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<DIV>Good Morning, The attached (and opened document) was sent to all
voters and is a good summary of the YRHC proposal which may be a helpful
review for the Application and Selection Committee (YRHASC)??.</DIV>
<DIV> Please request any other things that you think may
be useful to get this process going.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Brenda, Could you copy us all the exact wording of Article 47 as
amended at Town Meeting? Thanks, Mark </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Brenda - copy for Newell - thanks</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Mark </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"
align=center><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><U><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">Informational Summary of
Article 47<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></U></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"
align=center><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><U><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">A Proposal by the Year
Round Housing Committee (YRHC) to Lease Town Lands
<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></U></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"
align=center><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><U><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">For Long Island Year Round
Residents to build <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place
w:st="on">Homestead</st1:place></st1:City>
Housing<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></U></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"
align=center><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><o:p><FONT
face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"
align=center><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">Article 47.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>To see if the Town will vote to
authorize the Selectmen to lease certain parcels of Town owned or tax acquired
property for an annual fee of no less than, but not to exceed the amount that
would otherwise be collected as tax revenue if the property were privately
owned, for the purpose of allowing construction of privately owned homes under a
criteria established by the Long Island Year Round Housing
Committee<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"
align=center><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"
align=center><I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman">\u201cIf the people who need to live here year-round, who do
the work, who make it work, can\u2019t live here, it\u2019s all going to collapse. Simple
as that. And this isn\u2019t charity. Let\u2019s forget that.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>This is reality.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>This is being members of a great
community.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>And it\u2019s emblematic of
the oldest, simplest truth in the world: if you want to be happy, do everything
you can to make other people happy.\u201d<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></I></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3>You might think this is yet another great quote from the YRHC, but it is
not.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>It is from historian and
Martha\u2019s Vineyard seasonal resident David McCullough speaking on that island\u2019s
housing crisis, which is not unlike the one brewing here on <st1:place
w:st="on">Long Island</st1:place>.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"
align=center><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3>We are not alone in our growing housing crisis; in fact we are late in
coming to the table on this issue compared to other islands in <st1:place
w:st="on"><st1:State w:st="on">Maine</st1:State></st1:place> and elsewhere.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>But make no mistake - we are in no way
exempt from the same forces that are at work undermining the future diversity
and stability of our community like every where else on the coast and especially
islands. The housing issue here is kind of like global warming \u2013 hard to see,
hard to believe, and it may happen slowly enough that it can be doubted.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>But if it is true\u2026then what?</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3>To this end, we of the YRHC have worked hard this year to put together a
plan to begin to address this issue, which may be the most serious long term
threat to our community of any that we have faced in the past.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3>We think we have a proposal that is a real \u201cwin-win\u201d for everyone. <SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We hope you will take a few minutes to
review what we have agreed upon as a proposed pilot project.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>This article comes very late in the Town
Meeting agenda (#47), so we hope you will give us feedback and questions even
before Town Meeting next week so that we can address them properly.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Even better, if you find these proposals
acceptable, please consider working with us in the future on our continuing
efforts to refine the proposals and make them happen if we get a \u201cYes Vote\u201d at
Town Meeting. <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Above all please stay
long enough at the meeting to support these efforts with your vote.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT
face="Times New Roman">Why?<SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 2">
</SPAN></FONT></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>The short summary of the Housing Survey, past articles in the Long
Islander, and the Town Report is this:<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><I
style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">housing costs on <st1:State
w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Maine</st1:place></st1:State>\u2019s coastal islands
have severely outstripped the income abilities of residents</I> except the
wealthiest, generally seasonal residents, to buy into their own communities.
