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Planning Commission discusses Diamond Run Mall redevelopment, attorney-led permitting expected to take years
Summary
Commissioners heard an update on plans for the Diamond Run Mall redevelopment, including an attorney handling permitting, an estimated two-year permitting timeline plus a third year for construction, and the prospect of a Walmart supercenter as anchor.
The Rutland Town Planning Commission discussed preliminary plans for the Diamond Run Mall redevelopment at its Oct. 3 meeting, including permitting timelines and how state land-use review may apply.
The chair said a Vermont attorney handling the permitting process could present to the commission at a later date; the attorney estimates permitting will take about two years and that construction would likely add a third year. Commissioners and attendees discussed the likely anchor: several participants referenced a proposed Walmart supercenter. The chair noted that the developer had designated a lawyer as the town contact for the permitting process.
Commissioners debated whether parts of the existing mall (references included the Spartan Arena and a Kmart building) might be retained in a remodel or removed as new construction — a distinction that could affect how permitting is treated. Several members recommended waiting until the permitting attorney has more substantive information before scheduling a presentation: "My preference would be to wait until we have more concrete information rather than have him come...on speculation," one commissioner said.
Commissioners also raised Act 250 implications and the possibility that a major amendment or an Act 250 review could be required depending on the footprint and project scope. No formal vote or action was taken; commissioners asked to be informed as permitting advances.
