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Planning commission readies pocket park work and hears update on mall demolition, Super Walmart concept
Summary
Commissioners set July meetings with the new recreation director to plan a phased Pocket Park project and heard that demolition of the former mall is advancing through Act 250 review, with public hearings expected in late summer.
The Rutland Town Planning Commission discussed next steps for a proposed Pocket Park near the railroad bridge and received an update on demolition of the former mall and a conceptual Super Walmart plan during its June 19 meeting.
Commissioners said they will invite new Recreation Director Mike Rowe, whose full‑time role begins July 1, to the July 10 meeting (with July 31 as a backup) to plan phase one work on the Pocket Park. Phase one items described by commissioners include clearing brush, removing dead or invasive trees, replacing with native species, expanding parking on Simons Avenue, installing safety signs about flooding and combined sewer overflow, addressing exposed pipe ends at the shore, and removing leftover wiring. Barbara (Planning Commissioner) said the parcel is roughly half an acre and was given to the town by GMP; it is a proposed park that would be built in phases and has a budget but no final cost estimate. The commission said a previous grant application was unsuccessful but that local sponsorship and in‑kind donations are being pursued.
On the mall site, Bill (Staff member) reported that demolition work is moving through the Act 250 review process: reviewers expected to begin in about three weeks, followed by a public hearing window; work on demolition and stormwater remediation could start in August or September. Town staff described plans to reconfigure portions of the site to create a central stormwater “green” area and to remove parking to help meet stormwater requirements; demolition work will include fencing and staged access with Spartan Arena to remain accessible. The appearance of a Super Walmart on the southern portion of the site was described as a concept only; no building plans have been officially submitted to the commission.
Next steps: Commissioners will meet with Mike Rowe in July to set a timetable and identify funding needs and will look for opportunities for phased municipal funding and private sponsorship for the Pocket Park. On the mall, staff will monitor Act 250 filings and the public hearing schedule and return updates to the commission when formal applications are filed.
