<p>Two young West Tisbury families were the happy winners in a lottery held this week for two new affordable homes.</p> <p>Spencer Binney and Lizzy Kent, their baby daughter Willow and her brother Levi will move into a home at 619 Edgartown-West Tisbury Road next month. Jason and Darcy Neago and sons Tristan and Griffin will be their next-door neighbors.</p>
Two young West Tisbury families were the happy winners in a lottery held this week for two new affordable homes.
Spencer Binney and Lizzy Kent, their baby daughter Willow and her brother Levi will move into a home at 619 Edgartown-West Tisbury Road next month. Jason and Darcy Neago and sons Tristan and Griffin will be their next-door neighbors.
The lottery took place at the town selectmen’s meeting Wednesday afternoon.
The two three-bedroom energy-efficient houses on three acres were built by South Mountain Company for the nonprofit Island Housing Trust, which developed the project and holds a ground lease on the land. Families and individuals earning between $47,200 and $67,450 were eligible for the lottery; the houses are being sold for $225,000. The selection process included preference for larger household size and people living and working in town, housing trust executive director Philippe Jordi said at the meeting.
Land for the project was donated by Kristian Strom, financing was provided by the Edgartown National Bank.
“We wish our homeowners the best,” Mr. Jordi said.
Dukes County Regional Housing Authority executive director David Vigneault, who handled the applications, thanked the trust and the town for their efforts.
After the drawing, Ms. Kent introduced Levi to Tristan and Griffin, while Willow slept in her car seat.
“You’re going to be neighbors,” Ms. Kent smiled.
Comments
I am so glad I never took a
Bob S WTI am so glad I never took a "gift" from the the "housing authority" I worked long and hard to build my house.. Nights weekends and holidays... years actually. Never took a dime... but borrrowed a dime or two from a local bank... and payed it back with honor!
What are we showing our children??? Dont work hard just wait for the lottery???
I wonder where Patrick Manning is hiding these days??? Funny there was never a real investigation into the wrong doings or theft of our money.. I wonder why Mr Hopkins???
Nothing to see here... I Always remember the folks telling how lucky we were to have this guy come to the Island and run the Housing Authority... What a Joke!
Last question why does South Mountain always win the biddding? Or no bid as I like to call it??
I am appalled by your comment
Spencer Binney West TisburyI am appalled by your comment, sir. Not only do our families borrow and pay for these homes "with honor", I happen to have "worked long and hard" to roof and shingle both of these beautiful and efficient homes. Our families raised us in this town with the promise that if we put our minds to it, we could achieve anything, including the almost inconceivable dream of owning a house on this island one day. We have watched many of our friends and family leave here for lack of means and it hurts to read such hateful comments on such a proud day for this town and this island. Shame on you
What an utterly stupid
gina solon West TisburyWhat an utterly stupid comment @ Bob S. Are you suggesting that with a mortgage of $225,000.00 that these two young families won't have to work hard? I'm not sure if you misunderstood the usage of "gift" in the headline, but money has/will be borrowed from, and paid back to, a local bank in these cases as well. These houses are not free. It seems as though maybe you haven't been following the stories in the paper about the lack of affordable housing on Martha's Vineyard. There are plenty of people here, who despite their hard work, and multiple jobs, are still unable to purchase a decent home (in the town that they were born and raised in no less) for a reasonable price. Your suggestion that anyone is teaching anyone to "just wait for the lottery." is completely ignorant. Your attempt at anonymity by using only a last initial after writing such a mean spirited and ridiculous statement, is cowardly.
Right on Bob S!
John A West TisburyRight on Bob S!
Bob "S", Perhaps you could
Thomas Hodgson wtBob "S", Perhaps you could have taken a little time to be surer of your facts before writing such hurtful, jealous, angry and ignorant words. If you want to know the meaning of hard work, you might take the time to learn more of the history and the caliber of the young families involved. With a little more knowledge, you would be redfaced and ashamed for saying things like "Don't work hard and just wait for the lottery???"
I'll echo Gina Solon's comment, and say that if you're going to comment, have the decency to use your name. Please, be a contributor, not a troll.
Bob "S", It's sad to see your
Thomas Hodgson West TisburyBob "S", It's sad to see your angry comment. You ask: "What are we showing our children?" For one, that there IS hope, that it's possible to stay in a place they have grown up in, have roots in, want to stay in, and to look forward to being able to contribute to, and to give back to, a place that they love. In this case, the "gift" that the community has given these young people will be paid back, and more, by what they will do for us in the future. They are not being given these homes on a silver platter. They will have mortgages to pay. If you knew these young folks personally, and knew more of their histories, you would see integrity and hard work personified. They are going to add to the quality of life here for everyone. They're contributors, not complainers.
