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Oak Bluffs approves 99-year ground lease for 12-unit veterans project at Bellevue Avenue
Summary
The Select Board unanimously approved a conditional ground lease of town land at 50 Bellevue Avenue to Bellevue Veterans Community, LLC for a 12 one‑bedroom unit project, with $2.4 million in state support; affordability will be capped at 80% AMI and preserved for the lease term.
The Oak Bluffs Select Board on June 9 voted unanimously to approve, subject to town counsel's final review, a 99‑year ground lease of town land at 50 Bellevue Avenue to Bellevue Veterans Community, LLC for a 12 one‑bedroom unit veterans housing project.
Terri Bennett described the project and said construction will first build infrastructure—bringing utilities from County Road down Bellevue Avenue to the site. Caroline Flanders of Island Housing Trust said the Cape and Islands Veterans Outreach Center (CVOC) will provide services for residents and that the lease language preserves the project's affordability permanently. Karen Burke, representing counsel, told the board the documents cap income eligibility at no greater than 80% of area median income and provide that affordability restrictions survive foreclosure.
The project has $2.4 million in support funding from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, participants said. Select Person Mark Leonard asked for details about the lease and financing; board members emphasized the approval is contingent on final legal review by town counsel before the project may break ground. The motion to approve the ground lease, subject to counsel review, was made by Select Person Sean DeBettencourt, seconded by Select Person William (Bill) Cleary, and passed 4–0.
Why it matters: The lease would allow construction of permanently affordable, veteran‑targeted units on town land while keeping onsite veteran services in a management role. Next steps include finalizing documents with town counsel and completing lender requirements before infrastructure work begins.
The board recorded no conditions changing the project's affordability requirements beyond the stated 80% AMI cap and the requirement that restrictions survive foreclosure; town counsel review and lender signoffs remain necessary before construction can proceed.
