"Ludlow Group Forming Land Trust Following several informal meetings, a group of Ludlow citizens is well on its way to creating a land trust organization to deal with affordable housing and land preservation issues. Led by Alan Isaacson, a small number of the Ludlow residents has tentatively decided to create the Ludlow Community Land Trust (LCLT). The initial purpose of LCLT will be act as an advocate of affordable housing in the Ludlow area. Currently both the Village and Town of Ludlow have zoning amendments before them dealing with affordable housing strategies. Both proposed amendments reference a locally-controlled land trust organization as the vehicle for managing affordable housing. Isaacson noted that the formation of LCLT, while needed to implement the proposed affordable housing amendments, represented an effort by its founders to ensure that an advocacy group existed to support all forms of affordable housing. He cited the current impact that Act 60 and 68 have had on taxes in Ludlow, indicating that many residents were unable to pay the resulting increased property taxes or rental fees. "Something has to be done to ensure that these folks have someone speaking in support of their needs," Isaacson said. In in latest meeting, the group decided to develop a formal charter that addressed its purpose, by-laws, and membership. Once these were put together, LCLT would formalize its existence by incorporating and subsequently seeking 501 (c) 3 status. The steering committee to direct these formative organizational steps include Isaacson, Peter Crowley, Steven Stengel, Jim Fuller, Kayla Drinwater and Ralph Pace. Isaacson stated that LCLT desired to work with anyone interested in affordable housing and preservation. It was his hope that the group would attract a wide level of community participation. "We welcome everyone concerned about these issues." he said, adding, "this has to be a community based movement if we're going to succeed." The next meeting of LCLT is scheduled for Thursday, March 23 at 7 pm at Ludlow Town Hall." (by BRR Editor,Ralph Pace)