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Selectboard discusses use of town-owned lot next to old firehouse and sign arrangement
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Summary
Selectboard members and resident Bill Waterhouse debated temporary use of Map 106, Lot 101 beside the old firehouse for construction parking, ownership of a downtown sign, and questions about meter counts and fees.
The Woodstock Selectboard on an evening meeting discussed use of town property identified as Map 106, Lot 101, next to the old firehouse, focusing on temporary parking during building renovation and a longstanding sign arrangement with an outside company.
Resident Bill Waterhouse raised the item and said he had driven by the site and "there has been a vehicle there during the day," and questioned why the town had not said no. He also said, "we're subsidizing an out of town business by letting them to use that sign," referring to a downtown sign maintained by an outside firm.
Selectboard members confirmed the town owns the land next to the firehouse while the sign itself is owned and maintained by a company the board identified in discussion as Marvel Signs; the transcript records that businesses listed on the sign pay a small annual fee—estimated in the discussion as about $50 to $75—toward maintenance. A board member clarified that the sign is not town-owned and that the annual fee from businesses covers upkeep.
On parking, the board said the purchaser of the old fire station asked for permission to use the adjacent lot during construction and that the town required a certificate of liability insurance for the owner and subcontractors while work is underway. A Selectboard member stated contractors were granted permission "just during construction" and that "they don't have permission to use them for parking when they're done. Right." The board discussed that temporary construction parking might be needed for roughly "6 or 8 months" while work is done.
Members also noted apparent discrepancies in utility meters on the old firehouse building: meeting remarks observed four meter boxes on the building exterior despite tax maps showing the property listed as two units. Bill Waterhouse said he had seen four meters and "would guess ... 3 apartments and 1, like, community" use. The board did not resolve the meter question during the meeting and did not record a formal enforcement action.
Board members discussed nonparking uses of the lot — noting the area has historically been used for snow storage — and suggested options including placing large rocks to prevent informal long-term parking if the space is not appropriate for public parking. The board said it would follow up with town public works staff to evaluate feasibility.
The board noted an existing town fee of $300 for weddings in the park and discussed the need for consistent rules and fees if private parties or businesses make extended use of town land. No new fee or ordinance was proposed or adopted at the meeting.
The Selectboard said it would "circle back" on the matter and direct staff to follow up as winter thaws so the board can consider longer-term restrictions or formalized short-term permits.
The board did not take a formal vote on changing use of Map 106, Lot 101 during the meeting; the discussion remained at the level of clarifying past permissions and directing further review.
