Mystic Neighborhoods Preservation Association

A press release dated August 12, 2020 states: “The Connecticut Housing Finance Authority has awarded $10 million in State Housing Tax Credit Contributions (HTCCs) program to non-profit developers of affordable housing and non-profit housing loan programs in Connecticut. The recipients can then offer the tax credits to business firms in exchange for a cash contribution toward their affordable housing developments or loan funds.” St. Edmunds Retreat, Inc. is listed as a recipient of an award for a “Capital Upgrade Phase I” project for 10 units of housing.

An article in The Day on August 30, 2020, states: “CHFA awarded a total of $10 million in tax credits as part of the program to nonprofits across the state that included the New London Homeless Hospitality Center, Mystic River Homes Inc., Spruce Ridge in Pawcatuck, St. Edmund’s Retreat in Mystic, Community of Hope in Groton and New London-based HOPE Inc., Housing Opportunities for People. The program was created by the legislature as an incentive for affordable housing.”

In the Housing Need description of its 2020 application, St. Edmunds states: “Residents have clearly been self-medicating to relieve their underlying psychological and emotional issues—trauma has been a big part of their lives.” St. Edmunds also notes: “It’s is (sic) not uncommon for our residents to have been either homeless or incarcerated prior to arriving at Enders Island.”

In the Project Narrative of its 2020 application, St. Edmunds describes the project as follows: “There are 25 rooms available to persons over coming drug and/or alcohol addiction. The focus of this application and the first phase of a multi-phased capital upgrades plan is for improvements inside the main building. There are 10 SRO rooms and 4 shared bathrooms as well as a shared kitchen, living room and meeting rooms. The building is quite dated and the results of a capital needs study, identified mechanical, septic, structural, and items that have far outlived their use expectancy….This development enjoys full tax abatement from the Town and reduction and often waivers in the permitting process.”

Buckley Appraisal Services, Inc. provides two appraisals in its report commissioned by St. Edmunds, an “as is” market value of $15,300,000 and a “prospective” market value of $20,800,000. Both are based on Hypothetical Conditions and Extraordinary Assumptions, including that “the seawall is repaired per Army Corp of Engineers specifications,” “the subject property is free and clear of any adverse deed restrictions, covenants, residual ownership interests and any other deed restriction encumbering the property,” and “the subject property is in legal compliance with applicable zoning regulations, deed restrictions, municipal codes and all other restrictive covenants that may apply.”

David Rathbun, then Chair of Stonington’s Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z), submits a letter on February 11, 2020, on Stonington Planning & Zoning letterhead in support of the project. However, SER's application for the HTCC award has not been on the agenda of any P&Z Commission meetings.

On February 11, 2020, St. Edmunds certifies in its application for the CHFA tax credit award that it is not “currently involved in any litigation or other legal claims, including as a defendant.” Immediately above the signature line it states: “The undersigned understands that he/she may be prosecuted for false statement under the laws of the State of Connecticut under Section 53a-157 of the General Statutes, as amended from time to time, for any false statement made herein.” At the time of the certification, there are two lawsuits involving St. Edmunds’ use of Enders Island.

During the summer of 2018, the Masons Island Property Owners Association conducted a study of the traffic patterns on Masons Island. That study showed that approximately 25% of the traffic on Masons Island was directly associated with activities at Enders Land.

In November 2018, St Edmund of Connecticut sued Mystic Seaport Museum, Girl Scouts of Connecticut, and John Steffian (one of the heirs of Alys Enders) demanding that they give up the claims to Enders Island that were given to them in the will of Alys Enders.

In response to a letter written by Father Thomas Hoar, Attorney Whitney wrote to the Masons Island Community explaining the goal of the litigation against St Edmund's Retreat, St Edmund of Connecticut, and the Society of St Edmund.

In an effort to keep the community informed, the Mystic Neighborhoods Preservation Association wrote to residents of Masons Island Fire District in May 2018 citing concerns regarding activities at St Edmund's Retreat. 

In response to ongoing violation of deed restrictions and zoning regulations, members of the local community filed a lawsuit seeking an injunction preventing further violations of the deed restrictions and zoning regulations.

Facing opposition from the local community, St Edmund's Retreat withdrew its application to operate a proposed treatment facility, but continued its practice of operating an unlicensed treatment facility. 

A prospective resident drank wine produced on Enders Island, tried to rob another visitor at knife point, and then stole a car from a local resident. Another reminder of the dangers of alcohol abuse and the need for supervised care.