Celebrating Progress at
West Barnstable Communities

...My Will is that all my Real Estate that I have in the Town of Barnstable shall be hired out to the highest bidder by those persons that the Town of Barnstable shall appoint from time to time to hire out and the rent or income of it shall be improved for the use and benefit of the poor of the town of Barnstable..."

It took about 250 years, but Parker Lombard’s dream to permanently improve his property for the benefit of the poor is finally on the way to fruition.

Last month, HAC began developing affordable housing on the Route 149 property, leased by the town of Barnstable, to provide 12 CapeCodders over the age of 55 with housing. Almost around the corner, 28 more units are also under development, providing families with an affordable place to rent off Route 132, across from Cape CodCommunity College and in back of the YMCA.

Those of us attending a ceremonial groundbreaking on June 30 had the chance to sign the new foundation that had been recently poured for the apartment building. As I put my name and message on the cement structure, I thought a lot about Parker Lombard. He must have been an interesting, insightful man. Imagine, back in 1754, having the forethought to provide land in what was then a fairly barren place in a sparsely populated town to ensure that the poor among us would be supported by the community? His actions back then should teach us a lot today.

- Rick Presbrey, CEO/President

       
HAC staff and funders     
celebrate construction at the West Barnstable communities project.