Economic Development
Economic development also plays a role in preserving and growing long term year round community on Chebeague. This need shows up repeatedly in our recently completed Comprehensive Plan. Part of the challenge: how do we grow more jobs on Chebeague while preserving and enhancing the characteristics that draw us to this place? The answers may lie primarily in small scale economic development.
CICA board members have helped local lobstermen kick off a value added approach to the marketing of lobsters. They have gone forward with the Calendar Islands Lobster company. We’re helping start an oyster growing business on Chebeague. We’ve also worked on grants and other support for local farming and food efforts. We plan to get more involved in this area in years ahead.
Energy Efficiency
It costs more to live on an island than to live on the mainland. One of the increased costs is fuel, both for transportation and for heating space and water. By helping the island’s housing stock become more energy-efficient, we hope to help cut those costs - and increase that part of sustainable island living. CICA made energy efficiency improvements to 226 South Road when we first purchased that property. CICA has also specified that the School House Road houses meet or exceed Energy Star efficiency standards. And, CICA has recently promoted the PACE program on Chebeague, which provides low cost loans aimed at increasing energy efficiency, in such fashion that the savings outweigh the loan payments.
In 2014 and 2015 we worked with the Island Institute to bring Weatherization Week to Chebeague. 17 homes on the island received discounted energy audit work, and many went on to obtain increased efficiency upgrades in their homes.
Local Agriculture
There are increasing currents in our society that are focused on the importance of food - good, fresh, local food - as a key element of a sustainable community. CICA board members are involved in the support of local food on Chebeague, in ways ranging from the support of local farms to leadership in the island school’s garden program. In 2012 were granted the sponsorship of an Island Fellow who worked on local food and curriculum. In 2014 we built a pizza oven and shelter, which we donated to the School. CICA’s local agriculture continues at the School and in the promotion of local food on Chebeague.