Message from KNSA's President

North Stonington has been singled out for its “paltry 1.2 percent” of affordable

housing in The Day newspaper’s editorial Sunday, Aug. 21. North Stonington

again is cited in another article as having the lowest percentage of affordable

housing in New London and Windom counties. As Paul Choinere, former editorial

writer of The Day, says “People need a place to live. That should be the priority.”

North Stonington has long prided itself in being a “working class” town, but lack

of affordable housing has made that a false perception. Because we lack housing,

we deprive our town of the vitality and diversity that makes a town livable. We

are talking of housing for teachers, municipal workers, librarians, nurses, essential

workers and seniors. Many young adults, who grew up here, would like to remain

in North Stonington but find that housing is not affordable and have to move

elsewhere.

Forcing up housing cost are restrictive zoning laws which site homes on large lots

which are environmentally destructive (urban sprawl has cost CT 13 acres of

farmland per day for the last 25 years!) and make the cost of building housing

more expensive.

Let’s make our town proud and progressive , by showing support for housing

choices that are affordable, not being the “paltry” 1.2 percenters.

Upward and Onward!

KNSA is pleased to welcome Jennifer Dayton to our board of directors. Jennifer has training and experience in economics as well as a history of community service. She joins other recent additions to our board: Denise Hawk, Toula Balestracci and Juliet Hodge. Our long time members Sue Latourette, Jeff Nelson, and Jennifer Welborn look forward to their enthusiasm and help in building affordable housing in North Stonington. We welcome other interested persons to apply for board membership or as a volunteer to help in this mission. Contact Mary Ann Ricker at knsa.president1@gmail.com for information and an application.

Predevelopment work continues on our property on 26E Main Street. It has been surveyed and perked, moving us a step closer to our goal of building on that property. We are hoping to combine that work with the rehabilitation of our property on 119 Clarks Falls Road into a funding proposal to our State Dept. of Housing.

A thank you to all who attended, contributed and spent money purchasing items at our “Night out with KNSA” fundraiser held at Jonathan Edwards Winery on April 8. Our sponsors: Chelsea Groton Bank, Regina McGowan & family, the Colgan Family; and friends: Jim and Cinda Spavins and Jeff Raggon get our special thanks for their early support. Space donated by Jonathan Edwards for the event lent a festive air which contributed to the spirit and enthusiasm displayed by all who attended. Our goal was to raise $10,000 and with the incredible support of this community, we raised over $14,000! It was a great community event!!

From KNSA's President . . .

A long process . . . begun in Oct. 2018, came to fruition as the town of North Stonington transferred ownership of the 1840 schoolhouse on Clarks Falls Road to us on September 15.

KNSA will rehabilitate this historic building into a deed-restricted, affordable home. This will then be offered for sale to an income-eligible, working family.

The charitable intent of the original deed will be satisfied and the building preserved with historic architectural features intact.

KNSA, the Town and the North Stonington Historical Society invite you to celebrate with us at the Hewitt Farm pavilion on October 15, 1-3 pm (rain date October 16, 1-3 pm).

It will include:

-Displays of the building’s former life as a school, provided by the historical society;

-Remarks by our selectpersons and KNSA will tell how we accomplished this transfer. -Layout plans will show what this historic building will become, once rehabilitated.

-Maps to 119 Clarks Falls Road that will direct you so you can view the building on tyour own. -AND balloons, refreshments and period games for the kids.

Through YOUR support of our fundraising, we were able to pay for the legal costs to assume ownership of this property.

Thank you!