The mission of MISCA is to sustain the culture and tradition of Monhegan Island's year-round community. How does one measure success of such intangible things like community and tradition? The success of this organization is not only the numerous houses and businesses purchased to secure affordable homes and economic opportunity for year-round community members but also in the over 20-years of dedication, thousands of hours of thoughtful conversations, uncountable volunteer hours, and $XXXX dollars raised toward a common goal of sustaining the island's culture.
There is still work to be done, but in the meantime we wanted to share our many successes with you.
In 2013, the news that the island grocery store was closing due to the loss of their lease prompted quick action on the part of MISCA. This property was purchased later that year. Monhegan Store is in the building closest to the road and the family that owns the home runs the local trucking company, Monhegan Trucking.
Before Monhegan Trucking, there was Hiram's Barn where the local horse Matinicus Charlie was housed. Years later the barn was used to store "pot warps"- otherwise known as rope. Although pot warps are no longer stored here, the name has stayed. The rope shed, Monhegan's precusor to Facebook, Twitter, and E-bay, was rebuilt to its former strength and simplicity in 2015. It continues to be a go to for folks for information, connection, and the occassional misplaced mitten.
MISCA purchased "The Looks" in the summer of 2016. The looks consist of two year round housing units on the edge of the meadow; Underlook and Overlook. Both buildings have been year round dwellings since 1985 and the current tenants in both were able to stay in place though the purchase. Since the purchase, MISCA has updated many major appliances and also replaced the roof on Underlook. There are plans to replace windows and doors among other things. Thankfully generous donations and support have made it possible for the looks to stay in the year round community.
Shortly after MISCA’s formation, the old Monhegan Store building was purchased. This building currently houses two year-round condominiums, the Monhegan Post Office, a laundromat, and Monhegan Plantation Town Office. The original store space is now home to Black Duck Emporium.
In 2006, a property was purchased near Lobster Cove. MISCA worked with the State permitting agency to create a variance for affordable housing on Monhegan to be able to build on smaller parcels of land. That property is now home to two families and two businesses, Alison Hill Art Studio and Monhegan Brewing Co.
Originally purchased in 2009,the first MISCA owners transformed a three-season home into a year-round residence. This property was the first to be repurchased by MISCA and sold to a new family. The second family has made some major renovations and built an addition since their purchase. It now houses two families and two businesses, Island Farm and a lawn care business.
Working collaboratively with Monhegan Plantation and Monhegan Associates, Inc., MISCA secured two buildable lots near the cemetery in 2012 Since then the lots have been prepared for building by installing a septic system, a well, and electricity access. In 2021, the building rights for each lot were awarded to two couples. Building will commence soon.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.