A gift to Southport United Methodist Church may result in community housing for the island. In 2023, Marge and Eliot Winslow gifted over 20 acres to the church with an intent of providing community outreach, according to church board of directors member Smith Climo. The church debated among its members about possible outreach options. A consensus was reached to divide the property into eight to 10 tracts suitable for affordable housing.  

"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to sell homes to young famiies to set up camp here to live, work and raise a family," Climo said. "The church is in agreement this is the perfect way to honor Marge's and Eliot's request for outreach."

Southport UMC is planning to build a road, provide electricity and work towards expanding municipal water to the development. Climo represents Southport on Boothbay Region Water District. He envisions working with the district in securing state and federal grants to fund an estimated $3.25 million municipal water project. 

"This is a dream, but not a pipe dream," Climo said. "It may take some work but it's doable. This would also benefit homes along Route 27 making year-round water available and provide more water for fire protection which benefits the water district." 

In January and February, the church hosted three informational sessions seeking abutters' and residents' feedback. Climo said abutters were concerned that expanding the growth district would allow businesses in the proposed housing project. "We (asked) voters to skip accepting the bequest," Climo said. "We want to let them know we heard them and take our time and do more research. It's not our intention for businesses to become a part of the project and we just want to dot our I's and cross our T's before the town accepts the bequest."

During the March 3 town meeting, residents approved one of two amendments designed to promote the proposed development. Article 28 amended the land use ordinance to allow the addition of one more lot in the growth district. Article 33, which sought authorization to accept the Winslow Trust bequest, was skipped over by voters.