Town of Canvendish Select Board Tours Proctorsville Green Housing

On January 14^th the Town of Cavendish Select Board and representatives from Rockingham Area Community Land Trust toured the newly Proctorsville Green Housing redevelopment. Despite a snowy evening, four members of the Cavendish Select Board, town administrators, State Senator Alice Nitka, RACLT officials and Myron Johnson, site supervisor for the Quinn Company arrived for the one hour tour. The tour began at the Pollard Block building and ended with the newly constructed apartment building on the green.

The Pollard Block houses eight apartments and two commercial spaces. Each apartment has been completely renovated, adding both functional living spaces and energy efficiency improvements. New appliances, windows and doors were viewed by the select board as a positive move toward saving energy. Inspecting a two bedroom apartment, the select board were impressed by the apartment’s open concept kitchen, dining room and spacious living room.  Select Board Chair Jim Ballantine noted the commercial tenants added to the financial sustainability of the Pollard Block as well as providing needed business spaces for community services. The Proctorsville US Post Office and the Six Loose Ladies retail fiber arts shop occupy the first floor of the Pollard Block.

Moving across Depot Street, the group arrived at RACLT’s townhouse condominiums. Located directly on the Proctorsville Green these homes warmly welcomed the select board. Inside a nearly completed and appointed townhouse the select board began exploring the two-story, two-bedroom, Energy Star-rated home. The quality of craftsmanship that went into the construction impressed the select board.  They commented on the lighting and color scheme of the open plan living room and that the dining area added a sense of warmth.  The townhouse tour ended with select board members commenting on how the new units will provide homeownership opportunities for local residents.

The single family condominiums can be purchased by first-time homebuyers through RACLT’s NeighborWorks^® HomeOwnership Center of Southeastern Vermont. If you are interested in purchasing a townhouse please call Cindy (ext 217) or Bruce (ext 222) at 802-885-3220.

Continuing, the select board entered the newly constructed two unit rental apartment building. Each two-bedroom apartment provides a wonderful view of the Proctorsville Green.  Not only are these apartments affordable but the downstairs unit is fully accessible to persons with physical disabilities. Select board member Daniel Churchill mentioned how well lit each apartment was.  Each apartment’s lighting is composed of energy efficient recessed fixtures.  

Jeff Staudinger, Rockingham Area Community Land Trust’s Executive Director explained that the sales price of $150,000 for a townhouse unit is made possible by substantial grants raised by the non-profit housing organization. In addition, eligible homebuyers will have access to a fixed 4.75% rate through a Vermont Housing Finance Agency mortgages. Staudinger thanked the town officials for making affordability possible through their donation of town land for the project.

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About Rockingham Area Community Land Trust
RACLT’s mission is to maximize affordable housing opportunities for the people of southeastern Vermont. RACLT owns 350 apartments and several mobile home lots which are affordable to low and moderate income families. This year, RACLT is developing affordable housing in Windsor, Cavendish, Springfield and Rockingham. RACLT’s NeighborWorks^® HomeOwnership Center of Southeastern Vermont assists over 60 Windsor and Windham county families to become first time homebuyers each year.

For information contact:
Jeff Staudinger
Executive Director
RACLT
Office-802-885-3220 ext. 220