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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
ALBURG – Using $500,000 in VHCB funds, the Agency of Natural Resources will add 164 acres including 4,500 feet of frontage on Lake Champlain to Alburg Dunes, a new state park created in 1995. The additional land will allow for construction of a bath house, picnic facilities, campsites, hiking trails, rental cabins, concessions and septic areas. Additional wetlands, woodlands and meadows on the property will expand hunting, fishing and trapping opportunities accessible to the public. Alburg Dunes has become one of Vermont’s more popular day use state parks.
BARRE TOWN - The Central Vermont Community Land Trust (CVCLT) will use $75,050 in VHCB funds, $49,250 in HOME funds, and a low interest loan of $12,500 from the Town of Barre toward the purchase of the 8-lot Bridge Street Mobile Home Park in South Barre. CVCLT has applied for $162,500 in Vermont Community Development funds to complete the financing package. CVCLT will install new water and electrical systems, improve a road in the park, and perform weatherization and landscaping.
 BELLOWS FALLS - The Mary Exner Block on Canal Street in downtown Bellows Falls has been rehabilitated by Housing Vermont and the Rockingham Area Community Land Trust into ten apartments with artist studios or home offices, a public gallery and six commercial spaces. The project will contribute to the economic revitalization of Bellows Falls with new commercial rentals and the input of resident artists. The building, which has been vacant for several years, contains a wealth of historic features, such as pressed metal ceilings and walls on the first floor, hardwood floors, wainscoting, chair rails, tin siding, bay windows, and stamped tin siding and exterior cornice and bracket details. A VHCB grant of $180,000 and $185,000 in federal HOME Program funds, over $978,000 in Low Income and Historic Tax credit equity, and funding from the Vermont Community Development Program and Federal Affordable Housing Program loans.
Housing Vermont, the Bellows Falls Downtown Development Alliance and the Rockingham Area Community Land Trust will use $325,000 in VHCB funds to rehabilitate 13 apartments in the Howard Block, a three-story commercial and residential property.
 "There are so many of us who need a little help but do not need nursing homes" – Margaret Powell, 89, Bennington resident
BENNINGTON - The former Cora B. Whitney School, vacant for some time, has been renovated into 22 units of elderly housing by the Regional Affordable Housing Corporation (RAHC). Downtown Bennington has a growing array of historic buildings being put to new uses, with community support and local government encouragement. "The neighbors have really rallied to support the Cora B. Whitney Senior Living Facility, as did the town," said Helen Whyte, community development director. The renovated 1897 school has attractive, high-ceilinged apartments and optional on-site services for residents. The Regional Affordable Housing Corporation put together a variety of public and private funding for the project, and raised 10 percent of the costs in local donations.
" The school was such an integral part of that community, it just jumped out at us as a terrific facility for elderly housing," said Diane Binnick, executive director of RAHC. With monthly rents based on residents ability to pay, Cora B. Whitney will have a range of rent levels that reflect an economic cross section of the community. "It's a natural bringing-together," Binnick said. "All this adaptive reuse is good for Bennington," she added. "It reminds us of who we are."
 BLOOMFIELD - With a VHCB grant of $93,500 and $23,100 to be raised from private sources, the Vermont River Conservancy and the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation will acquire 41 acres at Lyman Falls along an undeveloped stretch of the Connecticut River off of Route 102. The purchase ensures public access along 3,200 feet of the Upper Connecticut River recognized by the Connecticut River Joint Commissions Headwaters Subcommittee as one of the best cold water fishing areas in the eastern United States. On the property are a canoe/kayak landing area and primitive canoe campsites.
BRATTLEBORO - The Brattleboro Area Community Land Trust has been actively developing rental housing in historic buildings and neighborhoods in this southern Vermont town for more than 14 years. Among their properties is the Harold Tier House, a 6-unit historic apartment building developed for residents with hearing impairments, where support services are provided by the Vermont Center for Independent Living's Deaf Independence Project. Local bus service runs to the Austine School for the Deaf, located less than two miles from the property. BACLT used funds from VHCB and the federal HOME Program to acquire and renovate the building.
