recreation <strong>and</strong><br />
forest management. Total project cost:<br />
$1,727,590.<br />
LaCroix Farm, More<strong>to</strong>wn. $110,500 award<br />
<strong>to</strong> acquire conservation easements, associated<br />
costs <strong>and</strong> stewardship of 46 acres farml<strong>and</strong>.<br />
Option <strong>to</strong> Purchase at Agricultural<br />
Value. $63,500 federal NRCS funds. Total<br />
project cost: $165,235.<br />
Larocque Farm, Be<strong>the</strong>l. $113,000 award <strong>to</strong><br />
acquire conservation easements, associated<br />
costs <strong>and</strong> stewardship of 150 acres farml<strong>and</strong>.<br />
Option <strong>to</strong> Purchase at Agricultural Value.<br />
$112,500 federal NRCS funds. Total project<br />
cost: $245,500.<br />
George & Joann Madison, Shoreham.<br />
$95,500 award <strong>to</strong> acquire conservation easements,<br />
associated costs <strong>and</strong> stewardship of<br />
95 acres farml<strong>and</strong>. Facilitates purchase of<br />
additional cropl<strong>and</strong> for organic dairy operation.<br />
Option <strong>to</strong> Purchase at Agricultural<br />
Value. $75,000 in NRCS funds. Total project<br />
cost: $170,500.<br />
Marshall Farm, Enosburg. $125,500 award<br />
<strong>to</strong> acquire conservation easements, associated<br />
costs <strong>and</strong> stewardship of 157 acres<br />
farml<strong>and</strong>. Option <strong>to</strong> Purchase at Agricultural<br />
Value. $105,000 in NRCS funds. Total<br />
project cost: $230,500.<br />
Leo & Nancy Henry, Alburg. $165,500<br />
award <strong>to</strong> acquire conservation easements,<br />
associated costs <strong>and</strong> stewardship of 359<br />
acres farml<strong>and</strong>. Abuts Mud Creek Wildlife<br />
Management Area. Special ecological<br />
protection of approximately 100 acres of<br />
wooded wetl<strong>and</strong>s. Option <strong>to</strong> Purchase at<br />
Agricultural Value. $145,000 in NRCS<br />
funds. Total project cost: $310,500.<br />
John & Carmen Palmer (Misty Knoll),<br />
New Haven. $130,500 award <strong>to</strong> acquire<br />
conservation easements, associated costs<br />
<strong>and</strong> stewardship of 242.5 acres farml<strong>and</strong>.<br />
Facilitates purchase of additional farml<strong>and</strong><br />
for large poultry operation. Special ecological<br />
protection of 193 acres of a large wetl<strong>and</strong><br />
complex. Option <strong>to</strong> Purchase at Agricultural<br />
Value. $110,000 in NRCS funds. Total Project<br />
Cost: $240,500.<br />
Chamberlin parcel, Townshend State Forest<br />
The Department of Forests, Parks <strong>and</strong> Recreation<br />
added 138 acres of recreational l<strong>and</strong>,<br />
wildlife habitat <strong>and</strong> timberl<strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> state<br />
forest. Close <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> popular Townshend State<br />
Park <strong>and</strong> Campground. FPR pho<strong>to</strong><br />
Dennis & Patricia Nolan, Highgate. $90,500<br />
award <strong>to</strong> acquire conservation easements,<br />
associated costs <strong>and</strong> stewardship of 127 acres<br />
farml<strong>and</strong>. Option <strong>to</strong> Purchase at Agricultural<br />
Value. $70,000 in NRCS funds. Total<br />
project cost: $160,500.<br />
Richards Farm, Benson. $228,500 award <strong>to</strong><br />
acquire conservation easements, associated<br />
costs <strong>and</strong> stewardship of 396 acres farml<strong>and</strong>.<br />
Facilitates transfer <strong>to</strong> established dairy<br />
operation, allowing exp<strong>and</strong>ed production.<br />
Special ecological protection of 9 acres of<br />
clayplain forest. Option <strong>to</strong> Purchase at Agricultural<br />
Value. $210,000 in NRCS funds.<br />
Total project costs: $439,500.<br />
STATEWIDE<br />
Organizational Development Grants<br />
$309,000 for organizational development<br />
grants <strong>to</strong> 10 conservation organizations<br />
operating around <strong>the</strong> state.<br />
49
50<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> <strong>Housing</strong> &<br />
Conservation Board<br />
Balance Sheet<br />
