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Rutland board warns state plan gap could displace residents from Cortina Inn; asks for state update
Summary
Selectboard members and public-safety officials warned that an upcoming end to voucher eligibility for residents at the Cortina Inn could lead to camping on town and commercial property, and urged state officials to explain plans at a Sept. 10 update; outreach to property owners was authorized.
Town officials and public commenters told the selectboard on Aug. 27 that a state voucher program affecting residents housed at the Cortina Inn is ending for a number of people in the weeks ahead, and that many residents fear they will have nowhere to go.
Mike Delahanty and other public-safety speakers described conversations with Cortina residents who said they expected to be camping on town or commercial property and reported multiple pets, limited documentation of vaccination/registration and concerns about personal property and safety. Board members discussed outreach to commercial property owners (Hannaford’s, Dick’s, Farrell’s) and agreed to reach out to the state for an update on Sept. 10 about the voucher termination and any planned supports. JP and town staff agreed to continue outreach and to invite state representatives back for a scheduled update and to work with city counterparts on letters to property owners.
Board members also discussed potential ordinances or local authority to inspect living conditions and to empower the health officer to respond, and asked the town attorney to prepare an ordinance draft that would allow town staff to inspect or act where state access is limited. No formal enforcement action was taken that night; the board prioritized keeping the issue on the agenda and maintaining public pressure for state planning.