The Brattleboro Arts Initiative will use $106,500 in VHCB funds to acquire and rehabilitate the historic Latchis Memorial Building, a 1930’s Art Deco complex consisting of a hotel, restaurant, theatre, office space for a youth theatre company, and two retail businesses. Rehabilitation will create a regional center for the visual and performing arts.
The Brattleboro Area County Community Land Trust will use a $286,000 VHCB loan to acquire and rehabilitate 20 apartments located in four prominent, historic buildings at 50, 58 and 64 Canal Street and at 42 South Main Street. Three of the buildings are owned by limited equity cooperatives; they will be transferred to BACLT for rehabilitation and management as rental housing. The buildings were the first properties acquired and rehabilitated by the Brattleboro Area Community Land Trust fifteen years ago when a citizens group formed to protect the properties from demolition and construction of a mini-mall on the site.
BROOKFIELD – The Brookfield Community Partnership has purchased and renovated the Brookfield Old Town Hall using $72,500 in VHCB funds. Built in 1850 as a boarding house for the nearby mill, the town hall is the centerpiece of Brookfield Village Historic District. An addition in 1900 served as the town hall and a gathering place for many functions in the town. The Town Clerk’s office will move into the rehabilitated building and town meetings and a variety of community events will be held there. The upstairs may serve as art or dance studios and private office space.
BRIGHTON - With a VHCB grant of $162,000, the Agency of Natural Resources and The Conservation Fund will purchase a 460-acre parcel of wetlands and uplands with important wildlife habitat connecting the Brighton State Park and the day use area. The property will be available for recreational uses including snowmobiling, hiking, hunting, and wildlife viewing.
 BURLINGTON - On a 2-acre site formerly used by Vermont Transit at the intersection of Riverside and North Winooski Avenues, the Burlington Community Land Trust and Housing Vermont have demolished a garage, built 25 units of rental housing, and subdivided a parcel for commercial lease to the Good News Garage. Six new units have been created in a brick building that formerly housed trolley cars and is listed on the State Register of Historic Places. A new building with 19 units has been constructed fronting on North Winooski Avenue. The project will add to extensive redevelopment efforts in this neighborhood, including the multi-generational day center, the Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf, a small park, public housing owned by the Burlington Housing Authority, the Community Health Center and cooperative housing at the Thelma Maple Coop. A VHCB deferred loan of $500,000 will complement Burlington HOME Program funds, a loan from the Federal Home Loan Bank, and over $2 million in Historic Rehabilitation and Low Income Tax Credit Equity.
The Committee on Temporary Shelter (COTS) will rehabilitate a 10-unit building with two ground floor apartments used as permanent housing and seven second-story rooms with a common kitchen to be used as transitional housing for homeless individuals. A resident case manager will help individuals in the transitional units to develop independent living skills. The Burlington Housing Authority will coordinate the rehabilitation work and manage the property for COTS, providing project-based rental subsidies for the permanent housing units.
EAST MONTPELIER - The Christiansen Farm has
been conserved by the Vermont  Land Trust with $75,000 in VHCB funds, private foundation funds, a commitment from the East Montpelier Conservation Fund, and thanks to the owner's willingness to sell development rights at less then development value. The 90-cow dairy owned by Stanley Christiansen and operated by his son, Peter, is located on a scenic hilltop and abuts another conserved farm. On this third generation family farm, the Christiansens raise corn and hay to feed their dairy herd and young cattle. With more than a mile and a half of road frontage on four different roads, conservation of the farm will maintain the scenic integrity of the area.
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ESSEX JUNCTION – With $500,000 in VHCB funds, a development team comprised of the Lake Champlain Housing Development Corporation and Housing Vermont will develop 84 family rental units on a 14-acre site in the first phase of a planned 185-unit intergenerational development on Park Street near the five corners in Essex Junction. Housing Vermont anticipates raising more than $4.7 million in Low Income Housing Tax Credit Equity to augment the project budget.