This is no ones fault, but is a result of an aging population nationwide with
substantial resources in primary homes elsewhere looking for future retirement,
investment, and/or vacation homes.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>We are fortunate to live in a place that is desirable towards that end,
but it has driven up the value of the limited property here beyond the reach of
most moderate income residents<I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Most impacted immediately are young
people, young families and single individuals of all ages who are not presently
property owners, but wish to remain a part of our strong, diverse, unique year
round island community.</I><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><U>The
single biggest thing we can do to bring housing costs within reach of our own
citizens is to control the cost (and availability) of the land</U>, which is
what this plan proposes to do.</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>Equally threatened over the long term are all of us of all ages as the
younger folks needed in any community to carry on the support activities are
unable to find suitable, stable, year round housing, rental or otherwise.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Their departure has happened on most
other islands already and is happening here.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>We remain fortunate to have many younger folks still here, but uncertain
of their future because they are in rentals that could change at any time.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The lack of available, reasonable lands
and houses to purchase is mostly of out of reach and getting worse.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The potential loss of this part of
our population will diminish the quality of life for all of us as our makeup
becomes ever more seasonal and elderly.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>There will be fewer and fewer strong backs to help \u201ccarry the load\u201d and
maintain the basic institutions and services we all need to safely and
comfortably stay here.</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT
face="Times New Roman">The Plan<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><I
style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman">Allow the release of several parcels of Town owned land
to be leased to qualified applicants upon which they will, entirely at their
expense, build a home to suit their needs.<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></I></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><I
style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3> </FONT></o:p></I></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>We have crafted a plan that asks for no money, but rather brings in new
full tax revenues on the (now untaxed) lands as well as the future improvements
including the house at the same rates as if the property were privately owned.
All costs of legal, survey, site plans, etc. on the Town lots being considered
will be covered by the candidates and/or outside grant monies. <SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>At the same time, it allows the
participants to build their own home as they see fit and be guaranteed that they
can stay Long Islanders as long as the want without worrying about where they
may have to move to next. Most significant is that it also gives hope and peace
of mind to our young folks that there is a way to remain here if they want.
</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>Getting some of our present renters into their own homes, also
potentially frees up very scarce twelve month rental housing situations for
other folks to stay on or return to the island and maybe also become future
permanent residents. <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Equally
important we are conserving the future affordability of these properties by
maintaining ownership of the scarce and valuable land upon which these houses
will be built.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We will be able to
guarantee the repurchase of these relatively \u201caffordable\u201d homes in the future by
the next generations.</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT
face="Times New Roman">Details<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN></FONT></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>The devil is always in the details.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>It has been impressive how professionally the committee members have
worked to craft the basic workings of the program. Getting the conditions of
this proposal right so that is fair and attractive enough to the participants
and acceptable to the voters has been very challenging.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>We offer the following as our best compromise so far and acknowledge that
it is incomplete and will need more detail as we begin to implement the
program.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The list of \u201cwhat if\u201d
questions is continuous but will make a better end product. <SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Further resources, including the
legal reviews and assistance needed will be committed to some of these questions
if we get the go ahead to try this plan on several parcels with willing
candidates.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We need your \u201cYes\u201d vote
to move forward.</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><I
style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><U><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman">There were seven major areas of the proposal that needed
to be solved:<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></U></I></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman">1<SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>Who is eligible?<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman">2.<SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>Who gets priority for the limited land available and who gets which
parcel?<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman">3.<SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>Who will make these difficult decisions?<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman">4. <SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1"> </SPAN>What
will be the transfer provisions if an owner decides to leave the
program?<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman">5.<SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>What will the lease provisions be?<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman">6.<SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>What about financing?<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman">7. <SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1"> </SPAN>Which
land might be suitable?<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><U><o:p><SPAN
style="TEXT-DECORATION: none"><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3> </FONT></SPAN></o:p></U></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><I
style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><U><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman">A brief synopsis of the plan for each of these
topics:<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></U></I></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1"><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3>
</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>1.<SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN><U>Who is eligible?</U><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We
boiled the basic eligibility to enter the program down to four major
criteria:</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 2">
</SPAN>* Pre-approval for a mortgage<BR> <SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 2">
</SPAN>* Year-round residence on the island for a period of
time<BR> <SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 2">
</SPAN>* Willingness to build a home in a set time-frame<BR>
<SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 2">
</SPAN>* Eligibility by income</FONT></FONT><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1"><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3>
