Select Board asks mall owner to enforce security after Diamond Run permit is provisionally approved

The Rutland Town Select Board on Sept. 9 approved a letter to Diamond Run Mall owner Joe Anthony reminding him of security obligations under the site's land use permit and inviting him to attend the board's Sept. 23 meeting.

Select Board Chair Kurt Hathaway told the board the draft amendment to the mall's land use permit had been treated as a "minor" change, meaning a proposed permit was issued and it will stand unless a hearing is requested before Sept. 30. Hathaway said the draft permit "specifically says all conditions of land use permit 1R0661 and amendments are in full force and effect except as further amended herein," and added, "so that policing requirement is still there."

The action follows repeated complaints to the town about unauthorized camping, vehicles and criminal activity on the mall property after anchor stores closed. Police Chief Dumas reported increased patrols and said officers have responded to reports of trespass and encampments near mall entrances. The board recorded they have received complaints that private security has been inconsistent; the chief said private security vendors have been reluctant to take enforcement action in some instances.

Town staff drafted a letter reminding the mall owner and the permit holder of their security obligations under the existing permit and asking him to meet with the board on Sept. 23 to discuss policing and site security during demolition and reclamation. The board approved the letter and authorized signatures in a 5-0 vote.

Town officials said the draft permit language calls for all conditions of permit 1R0661 to remain in effect and that the town will monitor compliance while the permit remains in its provisional form. The board and police department said they want to coordinate with the permit holder and the mall's security contractor until demolition and site reclamation are complete.