June 30, 2008<br />
<strong>General</strong> Funds Restricted Funds<br />
ASSETS<br />
Cash Accounts $ 12,061,693 $ 1,360,487<br />
Due from O<strong>the</strong>r Funds 324,822 657,632<br />
Receivables 12,985 23,964<br />
Loans Receivables 75,667,159 34,096,198<br />
Administrative Reimbursements Receivable - 2,985,310<br />
Anticipated Grant Revenues 5,515,622 8,042,074<br />
TOTAL ASSETS 93,582,281 $ 47,165,665<br />
LIABILITIES <strong>and</strong> FUND EQUITY<br />
LIABILITIES<br />
Accounts Payable & Accruals $ 276,560 $ 9,226<br />
Due <strong>to</strong> O<strong>the</strong>r Funds 657,893 324,561<br />
Due <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> State of <strong>Vermont</strong> - 2,675,808<br />
Deferred Revenue – Loans 75,667,159 33,824,503<br />
Anticipated Grants Committed 5,515,622 8,042,074<br />
Long-term Debt - 271,695<br />
TOTAL LIABILITIES 82,117,234 45,147,867<br />
FUND EQUITY<br />
Fund Balances<br />
Restricted for Project Commitments 11,459,437 586,768<br />
Restricted for Programs - 1,431,030<br />
Unreserved 5,610 -<br />
TOTAL FUND EQUITY 11,465,047 2,017,798<br />
TOTAL LIABILITIES <strong>and</strong> FUND EQUITY $ 93,582,281 $ 47,165,665<br />
To receive a copy of <strong>the</strong> audited financial statement, please contact VHCB.
Revenues<br />
$25,732,185<br />
Expenditures<br />
$25,215,281<br />
Loan<br />
Repayments<br />
1%<br />
Federal Grant<br />
Revenue<br />
35%<br />
O<strong>the</strong>r Project<br />
Related Expense<br />
7%<br />
Interest<br />
Income<br />
1.5%<br />
O<strong>the</strong>r Income<br />
2.5%<br />
Grants <strong>and</strong> Loans<br />
83%<br />
State Property<br />
Transfer Tax<br />
60%<br />
Administration<br />
10%<br />
To receive a copy of <strong>the</strong> audited financial statement, please contact VHCB.<br />
51
52<br />
<strong>Housing</strong> <strong>and</strong> Conservation Applications<br />
VHCB makes grants <strong>and</strong> loans <strong>to</strong><br />
nonprofit organizations, housing<br />
co-ops, municipalities, <strong>and</strong> qualifying<br />
state agencies. The Board is able<br />
<strong>to</strong> respond quickly <strong>to</strong> assist municipalities<br />
<strong>and</strong> nonprofits <strong>to</strong> preserve<br />
agricultural l<strong>and</strong>, natural areas, public<br />
recreational l<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> his<strong>to</strong>ric properties,<br />
<strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong> preserve, rehabilitate, <strong>and</strong><br />
develop permanently affordable housing.<br />
Special encouragement is given <strong>to</strong><br />
projects that meet both <strong>the</strong> affordable<br />
housing <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> conservation goals of<br />
<strong>the</strong> Fund.<br />
All applicants are required <strong>to</strong><br />
show long-term benefit <strong>to</strong> <strong>Vermont</strong>ers<br />
through deed restrictions or o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
mechanisms that ensure <strong>the</strong> 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, <strong>to</strong> all who enjoy<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong>’s natural, recreational, <strong>and</strong><br />
his<strong>to</strong>ric properties.<br />
The Board 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 <strong>to</strong> ten weeks of submission.<br />
Applications are rated according <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Adopted Rule of <strong>the</strong> Board. Applicants<br />
are invited <strong>to</strong> attend <strong>the</strong> meeting at<br />
which <strong>the</strong> project is reviewed, <strong>and</strong> are<br />
informed of <strong>the</strong> Board’s decision that<br />
same day.<br />
Site visits by VHCB staff are<br />
required prior <strong>to</strong> submission of housing<br />
applications.<br />
Purchase of Conservation<br />
Easements on Farml<strong>and</strong><br />
The Board evaluates farml<strong>and</strong> conservation<br />
applications in a two-step<br />
process. Pre-applications are reviewed<br />
by <strong>the</strong> Agricultural Advisory Committee.<br />
This group recommends projects<br />
