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What would happen if Shelter Bay didn’t pursue a new lease with the Swinomish Tribe? I think that we should start looking at the possibility that in 2044 the Tribe will take over the community and possibly the management of the community. Why wouldn’t they want to? They have proven themselves to be good managers of businesses and can probably do a very good job.

One problem between now and 2044 is getting 30 year fixed rate mortgage loans. I don’t know what the mechanism would be for securing that but maybe a letter from the Tribal Senate to lenders that guarantees people will be able to finish their mortgages would be enough.

Now why would the tribe want to do that? Simply good business. It would ensure that the homes in Shelter Bay stay occupied with people who will pay their assessments, lease and taxes. The values of the houses will increase which in turn increases profit to the Swinomish Tribe and the occupants paying homeowner association dues to maintain the property between now and 2044 and beyond. So keeping the homes occupied would be a major concern and supply and demand would determine the balance point for the cost of living in SB.

For now, residents would have a lot less anxiety, no more lease task force and no more advisory fees. And maybe we can start to collaborate more and continue in this wonderful community and our greater community of Swinomish and La Conner.

Cate Grinzell

Shelter Bay