NORWAY — Pursuing the dream of healthy, sustainable communities based on renewable resources is what drives the Center for an Ecology-Based Economy to organize a variety of initiatives that aim to help the Western Foothills realize its potential.
“The Western Foothills of Maine are well-equipped to serve as a model for other communities in the transition to an ecology-based economy. Our assets include the ability to produce much of our food locally, a relatively dense population which sets us up well for electric vehicles and alternative modes of transportation, and a community full of skilled and inspiring humans,” said Scott Vlaun, executive director of the CEBE.
In that spirit, the organization’s many projects, workshops, and events are focused on envisioning and creating solutions for food, energy, shelter, transport, and education roadblocks.
Enter the Norway Equitable Housing Cooperative, a CEBE project that is addressing several of those issues and inspired Norway Savings Bank to make a $5,000 donation to the cause.
In 2023, CEBE purchased 33 and 35 Whitman Street in Norway as the future home of NEHC and completed asbestos abatement of the existing structures. The buildings were demolished in January of this year. The metal roofing was sorted for recycling, and most of the rest was hauled away and burned to generate electricity.
With technical assistance from the Genesis Fund, NEHC will be applying to state’s Rural Affordable Rental Housing Program this fall. With additional funding from foundations, and private donors, the goal is to have 17 affordable, resident-owned housing units in downtown Norway available for area workers and their families.
“Affordable, safe, energy-efficient housing is a critical need in our community.” said Thea Hart, a CEBE board member and co-coordinator for the project. “After an exhaustive process, we recently received our building permit from the town of Norway and have a project team of local architects, engineers, and builders who are eager to finish designs and build the project.”
NEHC plans to operate as a Limited Equity Housing Cooperative. In essence, residents would purchase a share in the Cooperative and pay shared monthly utility and maintenance fees.
“This is such a creative housing solution and what’s further admirable is CEBE’s plans to utilize green building technology and local materials in carrying out the project,” said Dan Walsh, president and CEO of Norway Savings Bank. “We’re honored to play a small part in helping to increase the quality of life for residents, reduce environmental impact, and assist in addressing the major affordable housing challenge.”
“We’re grateful that NSB shares our concerns about the lack of housing in our area and stepped forward to help,” said Vlaun. “Their contribution and those of other individuals and businesses will help to ensure this neighborhood and the town of Norway will thrive for generations to come.”
If you would like to learn more about the CEBE or the NEHC, including ways to offer your support, visit www.ecologybasedeconomy.org or call 207-739-2101.
Founded in 1866, Norway Savings Bank is a leading mutual banking and financial services company headquartered in Norway, Maine. As of June 30, 2024, Norway Savings Bank had $1.912 billion in total assets; 24 branch locations; and divisions in trust and investment services, personal banking, and business banking. It has received an “Outstanding” rating for three consecutive Community Reinvestment Act Exams from the FDIC. Norway Savings has also received the Best Place for Working Parents designation in 2022, 2023, and 2024, and was recognized with the “Best Wellness Employer – Gold Certification” for the sixth year in a row by Wellness Workdays. BauerFinancial has designated the Bank the “Best of Bauer” for earning and maintaining its highest 5-star rating for 34 continuous years. For more information, visit www.norwaysavings.bank.