</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>2.<SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN><U>Who gets priority for the limited land available and who gets which
parcel?<o:p></o:p></U></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>We devised a point system to \u201crank\u201d the most eligible candidates.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>It is important that: a)
candidates who opt to lease the land have the greatest potential to stay long
term on the island and be contributors to the community and b) it is in no ones
best interest to have a house vacated and potentially be re-sold quickly, nor is
it desirable to lose another year round family. The point system developed tries
to keep those two points in focus and is as follows:</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 2">
</SPAN><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>* Not a current property
owner: 10 points<BR> <SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 2">
</SPAN>* Immediacy of need: up to 10 points<BR> <SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 2">
</SPAN><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>* Involved in community
life: up to 10 points<BR> <SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 2">
</SPAN><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>* Employed on the island: 10
points<BR> <SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 2">
</SPAN><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>* Number of people in
household: 2 points per person, up to 10<BR> <SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 2">
</SPAN><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>* Family ties to the island:
up to 10 points<BR> <SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 2">
</SPAN><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>* Length of time on the
island: 1 point per year, up to 10</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1"><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3>
</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>3.<SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN><U>Who will make these difficult decisions?</U><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 4">
</SPAN></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>It was proposed that an application process be used with an <I
style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">independent and diverse Selection Committee
appointed by the Selectmen to review applications and assign points.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>This Selection Committee would develop
the application and the application process and be given the authority to refine
the criteria further before beginning the selection
process.</I></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>The qualified applicants with the highest number of points, as determined
by the Selection Committee would be highest on the list for the next eligible
lease property.</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1"><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3>
</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>4. <SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN><U>What will be the transfer price provisions if an owner decides to
leave the program?<o:p></o:p></U></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN><SPAN style="COLOR: black">Another important part of the lease is a
formula that would determine the price the house could be sold for if the owner
decides to leave the program. The YRHC, on behalf of the Town would have
first refusal on the house at a price that would be equal to the replacement
cost of the building, as calculated by insurance company standards and
practices. Additionally, a complete home inspection for defects that might
affect the value would be part of the final transfer price calculation. <SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The additional value to the land
and house due to the development of the property and improvements could also be
added or split with the owner and Town. This price would give the first
homeowners a potential return on their investment, especially if they used
discounted materials and/or their own \u201csweat equity\u201d. It would also make
the house affordable to future eligible buyers, since they also would not have
to buy the continually inflating land beneath it. The Year-Round Housing
Committee, as noted, would have first refusal to buy the house, but first choice
would normally be to broker a sale between the selling homeowner and the next
eligible candidates on the waiting list. In the event that a house is not
needed, the YRHC could opt to rent the property or ultimately the Town could opt
to sell house and land outright and end the program if no longer in demand.
<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN></SPAN><U><o:p></o:p></U></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1"><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3>
</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman">5.<SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN><U>What will the lease provisions be?</U></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN><SPAN style="COLOR: black">The YRHC is considering the use of a "ground
lease" to allow eligible tenants to lease parcels of town land and build their
own private houses. The committee is studying ground leases used on other
islands to make them <st1:place w:st="on">Long Island</st1:place>
applicable. An important condition of the agreement would be that the
tenants build an appropriate, year-round home on the site in an agreed
timeframe, so the land does not sit unused indefinitely. Although the
tenant would own the building, and could leave the value of the house to his or
her heirs, the committee feels that the home should return to the program and
its goals of keeping these <st1:place w:st="on">Long Island</st1:place>
properties as available, affordable, and year round as intended.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>(It was, however, agreed that an
otherwise eligible offspring on the YRHC eligible waiting list should have
additional priority on that list \u2013 an interesting example of some of the
challenging \u201cdetails\u201d we have tried to deal with in planning this program).<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT
size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>Significant legal assistance from grant monies will be utilized to fully
develop and refine the model leases we are studying from other islands\u2019 housing
programs.<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="COLOR: black"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN></SPAN>6.<SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN><U>What about financing?</U></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT
size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>Where this is leased land, many questions were generated as to how the
financing would work.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>All financing
for the building of the home on the leased land would be a private transaction
between the lessee and a lending institution as with any other home mortgage
program.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Both Island Fellow Alden
Robinson and Housing Administrator Mark Greene have attended numerous housing
conferences and worked with the Genesis Community Loan Fund.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We have been assured by lenders that
this is a normal and straightforward situation that is gladly handled by many
(but not all) banks. Camden National Bank, which has a <st1:City
w:st="on">Portland</st1:City> branch is an eager participant in these types of
affordable housing initiatives up and down the coast of <st1:place
w:st="on"><st1:State
w:st="on">Maine</st1:State></st1:place>.<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="COLOR: black"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT
size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>7.<SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN><U>Which parcels might be
suitable?</U><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT
size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>The Town has a modest number of land parcels \u2013 some in clear Town
