Right now, the area is in jeopardy of losing its consolidated school as part of a review done by the Public Schools Branch.
Jim Kinnee, a director with BCDC, says the corporation has endorsed the plan but makes it clear their efforts are in no way tied to the save the school committee campaign.
The plan begins with creating an inventory of land that could be used to lure young families in. Make a determination of where the most desirable places for development are and match them against existing inventory. Then approach landowners and determine if vacant land is available for sale.
Kinnee said currently class 1 farmland has a market value of about $2,000 per acre and forested land about $1,000.
“We feel that purchasing vacant land at this price, levelling it, seeding it, placing a perimeter of Scotch pines around the perimeter, doing a survey and installing the access we should be able to deliver a building lot for approximately $6,000.’’
BCDC is hoping Belfast landowners will be willing to participate by parting with a few acres to support the school and the community.
BCDC also wants to develop a financial plan for the acquisition and development of land into affordable lots. This would include allowing residents to participate by subscribing to an issue of promissory notes, guaranteed by BCDC and paying 3.5 per cent interest.
BCDC has assets of about $1.5 million, an annual budget of about $400,000, very little debt and is wholly owned by the residents of Belfast.
Kinnee said BCDC feels it could finance the first lots through yearly operations.
“Promoting community growth is within the mandate established in the articles of incorporation for BCDC.’’
The goal would be to provide land under generous terms (cost of development) to allow young families to build a home or purchase a mini home and locate in Belfast.
BCDC would also develop a well-funded marketing plan called “Build in Belfast’’ aimed at former residents who have moved out of the community and anyone in its targeted demographic who could make a decision to build in the community.
Fourthly, local builders would be asked to cost out plans for constructing a variety of homes for people to look at. There would be no restrictions placed on size of dwelling to allow people to plan a home around their budget.
Kinnee said the plan should proceed whether the school closes or not.
Right now, the area is in jeopardy of losing its consolidated school as part of a review done by the Public Schools Branch.
Jim Kinnee, a director with BCDC, says the corporation has endorsed the plan but makes it clear their efforts are in no way tied to the save the school committee campaign.
The plan begins with creating an inventory of land that could be used to lure young families in. Make a determination of where the most desirable places for development are and match them against existing inventory. Then approach landowners and determine if vacant land is available for sale.
Kinnee said currently class 1 farmland has a market value of about $2,000 per acre and forested land about $1,000.
“We feel that purchasing vacant land at this price, levelling it, seeding it, placing a perimeter of Scotch pines around the perimeter, doing a survey and installing the access we should be able to deliver a building lot for approximately $6,000.’’
BCDC is hoping Belfast landowners will be willing to participate by parting with a few acres to support the school and the community.
BCDC also wants to develop a financial plan for the acquisition and development of land into affordable lots. This would include allowing residents to participate by subscribing to an issue of promissory notes, guaranteed by BCDC and paying 3.5 per cent interest.
BCDC has assets of about $1.5 million, an annual budget of about $400,000, very little debt and is wholly owned by the residents of Belfast.
Kinnee said BCDC feels it could finance the first lots through yearly operations.
“Promoting community growth is within the mandate established in the articles of incorporation for BCDC.’’
The goal would be to provide land under generous terms (cost of development) to allow young families to build a home or purchase a mini home and locate in Belfast.
BCDC would also develop a well-funded marketing plan called “Build in Belfast’’ aimed at former residents who have moved out of the community and anyone in its targeted demographic who could make a decision to build in the community.
Fourthly, local builders would be asked to cost out plans for constructing a variety of homes for people to look at. There would be no restrictions placed on size of dwelling to allow people to plan a home around their budget.
Kinnee said the plan should proceed whether the school closes or not.
Need to Know
Realtor.ca lots are for sale in Belfast municipality
- Average price, $111,172 (most land is waterfront)
- There were only three lots under $20,000 and two were on dirt roads
- Five lots between $20,000 and $40,000
Belfast Benefits
Jim Kinnee, a director with BCDC, says these are some of the perks of living in the Belfast area, all within 25 minutes of Charlottetown via the Trans-Canada Highway:
- An active rink and recreational centre
- A nine-hole golf course and two swimming pools
- Two campgrounds
- Beaches
- Three churches
