(L-R): Ross Moran, Executive Director of the Westport Land Conservation Trust; Trip Millikin, WLCT Board President; Betty-Ann Mullins, SVP/Commercial Lender, BayCoast Bank; and Richard De Almeida, VP/Loan Officer, BayCoast Mortgage
BayCoast Bank has pledged $100,000 over a three-year period to the Westport Land Conservation Trust (WLCT) for Phase 2 of the St. Vincent de Paul Project in Westport.
This marks the second pledge of $100,000 made by the Bank for a total contribution of $200,000. In recognition of its ongoing commitment to the project, the Meadow Entrance of the 82-acre property will be named for BayCoast Bank at WLCT’s public opening on June 15th. This land encompasses a diversity of resources, including 20 acres of open space, 62 acres of forest and natural habitat and more than two miles of trails.
In July of 2016, the WLCT, working with the Town of Westport, secured an agreement to acquire the 82-acre Camp from the Catholic Diocese of Fall River; in August of 2017, BayCoast Bank contributed $100,000 over the course of three years in support of Phase 1 acquisition and protection of the property. WLCT acquired and protected the property in February 2018.
With its pledge for Phase 2, the Bank has committed another $100,000 to be paid over three years beginning in 2021; Phase 2 seeks to secure the future of the landscape, provide resources for WLCT to transform it and then to maintain and steward it well into the future.
"WLCT is honored to continue our partnership with BayCoast Bank,” said Ross Moran, Executive Director of the Westport Land Conservation Trust. “This recent grant to Phase 2 of the St. Vincent de Paul project is a major boost towards the creation of Westport's first community park and will help us craft a unique destination for people to connect with nature. It is just one example of BayCoast's longstanding investment in Westport and we are thrilled to have its support."
The goal of the project, in addition to protecting one of Westport’s scenic landmark properties, is to create a premier open space that welcomes individuals, families and groups, protects significant natural resources, and connects people to nature. WLCT is in the final stages of raising funds to create this community park; with only $175,000 left to raise of this $3 million project. Contact WLCT today at http://www.WestportLandTrust.org to be a part of creating this special place.
Nicholas Christ, President and CEO of BayCoast Bank, said, “It is a privilege to help fund this important project, one that will benefit the entire region for many generations.”
Westport remains as one of the last surviving coastal farming communities in Massachusetts; the Trust was formed in 1972 by a group of local residents with a mission to acquire and preserve natural resources, farmland and wildlife areas for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.
About BayCoast Bank
BayCoast Bank is mutually-owned, serving the needs of consumers, businesses, non-profits and municipalities through 19 branches and three loan offices throughout southeastern MA and RI. Additional services are offered through the Bank’s affiliates: BayCoast Financial Services, Plimoth Investment Advisors, Partners Insurance Group, LLC, BayCoast Mortgage Company, LLC, and Priority Funding LLC. Nicholas Christ is the Bank’s President and Chief Executive Officer. Visit www.BayCoastBank.com or call 508-678-7641 or 888-806-2872.
