At its July 15 meeting the Rutland Regional Planning Commission’s regional committee reported three Act 250‑era recommendations and the full board voted to send letters that reflect the committee’s advice.

First, the committee reviewed an application for a proposed 15,000‑square‑foot distillery in Killington that would include a 200‑seat restaurant; a potential 60‑room hotel was discussed but not part of the current application. The committee recommended the commission find no significant regional impact and to issue a letter noting traffic concerns at the Route 4 driveway location.

Second, the committee recommended support for an application that seeks demolition of roughly 350,000 square feet of former mall buildings at Diamond Run while retaining the Kmart storefront and the Spartan Arena. The applicant also applied for a stormwater permit (permit number referenced at the meeting as 33609050) to bring the site into compliance with the State of Vermont’s three‑acre stormwater regulations. Committee members noted that demolition and removal of pavement will reduce impervious surface overall; presenters said about 210,000 square feet of impervious surface would remain.

Third, the committee reviewed a Section 248 notice for installation of wireless telecommunications equipment at 440 Route 140 in Tinmouth. The Tinmouth selectboard opposed the proposal, stating it does not conform to the town plan or zoning. The regional committee recommended the full commission send a letter supporting the town’s position rather than the applicant’s position.

Commissioners who spoke during the discussion expressed concern about community notification for earlier telecommunications projects; one commissioner noted neighbors near a North Street site in Wells had not been adequately informed of the proposal. Regional staff said the updated regional plan will include a Section 248‑related criterion to encourage "meaningful public engagement" — a requirement to hold a local public hearing and more robust notification when applicants seek state certification.

The board moved and seconded the set of letters and members voted in favor; the clerk recorded the motion as approved (the meeting transcript records the ayes and "the ayes have it"). The commission did not add conditions beyond the committee’s recommended wording: traffic concerns for the Killington project; support for demolition/permit compliance at Diamond Run; and a formal letter backing Tinmouth’s objection to the wireless proposal.

No appeals or additional follow‑up tasks were specified at the July 15 meeting; staff will transmit the recommended letters to the Act 250 review process and to the towns that requested commission comment.