Many congratulations to these
Aretha ChilmarkMany congratulations to these two families. it's a beautiful thing. And Bob S, you sound like a real great guy to be around with that smug attitude.
Young families are vital to
pcd WTYoung families are vital to our community. Congrats to these two lovely families, we're glad you'll be able to stay and raise your children here on MV.
Bob needs to get his facts
Matthew EdgartownBob needs to get his facts straight on ALL counts before he goes shooting off his mouth!
Bob S - All Island Housing
Island Housing Trust TisburyBob S - All Island Housing Trust projects go through a publically advertised bidding process. In the case of this project, South Mountain Company submitted the most qualified proposal at the lowest price- in fact at a significant discount. Unlike a "gift", these familes will be securing mortgage financing to purchase these homes for $225,000 and paying property taxes to the town, like any other property owner in town. Any further questions you have concerning the Island Housing Trust should be directed to Philippe Jordi at 508-693-1117 or [email protected].
Mr Jordu tks for the quick
Bob S wtMr Jordu tks for the quick response... but you did not answer one question?? Why was there no formal investigation into Mr Manning???
I do have disagree with you. Please look at the Taj Mahal "log cabin" house built in WT. Rusling Oaks I would consider that a real gift.. Oh I know we changed the legal aspect now... who's fault was that??
Lizzy and Darcy (and family).
Sylvie West TisburyLizzy and Darcy (and family)...Congrats! I'm so excited for you two. There couldn't be two more deserving families. I can't wait to see the new diggs.
MV Affordable housing...YOU ROCK.
Bob S. Shame on you for writing that. You're a real downer. If you have an issue about amazing opportunities for the Island's youth keep it to yourself.
I am a year round resident of
Tim ChillmarkI am a year round resident of Chilmark 28 years old.... I do have to agree with Bob S. We push this affordable housing away to much. People in Chilmark love it as long as it is no where near them.. well said Bob. Just look how long Middle rd took to pass. Do you think that would have happened in OB or VH... I doubt it. I encourage people to take a drive by Morgan Woods and see what you think... Do you think the property values of the abutters property went up or down??? The place looks terrible.
The isssue here also is that it is not a good investment for the families.
I have never owed a home because I cannot afford it. When I can afford a down payment and secure a mortgage I will buy one. I will not be looking for handout.
In regards to Mr. Manning. If
Craig EdgartownIn regards to Mr. Manning. If I was a betting man... I would bet that he had some good info on the Island Housing Trust.. They did not want that can of worms to open up...
Also could effect the donations to the Island Housing Trust.
It was kind of funny how he ran out of Town sold his house???
I am sorry but I to work very
Kellie OBI am sorry but I to work very hard and grew up on the Island worked full time summers and part time school years and put a few dollars away. I did not have summers off hang around at the beach or party until dawn. I went to work. Then I went off to college, paid for by loans that I am paying off as we speak... I think we have become a soceity that we have to own a home. I am happily renting because I cannot afford it. I could not afford it on or off Island. Will I some day?? Probally and if I dont no big deal. But I sure dont want a gift or lottery or what ever they call it.
My late Mom would be appalled!!
I would be all smiles to!!!!
Christine Oak Bluffs/ NJI would be all smiles to!!!! Wow $200k you could not do that on or off the island...
Who Pays for this??
They pay taxes but on what assesed value??
Can they sell at a profit? If not a very bad investment.
And the really big QUESTION is how much sararies are paid to the director and staff... Affordable Island Trust???
What is wrong with NOT being
Renee EdgartownWhat is wrong with NOT being able to afford a house where you grew up in?? What right do people think they have? My Dad grew up in Chilmark I dont expect or will I ever expect to own a house up there. I grew up in NY city.. I think I will take a drive down this weekend and tell Mayor Bloomberg I want an affordable house, because I worked hard and grew up here. I dont understand it just because you grew up here you expect to own a home here??
Sorry no sympathy here.
On a more positive note:
Shannon Rynd-Ray Oak BluffsOn a more positive note: Congratulations to these two wonderful, hard working families who deserve a beautiful home! Such good people and I'm So Happy for you!!
Why does being born here
Clyde Oak BluffsWhy does being born here entitle a person to own a house? A new house anywhere on the island for $225,000 is most certainly a gift. What's wrong with renting or living where you can afford to live. If you can't afford to live here move. Two houses on three acres. Half acre lots alone cost more than $225K. This affordable housing is a joke. Nobody deserves a house because they were born here.
Yay for all of you, and thank
Liz AquinnahYay for all of you, and thank you to everyone involved in the hard work of making these affordable home opportunities. I am so happy that great young families get to stay on the island. The island is better for it!
Yay for all of you, and thank
Liz AquinnahYay for all of you, and thank you to everyone involved in the hard work of making these affordable home opportunities. I am so happy that great young families get to stay on the island. The island is better for it!
