(Atlantic) The Vision Atlantic series continues today, highlighting the fundraising efforts and clarifying misconceptions surrounding the funding of this transformative $84 million initiative. In this segment, we have committee members Dr. Bob Sharp, Kasey Meneely, and Anne Pellett to help address some of these miscommunications.
Kasey McNeely, co-chair of the community division for the project, explains that this is a multifaceted initiative. The housing component is being funded by a generous contribution from the Charles E. Lakin Foundation, with all homes being constructed from this loan fund.
Anne Pellett, a member of the Communications Division, emphasizes that the housing aspect of the project has already seen significant success. She notes that it is fully funded and supported by a revolving loan fund designed to benefit Atlantic for years to come.
Pellett also notes that over 80 volunteers are currently involved in fundraising activities for the childcare and YMCA expansion initiatives.
Dr. Bob Sharp, who represents the family and solicitation division, emphasizes the importance of reaching an 80 percent fundraising target by the end of December to proceed with the construction of the childcare center and expansion of the YMCA. To unlock a grant that will support both parts of the project, the remaining 20 percent—around $7 million—needs to be secured. He points out that this isn’t about funding someone else’s new home; instead, it’s crucial to inform the community about their efforts to complete the YMCA and childcare initiatives.
Meneely highlights the scale of this project, viewing it as a significant opportunity for Atlantic. While you may not resonate with every aspect of the initiative, it has the potential to attract our future surgeon or restaurant owner. She emphasizes that this could be the factor that draws families to Atlantic, ultimately benefiting the daycare center and, in the long run, the school system.
The housing construction portion of the project is slated to start soon. The first phase of the building project includes 48 new housing units. The build consists of ten tiny homes and houses with 1,200 square feet of living space.
