From a parcel of land to an affordable community of affordable homes

SALISBURY — A new sign on East Main Street reads “Dunham Drive.� It is set at the entrance to the eight-home neighborhood built by the Salisbury Housing Trust, and honors the late Richard Dunham, long-term chairman and one of the founders of the Trust.

Dunham, along with five other original volunteers serving as trustees, several advisors and many generous donors, gave many, many hours in their quest to build affordable homes by establishing the Salisbury Housing Trust.  In the seven years Dunham headed the trust, eight homes were built and bought by town families. Some of these families have children who attend local public schools;  in addition, several of the residents are among the town’s volunteers for the fire department and emergency services.

The organization grew out of the Salisbury Forum, a series of well-attended town meetings sponsored by the Salisbury Association in the fall of 2000. The purpose of the forum was to identify and address concerns with respect to the town’s unique character as Salisbury moved into the new century.  Affordable housing emerged as the top priority.

The completion of the Dunham Drive neighborhood illustrates all four major facets of the Salisbury Housing Trust:  acquisition of land for building, enlistment of financial support (all of which has been from private sources, individual and institutional), processing applicants for home ownership, and, finally, home construction.

Currently, the trust is seeking land to build additional houses for middle-income residents who need affordable housing. Several options exist for land acquisition. In some towns and cities, the town has provided land for no or low cost.

Another possibility is for individuals to donate land. A law passed in Connecticut allows a landowner to make a second cut of his or her property if the subdivided parcel will be used for affordable housing. The latter option provides the owner both the usual tax break a donation brings as well as the opportunity to provide housing for people who provide essential services to the aging population of our town.

For further information on monetary donations, second-cut donations, or applications, residents can contact the trust at 860-435-2714.

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