GA Blog: Rockport

2.28.11 Rockport Applicants Looking to Receive Community Preservation Money

The Gloucester Times recently reported that seven applicants have submitted proposals to receive money from the Rockport Community Preservation fund which contains roughly $828,000 for 2011.  Of the seven applicants four are asking for help to finance affordable housing projects.

The community preservation fund can only be used for historic preservation, open space, recreation, and affordable housing. The Community Preservation Act, which was adopted by Rockport voters in 2003, accrues money through local property tax surcharge revenue as well as a 38 percent match from the state, 

Three of the companies asking for funding towards affordable housing and assistance are the Supportive Living Inc. (asking for $275,000), the Rockport Housing Partnership ($285,000), and Action Inc. ($100,000). The Cape Ann Home Ownership Center is asking for $5,934 to provide local residents with foreclosure prevention assistance. Other applicants include the Rockport Public Library ($63,000), which is looking for funding for external renovations and internal repairs from water damage, and the caretakers of the Alvin S. Brown Scout Hall ($48,000).

Read the entire Gloucester Times article.

2.9.10 First Time Homebuyer Workshops

The Cape Ann Beacon is reporting that First Time Homebuyer Workshops will be held at the Gloucester Housing Authority offices on Feb. 10, 17, 24, and 25. The four nights of classes are from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Local guest speakers will talk about safe mortgages, credit scores, down payment grants, when to contact a Realtor®, home inspections, foreclosure prevention, buying foreclosed properties, legal issues, multi-families, insurance, and more.

Class size is limited and expected to fill quickly. The cost is $55. Pre-register by printing the form at www.ghama.com/, calling Kathy Erkkila at 978-281-4770 ext. 110, or stop by the office at 259 Washington Street, Gloucester. There is a discount for early registration.
Full attendance will earn the certificate for HUD, MassHousing, MHP, and most lotteries.

Read the entire Cape Ann Beacon article.

10.26.07 October 24, 2007 Legislative Breakfast

On October 24, 2007, NSAR hosted its third Legislative Breakfast in 2007. The event was attended by State Representative Anthony Verga (D-5th Essex), Representative Brad Hill (R-4th Essex), and Dan Pawson, Legislative Director for Senator Bruce Tarr (R-1st Essex & Middlesex).

MAR Associate Counsel Margy Grant presented the Realtor® position on the following topics:

1. New proposed Transfer Taxes (S. 1776; S. 1773; H. 3959)
2. New proposed Lead Paint law (SB. 1230)
3. New proposed mandatory Seller’s disclosure in connection with environmental issues (H. 323, S. 201)
4. New proposed mandatory disclosures for real estate licensees in connection with Wetlands (H. 767)
5. Smart Growth funding for Chapter 40R (S. 132, H. 160)

NSAR and the Government Affairs Committee extends a sincere appreciate to the legislators who participated and to all those that attended.

10.25.07 Rockport Historic District Commission Hearing Tonight

The Gloucester Daily Times reported that the Rockport Historic District Commission will hold a public hearing at 6:30 tonight, October 25, 2007, inside the Peggy Brenner Room of the library, 17 School Street in Rockport.

Read the Gloucester Daily Times article

10.10.07 Next Legislative Breakfast: Wednesday, October 24, 2007, 8:30am

The next North Shore Association of Realtors® Legislative Breakfast will be held on Wednesday, October 24, 2007, from 8:30am to 10:00am. All NSAR members who live in Boxford, Essex, Gloucester, Hamilton, Ipswich, Manchester, Newbury, Rockport, Rowley, Wenham, Byfield, and/or Middleton are encouraged to attend.

Topics will likely include:

1. Transfer Taxes.
2. An Act Protecting Children from Poisoning (SB. 1230)
3. An Act Providing Information to Real Estate Buyers. (H. 323, S. 201)
4. An Act Relative to the Disclosure of Wetlands on Property. (H. 767)
5. An Act Relative to Smart Growth Housing Trust Fund (S. 132) and An Act Relative to Financing the Smart Growth Housing Trust (H. 160).

Sign up today using this form, by calling 978-232-9410, or by emailing Jeff@NorthShoreRealtors.com!

The Legislative Breakfast will be at the NSAR office at 398 Essex Street in Beverly. For directions, visit our website by clicking here.