I am writing in response to the accusation made in Richard Walker’s editorial on Dec. 3 regarding my stated urgency to access grant funding that has been awarded, but not yet able to be used, for the affordable homes on the Buck/Boreen property.

The funds were awarded by letter (in April 2008) stating that the contract should be signed within 90 days, or the award may be revoked. Staff at Community Trade and Economic Development has contacted the county (the sponsoring agency) several times to find out the status of the project, and if the funds should continue to be reserved for this project.

My recent conversation with staff in the Home Ownership program of CTED indicated that they are still excited about our proposal, but the funding is still insecure and will not be held for us indefinitely. I have not been given a “drop dead date,” but a meeting is being planned at the state agency to determine how long these funds can be reserved on our behalf.

I am genuinely stung by Walker’s accusation that I would mislead the council in regard to the grant funding. I continue to be very worried that the process will take too long and the funding withdrawn. If 2008 had ended with no action on the proposal, no public hearing scheduled, etc., the funding almost certainly would have been lost.

Meanwhile, I am heartened to learn of progress made this week between town staff, the Bucks, and our Low Impact Development engineer. Solutions to the concerns raised at the public hearing should be forthcoming in the very near future.

Most sincerely,

Nancy DeVaux
Executive director
San Juan Community Home Trust