As published on Front Porch Forum Sep 3, 2023 Guilford – No. 2215 • By Jean Eastman
More than twenty years ago, a group of Guilford citizens formed Guilford Preservation Inc. (GPI) and raised almost $200,000 (more than $330,000 in today’s dollars) to purchase 25 acres located along Route 5 at the northern gateway to Guilford, saving it from commercial development. GPI immediately conveyed a conservation easement to the Vermont Land Trust to ensure the parcel’s conservation in perpetuity. The land includes an agricultural meadow, a stream, and significant wetlands. Although environmental conservation was what drove the effort, it was recognized at the time that an upper knoll on the property could provide a spot like no other in Guilford for affordable housing, so 5.5 acres were set aside in the VLT easement as a development zone for “affordable senior housing.”
Recently GPI partnered with Windham Windsor Housing Trust to explore that possibility. One hurdle was to find funding to build affordable senior housing- something that had become significantly more difficult to fund than affordable general occupancy housing. Although GPI continued its commitment to affordable senior housing, the funding dilemma prompted some exploration of other options, but it became clear that the project would proceed as affordable senior housing.
The first step for WWHT was to hire an engineer to assess the suitability of the site in terms of size as well as environmental and engineering concerns. During this process, it was discovered that the presence and location of wetlands in the development zone significantly limited the area suitable for buildings, parking and open space to a very small area. In addition, the access points to this small buildable area also contain wetlands. For these two reasons, it has been determined that this location is not suitable for a development project at a scale that would be financially feasible. GPI learned of this finding in the past week.
Recognizing the desperate need for more housing and the impact this has on the community as a whole, the Board of Directors of GPI regret that Guilford won’t be able to benefit from this additional housing. However, GPI is deeply committed to environment conservation and protection of wetlands and understands the need for this decision. We continue to find great satisfaction in being part of an organization that continues with its mission of stewarding those 25 acres to the benefit of our community.
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The Guilford Preservation Inc worked through this process with great thoughtfulness and intention holding the important balance between housing and conservation. This statement outlines the importance of our feasibility studies and process before we more forward in any official capacity on a development. We’re grateful to this group’s enthusiasm and drive to support the needs of the Guilford community.
