House Moved On Wednesday To Become Affordable Rental

The house in the photo above moved across the island on Wednesday, transported by Barrett Enterprises from Dukes Road to Pochick Avenue. We got the details on the move from Housing Nantucket executive director Anne Kuszpa who told the Current the following:

"Last fall, we identified a one-bedroom, one-bath cottage available for relocation this spring. Formerly located at 2 Dukes Road, the building was constructed in 1996 and is in very good condition. The homeowners generously donated the dwelling to our House-Recycling Program. They also made a financial contribution to our Community Investment Tax Credit Program to assist with the costs to move the structure.

"On May 15th, Barrett Enterprises relocated the cottage to Housing Nantucket's property at 66 Pochick Avenue, a 1.1-acre parcel with two, two-bedroom affordable rentals already on the site. Over the next six months, we will expand the relocated cottage into a two-bedroom, two-bath structure. Ultimately, it will be part of Housing Nantucket's Affordable Rental Program, occupied by an income-qualified, year-round Nantucket family. Recorded deed-restrictions will ensure this dwelling will house low- and moderate-income residents in perpetuity. Monthly rent, including utilities, will be approximately $3,000. The site already has 9.5 kW of solar panels, which will offset electricity usage in the cottage. The solar initiative was funded by Housing Nantucket's donors and a grant from ReMain Nantucket.

"Our estimated total cost to create this two-bedroom, 1,419 sq ft affordable rental unit is $560,000. A grant of up to $450,000 from the (the town's) Affordable Housing Trust will cover a significant portion of the expenses. The remaining balance will be funded through donations from our supporters, facilitated by our ongoing fundraising efforts.

"This initiative underscores our commitment to addressing the critical need for affordable housing and highlights the importance of community collaboration in achieving this goal. We look forward to the completion of this project and its positive impact on the lives of Nantucket residents."