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The Cranberry Isles Realty Trust (CIRT) recently advertised for people interested in living year-round on Great Cranberry. (See box.) Hopefully tenants will be selected in December and able to move in at the beginning of the New Year. Island residents believe strongly that keeping the island schools open is essential to survival of their communities. Attracting families with children to Great Cranberry and Islesford is a priority. Year-round rental and home ownership opportunities are being created by a collaborative effort of CIRT and the Town of Cranberry Isles. Declining island populations, scarce year-round rentals, and sale after sale of year-round homes at high prices (for conversion to summer use), have motivated local efforts to provide affordable housing. Cranberry Isles residents see making year-round housing available as one piece of the pie that will sustain the island communities in the new century. Prospective tenants must have viable plans for employment while living on the islands. Income eligibility requirements apply because the Town is using federal CDBG grant funds to purchase, construct and renovate homes. Rents for the houses will be in the $350-$450 range, slightly lower than the area average. Income limits range from $20,000 for a one-person household to $31,000 for a five-person household. Income limits are based on adjusted gross income, income after any business deductions, and are only slightly lower than average incomes in the region. |
Two CIRT homes on Great Cranberry are pictured here. Hopes to purchase an existing year-round home on Islesford have not been fulfilled. CIRT is now planning to build a three-bedroom home on town-owned land on Islesford. Once the houses are built or renovated, rental payments will provide all the income needed to cover maintenance and property taxes, without additional subsidies. Photos by Barbara Stainton | |
Cranberry Isles Realty Trust is a nonprofit organization of islanders dedicated to providing year-round housing to those who otherwise could not afford it. | ||
CIRT Is Seeking Donations To Support Creation of Affordable Housing on Islesford and Great CranberryConstruction of a home on town-owned land on Maple Avenue, Islesford, is likely this spring (unless a last minute opportunity to buy a home on Islesford evolves.) Available CIRT and CDBG funds will be used but will not cover the total cost. "We will take out a loan with a local bank," explains CIRT President David Thomas, "but we hope to keep the amount to minimum. We will also invest in fixing up the "Kane house" on Great Cranberry as soon as we can get beyond the lawsuit. Donations from the community will be an enormous help." Individuals are encouraged to make tax-deductible contributions to the Cranberry Isles Realty Trust. (See enclosed form.) Leads to likely grant sources would also be greatly appreciated. Contact any CIRT Board member with or for more information.
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Cranberry Isles Realty Trust Board of DirectorsDavid Thomas, President Chris White, Vice President Owen Roberts, Treasurer Katrina Van Dusen, Secretary Jeri Spurling Barbara Stainton Janice Smith Norm Sanborn, Jr. Dick Pierson
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Name ______________________________________________ Contributions are tax-deductible. Please mail this form and your check to: |
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