News |
Orcas Island, Washington |
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What’s New at OPAL |
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Work on Mt. Baker Road Neigbhorhood Begins! March 2008 - Terra Firma NW, general contractor the this new neighborhood of 32 permanently affordable homes commenced construction in March 2008. With local excavating contractor, Orcas Excavators, they are clearing the land in preparation for building construction to commence soon. Terra Firma will post photographs of the progress on their web site.
OPAL Co-Founder, Michael Sky, on Peak Moment Television OPAL Purchases land in Orcas Village Hamlet for up to 12 homes January 2007-- OPAL purchased six acres in the Orcas Village hamlet that will provide up to 12 more permanently affordable homes for Orcas Island residents. This unexpected opportunity arose when donors who supported the idea of affordable housing at the base of the Turtleback property redirected their support to help purchase this property. The current timeline calls for starting construction in 2009. The property is within the hamlet boundaries of Orcas Village, where the Rural Residential Cluster zoning provision allows one home per half-acre for affordable housing that will remain affordable for at least 50 years. Located near the ferry landing, it is ideal for people who work in the southwest part of the island or who commute to Friday Harbor, and its sunny, south-facing exposure will enable OPAL to maximize passive solar gain as part of OPAL’s commitment to building energy-efficient homes. Another benefit of the location is access to water memberships from the local water purveyor, Orcas Landing Water Company. The area has a history of limited access to potable water, and Orcas Landing Water Company has been working to change that. Over the past few years they have significantly increased their water supply, and will be able to offer new hook-ups after increasing storage and delivery line capacity. OPAL will seek funding to help make the necessary improvements that will allow hooking up to the existing water system. OPAL is committed to an open design process that includes community members’ input. In early December, prior to deciding whether or not to purchase the property, OPAL hosted a public meeting at the Orcas Hotel. Community members provided valuable opinions and insights. OPAL staff and designers will work with neighbors and community members over the next two years in an effort to assure that the site plan is sensitive to the land and to the existing neighborhood.
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OPAL Community Land Trust | |||
