OPAL is holding a full rebid of the April’s Grove townhome project for a general contractor as well as subcontractors. During the first bidding process, the majority of bids came in over budget, with numerous trades having not submitted bids at all.

“After years of planning and support from the Orcas community, the outcome of the first bid was initially discouraging. However, we are reinvigorated and hopeful that this subsequent bid will be successful,” explains OPAL executive director Lisa Byers.

OPAL is looking for greater sub-contractor participation, especially from local contractors.

Bids are due no later than 2:00 p.m. on Feb. 19 at the office of OPAL Community Land Trust, 286 Enchanted Forest Road, Eastsound. For more information, please visit the OPAL website www.opalclt.org or contact the April’s Grove project manager, Jeanne Beck at jeanne@opalclt.org.

When completed, April’s Grove will be a neighborhood of 45 new rental residences on North Beach Road. Located across from Children’s House and the Funhouse Commons, April’s Grove will consist of studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom townhomes. Each dwelling will be home for individuals and families who live or work on Orcas Island and need stable, affordable rental housing.

Incorporated in 1989, OPAL serves 105 ownership and 30 rental Orcas Island households. For more information, go to www.opalclt.org or call (360) 376-3191.