<strong>to</strong> be considered by <strong>the</strong> full Board,<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> o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
resources brought <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> project.<br />
Federal HOME Funds <strong>and</strong><br />
Lead-Based Paint Hazard<br />
Reduction Funds<br />
Applications for HOME Program<br />
funds are due on <strong>the</strong> same dates as<br />
VHCB housing project applications.<br />
Applications for Lead-Based Paint<br />
Hazard Reduction funds are reviewed<br />
as <strong>the</strong>y are received.<br />
Farm Viability<br />
Enhancement Program<br />
The <strong>Vermont</strong> Farm Viability Enhancement<br />
Program provides funding <strong>to</strong><br />
organizations working with farmers <strong>to</strong><br />
supply technical assistance, business<br />
planning <strong>and</strong> implementation services.<br />
Farmers may apply <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> program<br />
by filling out an application available<br />
from VHCB, NOFA-<strong>Vermont</strong>, <strong>the</strong><br />
Intervale Foundation, <strong>the</strong> University of<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong> Extension Service, or Working<br />
L<strong>and</strong>scapes, Inc.. Applications are<br />
reviewed as <strong>the</strong>y are received.<br />
Application Procedures<br />
Feasibility Funds<br />
The Board provides awards of up <strong>to</strong><br />
$10,000 <strong>to</strong> assist with feasibility analysis<br />
for individual projects <strong>and</strong> up <strong>to</strong><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> market analyses.<br />
These awards are instrumental in<br />
helping grantees bring projects <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
development stage. For a number of<br />
years, <strong>the</strong> Public Service Department<br />
has provided <strong>the</strong> Board with funds for<br />
energy efficiency analyses in proposed<br />
housing developments.<br />
Organizational Grants<br />
The Board provides grants <strong>to</strong> nonprofits<br />
for some of <strong>the</strong> costs associated<br />
with developing affordable housing<br />
<strong>and</strong> conservation projects. This crucial<br />
support ranges from up <strong>to</strong> $15,000 for<br />
new organizations <strong>to</strong> up <strong>to</strong> $40,000<br />
for regional groups actively engaged in<br />
developing VHCB projects.<br />
Application deadlines, Board meeting dates <strong>and</strong> VHCB policies are available from<br />
<strong>the</strong> VHCB office <strong>and</strong> are posted on <strong>the</strong> Board's web site (www.vhcb.org). Applications<br />
are available by request. Please call us for more information or with any<br />
questions:<br />
<strong>General</strong> Information: 828-3250<br />
<strong>Housing</strong>: 828-3526<br />
HOME Program: 828-5061<br />
Lead Paint Program: 828-5064<br />
Conservation: 828-5066<br />
Farm Viability: 828-2117<br />
AmeriCorps: 828-3253
GRAND ISLE<br />
19 units<br />
3,227 acres<br />
ADDISON<br />
643 units<br />
42,366 acres<br />
BENNINGTON<br />
340 units<br />
4,957 acres<br />
PROJECT AWARDS BY COUNTY<br />
1987–2008<br />
CHITTENDEN<br />
2,805 units<br />
12,903 acres<br />
RUTLAND<br />
355 units<br />
16,833 acres<br />
FRANKLIN<br />
428 units<br />
32,104 acres<br />
LAMOILLE<br />
189 units<br />
15,333 acres<br />
WASHINGTON<br />
765 units<br />
10,826 acres<br />
WINDHAM<br />
717 units<br />
9,618 acres<br />
WINDSOR<br />
1,099 units<br />
10,889 acres<br />
ORLEANS<br />
285 units<br />
19,332 acres<br />
ORANGE<br />
330 units<br />
10,263 acres<br />
CALEDONIA<br />
393 units<br />
5,437 acres<br />
ESSEX<br />
13 units<br />
179,468<br />
acres
since 1987, creating affordable housing,<br />
conserving agricultural <strong>and</strong> recreational l<strong>and</strong>s,<br />
his<strong>to</strong>ric properties, <strong>and</strong> natural areas.<br />
<strong>Vermont</strong><br />
<strong>Housing</strong> &<br />
Conservation<br />
Board<br />
58 East State Street, Montpelier, <strong>Vermont</strong><br />
telephone: 802 828 3250 | www.vhcb.org