ownership, some in use by the Town, and others in the process of having their
titles cleared for eventual Town ownership.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>All may be viewed on the Town website
(<U>townoflongisland.us</U>).<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Most
of the parcels are very small or very hard to get to or of uncertain title as
yet.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We are requesting some
of the smaller parcels as a beginning to start the program modestly.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We do not know if they are buildable at
this time, but will undertake the necessary survey and site plan work to see. We
will work with abutters and neighbors to see if they have concerns that we may
negotiate.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The parcels being
requested for use by this program are:<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><U><SPAN style="COLOR: black">Lots 255/256 on <st1:Street
w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">Fowler
Road</st1:address></st1:Street></SPAN></U><SPAN style="COLOR: black"> across
from the Transfer Station. These will not clear title to the Town until Nov. 07
and may be merged or reconfigured.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>They are minimum size.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><st1:place w:st="on"><U><SPAN
style="COLOR: black">Lot</SPAN></U></st1:place><U><SPAN style="COLOR: black">
361 on <st1:Street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">Beach Ave<SPAN
style="TEXT-DECORATION: none; text-underline: none">.</SPAN></st1:address></st1:Street><SPAN
style="TEXT-DECORATION: none; text-underline: none"> to the south of and behind
Barter property.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Minimum size and
needs access via paper street
work.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></SPAN></U></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><st1:place w:st="on"><U><SPAN
style="COLOR: black">Lot</SPAN></U></st1:place><U><SPAN style="COLOR: black">
344 at the corner of <st1:Street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">Beach
Ave.</st1:address></st1:Street> and <st1:Street w:st="on"><st1:address
w:st="on">Fern Ave<SPAN
style="TEXT-DECORATION: none; text-underline: none">.</SPAN></st1:address></st1:Street><SPAN
style="TEXT-DECORATION: none; text-underline: none"><SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Minimum size and uncertain ground
quality.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></SPAN></U></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT
size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">We hope the success of this program this
year will encourage our fellow citizens to consider future releases of
additional lands if needed to sustain this program in the
future.<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: black"><o:p><FONT
face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: black">Summary of the benefits of the YRHC
proposal \u2013 Article 47</SPAN></B><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><U><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></U></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; tab-stops: list .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore"><FONT size=3>·</FONT><SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>Year round housing can
be created by the private enterprise and efforts of the individuals involved in
a time frame that can be as short as needed to keep folks permanently on the
island.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; tab-stops: list .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore"><FONT size=3>·</FONT><SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>The candidates selected
can build a home to their liking, within broad guidelines, with their own
financing and sweat equity. It will be theirs as long as they remain year round
residents and meet conditions of the lease.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Transfer provisions will be an
agreed part of the contract to keep the properties as affordable and available
as possible for future residents, yet give a fair return to those who have built
and own the homes. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; tab-stops: list .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore"><FONT size=3>·</FONT><SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>The affordability part
of this is obvious as land does not have to be purchased, but will be leased by
the Town and/or YRHC on a long term basis as long as conditions of the lease are
met.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; tab-stops: list .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore"><FONT size=3>·</FONT><SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>The Town still owns the
land and it would be available for future year round housing needs if the
original lessees leave or buy a different property.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The value of the land and improvements
can be sold at some future time should the need for this type of program ever
disappear.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; tab-stops: list .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore"><FONT size=3>·</FONT><SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>Lease payments would
accrue to the community and be equal to the taxes that would otherwise be
collected as if the land were privately owned.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>In addition, taxes would be paid on the
home and improvements to the property the same as any other private
residence.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>For all intents and
purposes, the Town owned land is fully back on the tax rolls.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; tab-stops: list .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore"><FONT size=3>·</FONT><SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>As our citizens build their own homes,
hopefully the places they rent now will become available for others year round
and contribute to the housing stock of the island by providing entry level
rental housing options for young folks and others, and help maintain the future
stability and diversity of our population.</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"><SPAN
style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><U>Please contact any of us with concerns
or questions and hope to see you at Town
Meeting.<o:p></o:p></U></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"><U><SPAN
style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">Year Round
Housing Committee participants:<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></U></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"><SPAN
style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">Mark Greene,<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Chair<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>Alden Robinson, Island Institute
Fellow<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"><SPAN
style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">Ruth Peterson,
Selectman<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>Steve Train, Selectman<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"><SPAN
style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">Leah Doughty and
Michael Maloney<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>John Billings<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"><SPAN
style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">Will and Amy
Tierney<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>Mary Nanos<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"><SPAN
style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">Lorrinda
Valls<SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 5">
</SPAN><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Tom and Tammy
Hohn<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"><SPAN
style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">Jonothan Norton
and Katie Wegner<SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 2">
</SPAN><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Cade and
Melissa Brown<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
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