January 31 update

The following is an update sent out by the Woods Hole Community Association to its members and supporters on January 31 by association president Catherine Bumpus. We're copying the full text here.

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Hello friends, here’s an update.

Today, representatives of the Community Association and the Woods Hole Foundation met with representatives of GBH to discuss a potential future for WCAI at the Captain Davis House.

Last week the Community Association Board formally extended the offer to allow GBH to stay on at the Captain Davis House for five years rent free. Additionally, the Community Association offered to address any issues with the building that might prevent WCAI from continuing in the building.

Today, GBH declined both these offers and re-stated its intention to move WCAI from its historic home. GBH said it continues to look for an alternative site for WCAI that will support its local news and information mission.

From the beginning of its involvement, the Community Association has made it clear that its first choice is to keep WCAI in the Captain Davis House, in the midst of the village, and to remove any obstacles that would prevent WCAI from staying. 

The Community Association remains committed to be a collegial and supportive landlord to WCAI, while their search and the process of moving plays out, over an expected period of nine months. At this time the Community Association has no plans pending for the building that would prevent GBH from reconsidering its choice or extending its tenancy.

What’s next?

The enormous effort and generous community outpouring that made it possible to purchase the Captain Davis House should not be lost in this and will be celebrated. No matter the final outcome, we believe the Captain Davis House will be a landmark resource in the village for generations to come.

What will happen in the Captain Davis House when GBH takes WCAI elsewhere? The answer to that will be determined by the community, through discussions and a public visioning process. We will be in touch to let you know when we start that process so that we can incorporate as much input as possible.  

But for now, WCAI will remain in the building as a tenant, until at least September.

Thank you for your patience and belief during this challenging process. Further updates will come, as we have them.

Best,

Catherine