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Housing Resources Board Ferncliff Update
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February, 2010
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Greetings!
In an effort to keep the community up-to-date on the progress of the Housing Resources Board Ferncliff housing development, HRB is sending out periodic updates on this innovative project.
In this first email outreach notice, we hope to answer many of your questions and brief you on the progress of the project. You can find more information about Ferncliff, including some frequently asked questions, on our website. If you know of someone who may be interested in applying for homeownership in Ferncliff, or perhaps who is a neighbor in the Ferncliff area, please pass this information along and have them sign up to receive the updates directly. Of course, if you are not interested in receiving these notices, please feel free to safely unsubscribe at the bottom of the newsletter.
This update addresses many of the current activities around Ferncliff; however, you may still have more unanswered questions. If so, please feel free to call us at HRB at (206) 842.1909. Phedra Elliott, our new client services manager, is the contact for those interested in attending an orientation and submitting an application for homeownership.
This is an exciting time for Bainbridge Island. The need for housing is greater than ever. The importance of 'a sense of place' and of community coming together is a growing need here on Bainbridge and around the world. The development of the Ferncliff project can help meet those needs in a local, sustainable, affordable, green and homegrown way.
 In community,
Wendy Johnson
Community Outreach/Development Director
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City Permitting Process
Ferncliff project is currently undergoing the conditional use plan process through the City of Bainbridge Island. Part of this process is to get final approval of our HDDP status. The HDDP (Housing Design Demonstration Project) ordinance was passed last year by the city council as incentive for developers to provide innovative, affordable and sustainable projects. Our estimated timeline for HDDP acceptance is later this month or sometime in March.
After the HDDP is approved the formal permitting process will begin for the site plan. There will be a number of formally scheduled public meetings and hearings before the planning commission in this stage. We will keep you posted as to when these meetings are scheduled.
The last CoBI public meeting on Ferncliff was held last fall. To read the city's written comments from that meeting either go to the HRB website or click here.
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Project Timeline
Setting timelines for a community development project like Ferncliff is inherently challenging. With all the planning, permitting and funding elements, timelines are consistently being adjusted -- it's just the nature of development. The timeline for Ferncliff consists of three phases.
Timeline for Ferncliff:
Phase one:
The first 16 townhomes along with site infrastructure including roads and utilities are scheduled for completion by the end of 2011. These homes will be situated on the south side of the property.
Phase two:
The next 8 townhomes will be built in the middle of the lot and are scheduled for completion by the end of 2015.
Phase three
The remaining 24 homes will be artists lofts and triplex townhomes and are scheduled to be built in 2020. These will be located in the north part of the property.
Stages of Development
It may be helpful to know what the different stages of property development entail. All projects are unique; however, here is a general idea of how we see this project progressing:
Pre-construction:
Pre-design Design Civil Work Permitting Pre-application process
Conditional use permit (HDDP)
Formal application process
Site plan approval (public meetings will be held)
Building approval (public meetings will be held)
Infrastructure (streets, sewer, grading, etc.)
Construction of structures
Occupancy approval from City
Throughout all stages of the project HRB will continue to find funding sources and conduct ongoing outreach for homeowner applicants.
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Homeownership in the Ferncliff Project
Do you work or rent on Bainbridge but can't afford to buy a home here? You may qualify as a homebuyer for the Ferncliff project. HRB is accepting applications for these two and three bedroom homes. All the homes at Ferncliff will be sold at below-market prices and will be part of HRB's community land trust (CLT). Those working on the island and/or current residents will be given wait list preference and are strongly encouraged to apply. Contact HRB to learn more and sign up for an orientation on the Ferncliff CLT homeownership process. Phedra Elliott will be scheduling the next orientation session to be held this spring. The criteria for selection is broad and dependent on several aspects including position on the waitlist, credit checks, and pre-approval for financing, to name just a few. If you've already completed an application -- there are some actions you can take now to help prepare you financially for homeownership. Living and working on Bainbridge as well as good credit and loan availability are important elements to maintain. Your application with HRB commits us to work on your behalf, to do all we can to make it possible for you to buy one of our homes. It is NOT a guarantee that you will be able to buy one of the Ferncliff homes--that's a decision made by a lender. If you have questions about your status or steps you can take now to improve your financial health, please contact Phedra Elliott for more information. |
Fundraising for Ferncliff
The Ferncliff project, like so many other developments, has been affected by the economic environment. Considering that climate, with successful fundraising and support from the community, HRB is moving forward with the project with confidence and excitement. To date Housing Resources Board has raised over 1 million dollars. Our funding is secured for the site plan infrastructure. All this without a formal capital campaign for Ferncliff!
We expect the silent phase of the capital campaign to begin in 2011. In the meantime, if you are interested in helping with the Ferncliff fundraising efforts, let us know! And donations are always welcome!
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Ferncliff Event
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Architect Julie Kriegh will be presenting the Ferncliff Pproject at the Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce Luncheon on Wednesday, March 17th at the Wing Point Country Club. For more information and reservations call the Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce at (206) 842.3700. |
Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce Luncheon,
Wednesday, March 17 at 11:30 am at Wing Point Country Club
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About Housing Resources Board
250 Madrona Way NE, Suite 110-B
Bainbridge Island, Washington 98110
Housing Resources Board
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