VINALHAVEN — The Star of Hope Foundation has donated a working waterfront property to the Vinalhaven Land Trust.
The land trust announced in a news release the donation of 3 Clamshell Alley, the former site of the Sail Loft in Carvers Harbor, which includes a pier, parking area and open space along Main Street.
“For generations, the area has served as an active part of Vinalhaven’s commercial fishing heritage. Working waterfront access is increasingly rare along the Maine coast, and its preservation is critical to sustaining the state’s fishing economy and way of life. This donation ensures that the property will remain available for commercial fishing use, protected from residential or commercial redevelopment. It also ensures waterfront views for the wider community, as well as future seating for public use,” trust officials said in a news release.
They also said that with financial support from The Star of Hope Foundation, art-related environmental programming will be offered by the land trust in the future.
“Donating this property to the land trust ensures it remains in working hands, serving the island and its residents,” said Emily Lane, board president of the Star of Hope Foundation.
“This generous gift will enable VLT to bring new life to a largely underutilized site. We are particularly excited to support Vinalhaven’s working waterfront while creating a space that benefits the entire community. The Land Trust is very grateful to the Star of Hope Foundation for their vision and generosity,” said Elizabeth Swain, president of the land trust’s board.
The property will be managed to support active commercial fishing operations with potential for other publicly beneficial uses. The land trust will work with local business owners, fishermen and town officials to ensure continued use consistent with Vinalhaven’s maritime traditions.
The Star of Hope Foundation was created from the estate of the late artist Robert Indiana.
This story appears through a media partnership with Midcoast Villager.