FAI R HAVEN - The Nature Conservancy of Vermont will use a VHCB grant of $93,943 to purchase 154 acres along Route 22A on the western flank of Great Ledge. Great Ledge hosts a wide diversity of plant communities, endangered plants and animals. The property will be managed to protect the biological diversity of the area and to permit public access for hiking, hunting and other non-motorized recreation. It will add to an existing core of lands previously conserved by the State and Town of Fair Haven.
FERRISBURGH – The former Grange Hall, which is owned by the town, will be renovated and restored for use as new town offices and a community center with the help of $47,500 in VHCB funds. Located on the west side of Route 7 in the village, the building will be stabilized and historic features will be restored, including the slate roof and two brick chimneys. Constructed in 1868 as the Ferrisburgh Congregational Church, the building was conveyed to the local Grange in 1949. The Italianate style church features elaborate exterior trim and a two-tiered bell tower. The lower level will serve as town offices, while the upper level, with its open hall, raised stage and balcony will be used for community meetings and as a theatrical and musical performance venue for the school and community.
GRAND ISLE – Sixteen apartments were constructed by the Lake Champlain Housing Development Corporation and Housing Vermont on a 20-acre site on Hyde Road near the town offices, fire station, library and elementary school. A VHCB grant of $400,000 and $130,000 in federal HOME funds awarded by VHCB will be matched with $1.4 million in Low Income Housing Tax Credit Equity, a private loan and funding from the Residential Energy Efficiency Program.
HARTLAND - With $47,110 in VHCB funds and private donations, The Upper Valley Land Trust will conserve 131 acres of the Jersey Farm, accept an easement donation on an additional 10 acres, and manage public access along 3,000 feet of frontage on Harlow Brook, a local trout stream. The farm is one of the oldest in town, with a farmhouse dating from 1797 and a barn dating from 1895. The Jerseys grow hay, corn and pumpkins, raise dairy goats and, with new greenhouses, grow vegetables year-round.
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gastropod fossil
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family outing
on the ridge
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farmhouse research center and museum
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Isle La Motte – Lake Champlain Land Trust Conserves World-Class Fossils
The Isle La Motte Reef Preservation Trust is working with the Lake Champlain Land Trust to conserve sections of the oldest fossil reef in the world. A $100,000 VHCB grant assisted with the acquisition of 81 acres of land known as Goodsell Ridge, adding to 24 acres conserved at the Fisk Quarry with VHCB funding in 1999. An interpretive display erected at the Fisk Quarry describes the ancient reef, which was formed 480 million years ago. The Isle La Motte reefs, dating from the Ordovician era, have long been studied by international paleontologists, college students, amateur geologists, school groups and tourists. A visitors center, walking trails, and an outdoor museum are planned for the Goodsell Ridge Fossil Preserve.
Turn time back 480 million years and stand on Isle La Motte, the northern most island of Lake Champlain, and you would find yourself swimming in the shallow tropical Iapetus Ocean with no land in sight. You would be below the equator, about Zimbabwe’s latitude, and there would be a great reef stretching out before you.
The site is the world’s earliest appearance of a complex reef building natural community, where an incredible diversity of organisms formed and flourished, including the first corals. Goodsell Ridge contains the most complete fossil record of the world’s oldest reef dating back over 480 million years ago. On Goodsell Ridge, between stands of cedars and clusters of purple clematis and snowy aster, the ancient bedrock juts out from the soil, displaying in swirls and fossils organisms of extraordinary antiquity.
Fundraising continues for the farmhouse research center and museum. For more information, see http://www.lclt.org/GoodsellUpdate.htm or call 802 862 4150
JERICHO - On Route 15, adjacent to the elementary and middle schools and the Jericho public library, new recreational fields and trails for public use will be developed on a 213-acre property known as the Mills Riverside Park. The property is comprised of 40 acres of agricultural land, forested acreage on South Mountain, and frontage on Brown's River, and commands spectacular views of Mount Mansfield. In almost unanimous voting on Town Meeting Day, the towns of Jericho and Underhill together approved contributions totaling $50,000 for the acquisition. The Jericho Land Trust needs to raise an additional $200,000 to complement $50,000 in VHCB funds and $75,000 in private foundation funds granted to the project. The Vermont Land Trust is working in partnership with the Jericho Land Trust to develop a management plan and long-term ownership strategy for the property. The woodland is an important wildlife corridor for bear, moose, bobcat, fisher and deer. Said Susan Morse, wildlife consultant and local resident, "Acquisition of buffer land such as the Mills Riverside Park will be especially important in protecting the whole region from suburban sprawl and related human activities which would cumulatively fragment and destroy the unique wildlife habitat opportunities of the region as a whole."
