More than a month into a community fundraising effort, the bar volunteers have to reach just got lower.
The town of Coupeville announced that the combined price for two lots on historic Front Street has been lowered by $40,000 to $360,000. In addition to the price change the deadline for the first 10 percent deposit was extended to Jan. 15.
At this point, it looks like the effort is in the fast lane on the road to success.
The fundraising drive started in early November after the town secured the original $400,000 purchase option for the two lots located between Toby’s Tavern and the Knead and Feed restaurant on Front Street. Some residents were critical of plans to build a new building on the empty lots.
The fundraising effort was boosted by the Pickard and Whelan families, who each contributed $100,000 to the purchase effort.
Currently 180 donors have contributed approximately $320,000 to purchase the property.
“We got a real great outpouring of support,” Coupeville Mayor Nancy Conard said.
If the volunteers raise the remainder of money needed for the purchase, as appears likely, the properly will be converted to public use.
“I support the construction of a public deck and hope this will help to make it happen,” current owner John Rodriguey said in a written statement announcing his decision to help the effort by lowering the price.
With the price cut, the citizens’ group is making a final push for donations to make sure there is enough money to close the deal by Jan. 15.
“We are very close and hope that our community can help us close the gap and get this gathering place,” said Jan Pickard in a written statement. She, along with Paul Whelan, is leading the fundraising effort. “The public response has been astounding and humbling. And we want to thank all of those that have sent in their thoughtful and meaningful donations.”
Conard said the town is looking for grants to help pay for a project that would convert the lots into public space. An architect is working on a drawing showing how this space may appear. However, the town doesn’t know yet how much the project will cost or how it will be funded.
To contribute to the purchase of the property, send donations to the town of Coupeville, PO Box 725, Coupeville, WA 98239. Donations will be only used for the property purchase and those contributions are tax deductible.
