LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
SPEAK Out |
We have an opportunity to make history.
We, who are blessed to enjoy the pleasures of Rehoboth Beach, have an opportunity to save our neighboring community, and to help to establish permanent affordable housing in West Rehoboth. The West Rehoboth Community Land Trust (WRCLT) is on the verge of purchasing its first piece of land. The dream of affordable housing and revitalization of West Rehoboth can be realizedmaking a dream into a realitybut, it cannot happen without our help. The purchase of land is the key to making affordable housing happen. A land owner has offered the Land Trust an option to purchase a double lot measuring 100 x 175 for the price of $145,000. But the option is only good until the end of August. We must act now! If we can purchase the land, WRCLT plans to construct four homes to benefit low to moderate income families. As you know, the non-profit community based corporation was established a little over a year ago to save the historic community of West Rehoboth, utilizing the land trust method of securing the land for perpetual affordable housing and community revitalization. In the past year, many developments have helped us turn words into action, and brought us to where we are today: Most importantly, the Delaware State Housing Authority's (DSHA) Housing Development Fund has agreed to be a one-third partner for acquisition of the land to help us reach our goal. An advisory committee of professionals in the field of financing, affordable housing development and construction has been formed and is hard at work. One of the members, Preston Schell, of Schell Brothers, LLC and Ocean Atlantic Associates in Rehoboth Beach, recently agreed to become construction manager for Trust housing. The Sussex County Council is supporting the Trust's efforts. With a grant from the Speer Trust (Presbyterian Foundation) an Executive Director was hired and a strategic plan has been completed. Rarely do we get the chance to take part in an effort that changes lives. THIS IS ONE. Please join me in making a commitment to the Land Trust to purchase the all-important first piece of property. Every gift small or large is priceless. West Rehoboth Community Land Trust can be reached at PO Box 633, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 or 302-678-2286 ext. 302. Mable Granke We at The Wellness Community-Delaware sincerely thank the Starburst Gayla Committee for their generous donation of $5000. It was a nice surprise to be one of the recipients of your New Years Eve Bash. Your generosity will enable The Wellness Community to provide emotional support programs, education and hope to people with cancer and their loved ones in Sussex County. Kay Webb and Lori Watson Sussex County Coordinators On behalf of all the Public Allies, I would like to say "thank you" for hosting our visit to your awesome organization. The Allies had a great time hearing about your experiences and picking your brain. Oh, and the goodies were fabulous, too! We appreciate your time and support of our program and hope we can work together in some capacity again soon! Ali Selders Public Allies Delaware This letter is to express the Library Board of Trustees' and staff's sincere and heartfelt appreciation for CAMP Rehoboth's support of the library's book sales. There are so many workers involved, we can't name all of them (big thank you to Kathy and Sal for organizing the sales). CAMP Rehoboth's support over the years has made the library book sale a "must attend event" in Rehoboth and earned us much-needed money for the library operations. Dee Bradley President Board of Trustees Letters to Letters should be sent to Editor, 37 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth, DE 19971, or e-mail: editor@camprehoboth.com. Please include a phone number for verification. Anonymous letters will not be printed. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 16, No. 3 April 7, 2006 |