The Rutland Board of Aldermen on Aug. 4 voted to send a letter of support for the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department’s proposed voluntary purchase of a 1.5-acre parcel south of Route 4 near the junction of River Street and Door Drive to create a public fishing access on East Creek.
The department’s representative, Jennifer Krebs, told the board the site sits on the bank of East Creek near its confluence with the Otter Creek and is best suited to be an “unimproved access area” for bank angling and paddle craft rather than a boat ramp. Krebs said, “We would pay fair market value to the land owner, for that acreage,” and that Fish & Wildlife pursues land only with “voluntary landowners.”
The board agreed to suspend the rules and authorize a short letter of support for the governor’s consideration; the motion to take up the item and to approve the letter passed. Alderman Albert Gillum and others said the parcel is wetlands and argued recreation use is a better public benefit than uncertain development.
Why it matters: the property would be removed from the tax rolls if purchased, and Krebs said the state’s Agency of Natural Resources would provide a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) based on the grand list in the year of acquisition. Board members pressed for clarity on the fiscal effect: one alderman cited a calculation of a PILOT amount that prompted discussion about whether the figure used the current grand list or a future reappraisal. Krebs said the parcel is being appraised and that closing would depend on additional approvals, adding, “I am projecting that I wouldn't close until the calendar year of 2026.”
Details and next steps: the acquisition requires a subdivision approval from the city before closing, Krebs confirmed. The board’s letter is intended to show local support to the governor and agency leadership; the letter was approved for signature by the board president. No final purchase price or finalized PILOT schedule was presented at the meeting, and Krebs said an appraisal has not yet been completed.
Discussion vs. decision: The meeting record shows discussion of site characteristics, ownership willingness and PILOT mechanics; the formal board action was limited to approving a support letter and does not authorize the sale or transfer of the property. Further approvals (subdivision, state review, finalized appraisal) will be required before any purchase.
Ending: Fish & Wildlife staff will continue the appraisal and state-level approvals; the Aldermen’s support letter will be forwarded for the agency and governor’s consideration.