 LUDLOW- The Vermont River Conservancy and the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation will conserve 7 acres along the Branch Brook at Buttermilk Falls, three miles from downtown Ludlow. A VHCB grant of $35,300 will help to conserve frontage on the south side of the brook, waterfalls and pools popular for swimming and fishing. The property is located in a wildlife corridor between the northern and southern sections of the Green Mountain National Forest.
MANCHESTER CENTER - The Regional Affordable Housing Corporation (RAHC) will use a $200,000 VHCB deferred loan and $198,100 in federal HOME Program funds to construct 20 units of rental housing on a residential street within the village center. Apartments at the Manchester Knoll development will be affordable to low- and moderate-income households, an important need in this area, where the majority of Manchester's employment opportunities are in the retail and the service industry sectors.
MILTON - A VHCB challenge grant to the Vermont Land Trust will assist with an effort to conserve and consolidate under new ownership 137 acres of farmland. The Vermont Land Trust will purchase conservation easements on 105 acres of farmland and accept a donation on an additional 31 acres. A young farmer who has been renting the farmland from two owners will purchase the 137 acres restricted to agricultural use, lowering the purchase price.
MORRISVILLE - The Lamoille Housing Partnership and Housing Vermont have purchased and rehabilitated the upper story of a commercial building on Portland Street in downtown Morrisville, developing 8 units of perpetually affordable housing. The ground floor of the building formerly occupied by the Ben Franklin store is Morrisville's new post office, and the upstairs has been reconfigured to six one-bedroom apartments and two efficiency apartments. Long-term federal rental subsidies will ensure that the rents will be affordable to very low-income residents. Area social service agencies will provide support services to the residents. The project will use VHCB funds, federal HOME Program funds, U.S.D.A. Rural Development funds, and Low Income Housing and Historic Tax Credit Equity.
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 NORTH PAWLET - The Nature Conservancy and the Vermont Land Trust will use a $50,000 VHCB grant and over $50,000 from other sources to purchase a 165-acre natural area. The project is the second phase of an effort by the two nonprofit organizations to protect a unique ecological area known as the North Pawlet Hills. Together with an earlier acquisition of 235 acres across the summits of Bald Hill and Middle Mountain, this ecological reserve will comprise almost 500 acres. An improved trail through the land will lead to popular hiking spots, Middle Mountain, Bald Hill, and Haystack Mountain.
 NORTHFIELD - The Gray Building Coalition has raised more than $789,540 (including VHCB and VCDP grants) to renovate this historic, formerly vacant school building. With the support of Senator Leahy, the project was awarded a $250,000 grant from the Save America's Treasures Program. The first phase of renovations will be completed in September 2004.Visit the Gray Building Coalition website for more details. For more information, contact: Anne Gould or read more about the project.
ORLEANS - A VHCB award of $45,000 will assist the Gilman Housing Trust to take over ownership and management and to oversee rehabilitation of the 20-unit Rainbow Apartments. The Rainbow Apartments were constructed in 1979 and expanded in 1988 and have been under the ownership and management of Rainbow Apartments, Inc., a nonprofit organization which has been run by volunteers dedicated to serving elders in Orleans County. Contact: Ed Stretch 334-1541.
READING - Along the Mill Brook in the hamlet of Bailey's Mills, the Upper Valley Land Trust will purchase a conservation easement on the 85-acre Rolling Meadows Farm, owned by David and Susan Goodhouse. The farmland surrounds historic mill buildings and a tavern dating from the late 1700's, providing the scenic character of this small community. Local fundraising and a bargain sale of the conservation easement leveraged the VHCB grant of $32,200. The Goodhouses produce hay, beef, and maple syrup.
