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Montpelier council votes not to participate in FEMA buyout for Resurrection Baptist Church parcel
Summary
After testimony from church leaders and city planning staff, the council voted to decline participation in a FEMA-funded buyout of Resurrection Baptist Church’s Elm Street parcel, citing downtown redevelopment potential and the property’s historic status.
The Montpelier City Council voted to decline participation in a FEMA buyout for the Resurrection Baptist Church parcel at 144 Elm Street.
David Book, moderator of Resurrection Baptist Church, described repeated flooding at the site in July 2023, damage to the basement and heating equipment and efforts to winterize the building. He said the congregation intends to remain active and would prefer to stay downtown if possible.
City planning staff told council that because the building is a historic structure and because the parcel is walkable to downtown services and large enough for redevelopment, the property is not a strong candidate for FEMA buyout funds. Planning Director Michael Miller explained that historic designation affects FEMA’s ‘‘substantial damage’’ calculations and that the parcel’s 1.3 acres presents redevelopment and housing opportunities.
Council discussion noted competing concerns: church leaders emphasized community services and the property’s history, while some councilors expressed concern about placing taxable downtown land under permanent conservation in perpetuity. One councilor said preserving future taxable revenue and housing development opportunity on that parcel was a priority.
A motion that “the council decide not to participate in the FEMA buyout for this parcel” was moved and seconded. The council approved the motion by voice vote; meeting minutes record the council’s decision not to pursue the buyout. No city funds would be required to decline; if the city were to accept a FEMA buyout in the future it would hold the parcel in perpetuity as open/green space under FEMA rules.
Councilors and staff said they would continue to provide technical information to the congregation about options, and church representatives said they appreciated FEMA and state staff engagement but would continue efforts to remain a downtown presence.
