Project Finished, Habitat for Humanity Security Funds Are Forgiven

Volunteers from Litle & Co. of Lowell worked with homeowners Milissa and Fred Durfee and construction supervisor Scott Carpenter to add finishing touches to Bedford’s final Habitat house on a recent sunny morning.

By Kim Siebert MacPhail

At their October 15 meeting, the Bedford Selectmen were given bottles of champagne by Brenda Gould, President of the Habitat for Humanity’s Board, in celebration of the completion of the eighth and final home on Carter Way off North Road. In their grant agreement, Habitat potentially owed the Town $75,000 per house if any of the projects were either abandoned or left unfinished. Now that the final home is complete and a buyer has been secured, the last $75,000 guarantee has been released.

Landscaping on the lot near the building sites is not quite finished, Gould said, because two construction trailers must first be removed. The top coating of the street and the rest of the landscaping will be addressed after the trailers depart, hopefully before winter. It is Town Manager Rick Reed’s understanding that Carter Way will remain a private way and that the development’s homeowners’ association will continue to privately handle things like snow removal.

Bedford’s Habitat project has seen its share of uncertainty, which Selectman Mike Rosenberg spoke to at the meeting.

“A couple of years ago, we were literally at a cul-de-sac. We didn’t know which way we were going to go. But then new leadership came in and it looks like we’re really going to accomplish what we set out to. We’re all proud of what it represents.”

Gould responded, “Well, you guys really made it happen. You stuck with us even though we had some issues internally and we really appreciate that. I know the families really appreciate it, too. Hopefully, they will all be great citizens of the Town of Bedford. So far so good— they are all really happy.”

The dedication for the final home and the end of the project is scheduled for November 17. Additional details will be released in a formal town-wide invitation closer to the date.

“I was at the last dedication,” said Selectmen Chair Cathy Cordes, “and I can tell you it was quite an emotional event. I know that this one will be even more so.”

Click to view additional images of a recent Habitat work day at the house.