Sunday, July 06, 2008

Another Bargin

Boat- Check.

Hot Tub - Check.

Beer Pavilion - Check.

Old Saybrook Lighthouse - ?


The federal government has officially put the Outer Lighthouse up for sale.

The lighthouse, which is also known as the Saybrook Breakwater Light, was built in 1886 out of cast iron and brick. The 49-foot tower stands on a half-mile long jetty at the entrance to Old Saybrook Harbor, where the Connecticut River empties into Long Island Sound.

The station is still a working lighthouse, with an automated green light flashing about every six seconds, run by the U.S. Coast Guard. Any new owner would have to continue to allow the agency to maintain the lighthouse as a working navigational station.

The excess property arm of the General Services Administration wants to transfer the ownership of the lighthouse to a government or nonprofit organization that can prove it has the means to protect and preserve the station for public education, recreation or historic preservation.

If such a group qualifies, the administration would sell the lighthouse to it for $1.

The application deadline for government or nonprofit groups is at the end of September.

link

1 comment:

OVPI News said...

OakView Preservation Incorporated files Letter of Interest to acquire Historic Connecticut Lighthouse from the Government.

The Saybrook Breakwater Lighthouse (Outer Light) notice of availability has been issued by the General Services Administration (GSA) on June 27, 2008 excessing the light in accordance with the Lighthouse Preservation Act of 2000.

The past year has been a tumultuous time for the Saybrook Breakwater Light. There was rumor of it being excessed last year prompting the Town of Old Saybrook to consider whether it was to make an effort to acquire the light. Their decision was to not acquire the lighthouse.

The GSA makes the lighthouses determined to be excess by the US Coast Guard available to municipalities, non profit groups or other qualifying groups.

There is one non-profit group interested in preserving this light that graces Connecticut’s license plates. OakView Preservation Incorporated (“OVPI”) stepped forward to become the new guardians of the lighthouse while the Coast Guard would retain ownership and responsibility for the actual aid to navigation. According to Brad McCracken, CEO and co-founder of OVPI, their letter of interest was filed with the GSA on Monday, June 30th, 2008. Mr. McCracken says they have already begun completing the lengthy and tedious application. “This structure is such a historic jewel that the Board of Directors of OVPI decided to expand so we can acquire and preserve this excellent piece of Americana, culture, heritage and history,” McCracken states. “When we heard that the town did not want the light, and that no one from the local community came forward to form a non-profit, we thought we should at least give the application process a chance….the light needs to be preserved and history requires that someone take action. OVPI is just that someone!” McCracken says.

OVPI is accepting donations to build the endowment which will ensure the preservation, restoration and enjoyment of the lighthouse for years to come. OVPI is a 501(c)(3) non profit so all donations are tax deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law.

OVPI was formed in 2007 and exists in order to raise funds to acquire, preserve and open a public museum in the historic home in Norwood, Massachusetts known as Oak View. They have also started raising funds to acquire and preserve the 1770 home of Col. Timothy Mann, a Revolutionary War service member, in Walpole, MA. Their web site is www.ovpi.org which is where donations are being accepted or toll free, 1-866-760-2286.

Contact: Brad McCracken, CEO and co-founder, OakView Preservation Incorporated
Mobile: 508-631-3953
Email: Brad@ovpi.org
Address: PO Box 187, Norwood, MA 02062