Rutland – The Rutland County Community Land Trust (RCCLT) will use a Vermont Housing and Conservation Board grant of $325,000 and $390,00 in federal HOME Program funds awarded by VHCB to acquire the Tuttle Building at 9-13 Center Street, creating thirteen affordable apartments and renovating three commercial spaces. Built in 1906 just off Merchants Row in the heart of downtown Rutland, the Tuttle Building housed the offices and production spaces of the Tuttle Printing and Engraving Company. RCCLT will renovate the two commercial spaces on the ground floor and add one apartment on that level, renovate and occupy office space and create two apartments on the second floor, and develop 10 apartments on the third and fourth floors. A mixture of one and two-bedroom apartments will be affordable to households earning less than 60% of median income.
ST. JOHNSBURY - In the heart of the downtown, Gilman Housing Trust will develop 24 units of elderly housing on the second, third and fourth floors of a new building replacing the Daniels block, which burned to the ground in January 2000. The design will complement adjacent historic structures and resemble the original building. Included with the residential units will be a community room with a kitchen, lobby area, mailroom and laundry facilities. Two commercial spaces will be located on the ground floor. A VHCB grant of $379,200 and a federal HOME Program grant of $260,000 will be joined by funding from a number of sources, including $1.6 million from the HUD Section 202 Program, which will provide rental subsidies for all the units, making them affordable to residents with incomes at less than 50% of median income. Other funding comes from the town, a bank loan, a developer loan and local fundraising. An application to the Vermont Community Development Program is pending.
 SOUTH BURLINGTON - Behind the New Covenant Baptist Church on the Williston Road, nonprofits used a $584,000 VHCB loan to develop 30 units of affordable housing. Cathedral Square Corporation developed 10 one-bedroom apartments with shared common space for individuals with mobility impairments and including one unit for a resident manager. Those units will be affordable to households earning less than 50% of median income and support services will be provided to the residents. Lake Champlain Housing Development Corporation worked in partnership with Housing Vermont to construct nine duplexes, creating 18 rental units. At the same site, The Burlington Community Land Trust acquired one single family home, and, with WomenBuild, constructed another. Other funding sources for the South Burlington Community Housing project include HUD 811 funds, an application for Vermont Community Development Program funds, and Low Income Housing tax credit equity.
SOUTH HERO - The South Hero Land Trust, Lake Champlain Land Trust, Vermont Land Trust, and The Nature Conservancy of Vermont will use a VCHB grant of $319,100 to conserve 335 acres at the Landon Farm and Round Pond. The Landon Farm property will be conserved for public access, agricultural and wetland conservation, wildlife habitat, and shoreline conservation
STOWE - The Stowe Land Trust has created a new town park on 23.3 acres of land on the northeastern side of the village. Three trails on the land lead to Sunset Rock, which affords views of Camel's Hump, Mt. Mansfield and the Worcester Range within a 10-minute walk of Main Street. Conservation of the land will protect an important scenic backdrop to the village from development and ensure continued public access to the popular spot. A VHCB award of $29,690, $92,315 in private foundation funding, $350,000 in bond funds approved by the Town of Stowe, and $40,000 to be raised from other sources will complete the project budget. The Stowe Land Trust will transfer the land to the Town of Stowe and retain a conservation easement.
The Lamoille Housing Partnership (LHP) will receive a VHCB grant of $40,000 for predevelopment costs related to a proposed 45-unit affordable housing development off Sylvan Park Road in the lower village.
VERGENNES – With $65,000 in VHCB funds and $200,000 in federal HOME funds awarded by VHCB two prominent historic buildings with 19 apartments and one commercial space located at 206 and 224 Main Street will be redeveloped by the Addison County Community Action Group and Housing Vermont. The layout of some apartments will be reconfigured, new wiring, water supply and a sprinkler system will be installed, and exterior trim, siding and porches will be repaired. Rural Development funding will provide rental assistance for the apartments, making them affordable to low-income households.
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