NEWS

Robert F. Buck Family’s Legacy to Include Permanently Affordable Housing

The San Juan Community Home Trust is excited to announce a new partnership for its next set of permanently affordable homes. The three children of Robert F. Buck and their spouses, Vincent and Jane Buck, Carolyn and Bob Norman, and Jai and Bequin Boreen have agreed to sell one-third of their 46 acres to a supporter of the Home Trust and to collaborate on the creation of permanently affordable housing. The land is adjacent to the former gravel pit, and within several blocks of Friday Harbor Elementary school.

A number of steps are required before any development will take place, including the expansion of the county-designated Urban Growth Area around the Town of Friday Harbor. This will require an agreement by the Town and the County and subsequent annexation of the parcel into the Town. According to Home Trust board member Larry Soll, “This is an opportunity for the Town and the County to significantly increase the number of permanently affordable homes on San Juan Island.”

The Buck property borders the southeast corner of Friday Harbor. A portion of this parcel (outlined in blue on the map) may be the site of a future Home Trust development.