About MISCA

Lobster traps on the dock. Truck with traps on the back

Island Communities Struggling to Survive

Over a century ago, more than 300 Maine islands had year-round communitites. Fishermen, lobstermen, farmers, shopkeepers, teachers, carpenters, artists, and others all contributed to the unique, close-knit lifestyle that exemplifies coastal Maine.

But today, only 14 islands can claim year-round communities, and with real estate prices continuing to climb, that number may dwindle even more.

Affordable Housing Disappearing

The continued existence of Monhegan's community is threatened by this lack of affordable year-round housing. Housing costs have more than doubled in the past five years, and the men and women who have lived and worked year-round on Monhegan are finding it very difficult to rent housing, much less afford to buy their own home. They want their children to grow up and go to school here and become a part of this community-but increasingly, they can't afford to stay, and so they must go elsewhere.

Without a working community, the quality of life for year-round, summer residents and for visitors would be diminished.

MISCA'S Solution

Conserving the natural beauty of Monhegan is a priority for Islanders and visitors alike. In the face of skyrocketing real estate prices, the Monhegan Island Sustainable Community Association (MISCA) was formed to provide affordable housing without taking land out of conservation.

MISCA will accomplish this mission by purchasing existing residential property and selling the homes and outbuildings to year-round residents at considerably less than the market value.

MISCA is a Land Trust

MISCA will retain ownership of the land. Residents lease the land and own their homes. Once the property is in the pool of MISCA's land trust, it will be available to resident families in perpetuity. The amount of appreciation on the house will be limited by a covenant in the deed. Thus, when ownership of a house turns over, the selling price will be far less than what the market value would have been - ensuring that future generations can afford to live on Monhegan year-round.

MISCA, like Monhegan Associates (the conserving group whose aim is preserving the Island's wildlands), is a land trust.

Creating Options

Eligibility rules (set by the Bylaws) keep housing available to year-round, low- to moderate-income residents who don’t already own property on Monhegan. Trustees run a structured selection process to ensure housing goes to people who are committed to the community.

Rental housing has come up more recently in discussions as another way to support affordable, year-round living. Currently, MISCA owns two rental properties that are offered to year-round residents at affordable rates.

Interested in supporting MISCA's mission?

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