Smart Growth Awards

The Hancock project is an example of conservation and affordable housing working together. The Vermont Housing and Conservation Board approved conserving the Martin farm in the valley, over 500 acres of land. Part of the land included Taylor Meadow, directly behind "downtown" Hancock, between Route 100 and the White River. This 20-acre parcel was given to the Town of Hancock for future use. A 2-acre portion of that 20-acre parcel was marked for future development of affordable housing.

ACCT was assigned the option on that parcel, where 4 affordable homes could be developed. Negotiating with the Town, ACCT was able to get 5 homes approved on the parcel and the Town agreed to take over the road to the homes. ACCT agreed to relocate the parcel on the meadow to accommodate future Town plans.

The homes were designed by Peter Morris, Architect in Vergennes, who donated much of his services. The homes were sold for $114,500, with Homeland Grants of $31,500 on 4 of the homes (net price $83,000) and $20,000 on the 5th homes (net price $94,500). Four buyers were from Hancock and one was from neighboring Rochester.

The 3-bedroom homes have 1 bath and an upstairs that can be built out in the future. They have full basements and .4-acre lots. They are walking distance from the school, playing fields, church, town hall and general store. The Vermont Forum on Sprawl awarded the development one of its first "Smart Growth Awards."

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