From June 29 through July 8, the Orcas Island Community Foundation will be hosting a special online GiveOrcas campaign to benefit OPAL’s April’s Grove project of 45 new rental townhomes. During this special GiveOrcas campaign, OICF encourages the community to become “Partners in Philanthropy” and help raise funds for affordable housing on Orcas. OICF covers […]
Field Day & A Gala OPAL Evening
Saturday, June 29, 2019 Orcas Center Field Day Noon – 4:00pm A Gala OPAL Evening 5:30pm Join us for a day of fun to help April’s Grove cross the finish line! The festivities will begin with an afternoon of food, games, live music and fun! Entry is by donation, so come have a […]
April’s Grove Construction Begins in May; Donations Still Needed
Thanks to the voters of San Juan County who adopted a new Real Estate Excise Tax last November, a legacy contribution from Bob Henigson, and to creative problem solving by many, including staff members of the Washington State Housing Finance Commission, OPAL Community Land Trust will begin construction of the 45-rental townhome project called April’s […]
Community Foundation Invests in Island Loan Fund
The Island Loan Fund, a new program created by OPAL Community Land Trust, makes it possible for islanders who are creditworthy, but not yet eligible for a bank loan to access construction and mortgage financing. The Orcas Island Community Foundation has become the lead investor in the second pool of funding for OPAL’s new program. […]
Understanding REET
When OPAL board president Tim Fuller read the article “San Juan islanders look to REET funds as affordable housing savior” in the Journal of the San Juans, he was concerned that readers would get the wrong impression. To read Tim’s full Letter to the Editor click here.
OPAL Rebids April’s Grove Townhome Project
OPAL is holding a full rebid including a general contractor and sub-contractors. During the first bidding process, the majority of bids came in over budget, with numerous trades having not submitted bids at all. To read the full article in the Islands’ Sounder click here. To read the full article on Orcas Issues click here.
San Juan Islanders look to REET funds as affordable housing savior
Last year, the groundwork for a solution to the housing crisis in San Juan county was laid when voters approved a tax to fund affordable housing projects. Local nonprofits, which already help to solve the housing crisis, are considering requesting funds to provide more reasonably-priced residences in the county. OPAL Community Land Trust Executive Director […]
Site Work Underway: Construction Bids New Hurdle for April’s Grove
In mid-November site work began on April’s Grove, OPAL’s planned 45-home rental neighborhood, when Island Excavating began clearing brush and felling trees. The crew is working carefully to remove trees where buildings will be constructed while maintaining the “preserve and protect” areas surrounding the trees and undergrowth that will remain. Also in November, OPAL’s general […]
Ian Van Gelder – In Gratitude
It is with heavy hearts that we say good bye to a valued member of the OPAL community. Homeowner and trustee, Ian Van Gelder passed away on Nov 21. Ian was involved with OPAL from the very beginning, and was one of the first homeowners at Opal Commons, where he lived with his family until his […]
Why is Affordable Housing Nearly Impossible to Find on the San Juan Islands?
Kim Malcolm from KUOW spoke with Lisa Byers about the lack of affordable housing in San Juan County and the importance of voting Yes on Proposition 1 this November. To listen to the full interview click here.
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