I couldn't be happier for
Jill West Tisbury MaI couldn't be happier for both of these two island families. This should not be considered a hand out in anyway, this is a great opportuity to keep local people on the island and keep the integrity of Marthas Vineyard centered around community, family and ideally kindness to our fellow Islanders. I applaud the Island Housing trust for doing the best they can to try to find ways to help, maybe the system isn't perfect for everyone but it is an effort to help people and that should never be viewed as bad. I think everyone has their heart in the right place. Thank you to South Mountain and thank you so Island Housing for trying to help.
Congratulations to the
Marie Vineyard HavenCongratulations to the families who have earned the opportunity to purchase their homes in West Tisbury. Yes, I said "earned". Many people are not aware of the hard work and dedication it takes to even enter a lottery. The wonderful people at Island Housing Trust would be happy to help anyone gather information about this process.
Congratulations to these
Eliot Coutts West TisburyCongratulations to these families. We are so lucky to have organizations like the Island Housing Trust working hard to provide opportunities for those of us who grew up here to stay and raise our families on the island we love. Mr. S, and mystery Tim – let me guess, you didn’t grow up here? I’m not sure why you feel you have any right to object to a system that helps those of us who did. And Renee, I wish you the best of luck at your meeting with Mayor Bloomberg. I hear New York City is lovely this time of year.
Hawks for life.
Congrats to both families! so
AgaCongrats to both families! so happy for you Lizzy and Spencer!!!! and for all those bad comments here- be ashamed people!
I am so proud of my sister
Nettie Kent BrooklynI am so proud of my sister and her family for working so hard for their new home. I know how much energy and time and hard work went into even being able to enter the lottery for the two beautiful homes that South Mountain built. The Island Housing Trust is doing a great job in helping young families be able to afford to stay on the Island. Without such affordable housing initiatives young people will continue to leave the island and the community as a whole will suffer.
Bob S, Tim, Kellie and Renee, maybe you all should educate yourselves on what the Island Housing Trust is doing before you comment, ignorance and jealousy are so not necessary here.
Congratulations to everyone who worked on this project, it makes me proud to have been born and raised in West Tis.
I suppose it feels good that
John A West TisburyI suppose it feels good that these two families now have a home and I don't fault them at all for trying to improve their families finances but what happens a few years down the road when they are making far more than the requirement for affordable housing? Do they give up this great deal? The taxpayers have already paid for the education of one of these men, how much more do we owe him? I'm also always troubled when affordable housing goes to those who are self employed. I'm sure these couples claim all their income but the question is always floating out there. I can't afford a home here and hold no one responsible for that, if I want a home I'll move away. No one is entitled to home ownership without the hard work needed to obtain it. If these two hardworking, well educated couples can't make it here then they need to move on. I'm sure they will enhance any community that they can afford to live in.
So you don't post comments
what? EverywhereSo you don't post comments you don't like? Sweet editorial power
Over the past twenty years,
philippe ezanno west tisburyOver the past twenty years, property value has gone way, way up on the vineyard and wages have certainly not followed. My wife and daughter have been lucky to win the lottery almost three years ago for the eliakims way houses in wt. We had been actively looking at properties and houses for a few years prior to the lottery and with no carpentry skills the house that would have been a stretched for us to buy were in need of too much work to make it worth it.
The island housing trust has been helping family to be able to work and live here and through their project, creating work for islander and if anything they are implementing restriction that will keep these houses affordable for future generation...where i grew up in a small tourist town in brittany France, house value has gone off the roof and none of my friends are able to live in their hometown, none of their parents are able to leave them a piece of property to build on, because of the property value being so high, jobs have become more and more seasonal and forced my generation to live elsewhere...This has not happened here yet, i have seen many islanders born and raised here successfully starting business or build houses on their parents property or been able to afford one...but we are not all that lucky, if I could have bought a decent house for the same price i paid mine or get a piece of land for 50 000 $ and build on it I would have, but with the greediness of some owner that were lucky to buy property when it was cheap and have since then largely profited from the appeal of the island , affordable property is not a possibility anymore...
Buying through island housing trust isn't really an investment for us, we will not be able to sell our house for five time what we bought it from in 20 years...buying from island housing trust is buying into and idea and a community that cares for the island and it's resources, that cares to creates local farming and saving open spaces for future generation, some vineyarders understand the need for this sustainable mode of living, the new generation of people 45 and under understood their elders mistakes, they are not individuals waiting to cash on their investment, they are working together for them and their children to enjoy this beautiful place and I'm proud to be a part of this movement !!
where is the letter i wrote a
philippe ezannowhere is the letter i wrote a few days ago?
"Cant Afford it you dont buy
Chris OB"Cant Afford it you dont buy it"
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