Where exactly is this property located?

This land is on the northside of 6A, between Cape Cod Creamery and Captain Howes’ historic home at the corner of Hope Lane and 6A, across from the Village Green, the bandstand, the cemetery and Dennis Union Church. It is the heart and soul of Dennis.

What land is being purchased?

The first parcel is just under one acre, 40,020 square feet of natural tree-filled land, including several decades-old feature trees. It is part of a wildlife corridor that extends to the headwaters of Chase Garden Creek and the Bass Hole sanctuary and estuary.  It is one of very few pieces of undeveloped land near the center of Dennis Village.

Why buy just this piece and not all the parcels?

If we exceed our $1.5M goal before June 3, we hope to expand the purchase to include the land behind the Moses Howes’ home, creating a continuous parcel that extends from 6A to Hope Lane. There is a third parcel on the east side of Hope Lane. The price for all three parcels is $3 million, buyer financed. We have until early July to raise the additional funds to include all three parcels.

Why do we want to acquire this land?

The owners of the property want to densely develop the property, which would require clear-cutting this natural area, destroying and eliminating wildlife habitats. The resulting septic load would be several times the maximum allowed and risks damaging the fragile ecosystem. With roads, parking lots, driveways and sidewalks the area would be largely impervious, creating watershed issues. Additional traffic would increase congestion and threaten safety in an area which is already compromised. Buying this property is the only way to save the land from overdevelopment.

What will be done to the property? How will it be protected?

The Village Improvement Society of Dennis (VIS) will purchase the land. VIS is committed to placing a protective overlay on the property, to be held and enforced in perpetuity by a local conservation entity.  It will be cleared of invasive vines and deadwood and made to look more attractive. Placards may be placed describing the history of the village.

What is the Village Improvement Society of Dennis?

The historic Village Improvement Society of Dennis (VIS), established in 1902, is a local non-profit 501(c)(3). VIS owns and maintains: the Village Green and the iconic Bandstand, the Dennis Village Playground, and the historic Military Training Field in front of the village cemetery. VIS also maintains Nobscussett Park and the adjacent parking lot. VIS is staffed by volunteers and funded through donations. 

If we only buy the first parcel, what will happen to the remaining land owned by the developers?

We cannot speculate what the landowners will do with the rest of the land. If we can raise additional funds beyond the initial $1.5M, we will seek to acquire additional pieces of the property. At a minimum, we want to protect the section of land along 6A, maintain the treed landscape, and preserve the historic image of the Village. 

Isn’t there a fight to stop the intended 40B development?

For updates go to www.DennisCRD.org. The owners have now received their project eligibility approval letter from the state. The next step for them is to go before the Zoning Board. However, they have agreed to postpone this next step to give us the opportunity to complete the purchase.

What if we do not buy this property?

The opportunity to protect this land from clear-cutting and dense development will be lost and the natural habitat will be destroyed. The developers have stated in a letter of intent that they are willing to sell it to us and are working with us to make this happen. We feel it is urgent to take them up on this offer and protect this land from development.

Why doesn’t the Town of Dennis buy this land?

The Town already has ambitious plans to acquire property for green space and affordable housing development. Dennis Village has benefitted in the past from town land purchases, such as Nobscussett Park. Other Villages in Dennis are now benefiting, such as the 3.6-acre parcel just purchased in Dennisport.

Why are you fighting affordable housing when it is so desperately needed?

No one is opposed to responsible affordable housing development. Even though the developers propose to make 5 units affordable, the additional 15 3-bedroom, 2400SF, 55+, $1.2+ Million units are far too dense for an environmentally sensitive area of less than 2 acres, and not affordable for working people, or for 55+ seniors of Dennis.

Why are we paying so much for the property?

This is the price the developers set for the property. Appraisals of the undeveloped land would be lower; however, the owners can make a lot more money by proceeding with their development plans. 

Can’t we negotiate a better deal?

This price comes after many months of negotiation with the owners/developers and reflects their waiting until 2026 to be fully paid for the property. This allows us to take pledges and collect over three years. Once we have funds in hand, we will be in a much better position to negotiate specifics.

What happens if we can’t raise the money and pledges in time?

This is our one and only chance to preserve the character of the village. There will be no going back, no second chances. Please reach deep into your pockets and do what you can to support this. Ask your friends and neighbors to help us!

What will happen to my money if the deal falls through?

If we are unable to enter into a purchase and sales agreement, it is our intent to refund all donations and cancel pledges.

What does it mean to make a three-year pledge?

For large donors, there may be annual limitations based on budget or taxation considerations. A 3-year pledge allows them to expand their impact. Other people have made a single donation up front, and some have pledged for 2024 and 2025. The campaign benefits from having funds available in as short a timeframe as possible to reduce financing costs, so please be as generous as you can up front.

Is my donation tax-deductible?

The funds go to a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) so qualify for tax deduction. If you are over 70 1/2 you may be able to make a qualified charitable distribution from an IRA tax free. Please speak with your tax advisor if you have questions.

What if I wish to remain anonymous?

If you want your donation to be anonymous, there is a checkbox on the pledge envelope to indicate your wish.

How much are other donors giving?

We have a foundational pledge from the Village Improvement Society for $150,000. So far, we have pledges of $75,000, $50,000, $30,000, $10,000, $5,000 and $3000 and many smaller donations which are just as important. The average pledge is $5000. Please consider what this means to you and the village and give as generously as you are able.

What if I cannot make a very large donation?

Any amount you can contribute is greatly appreciated. If you want to make a bigger impact, perhaps you can help spread the word to others who can also contribute.

What else can I do to help?

Help us spread the word of this urgent need! Talk to friends and neighbors. Put a sign in your yard. We can always use partner organizations to support our efforts. If you are a member of a group that you think can help, please let us know.