Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Community Services And Parks topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission hears concerns about voucher program ending and potential GMP gift of land for pocket park
Summary
Members warned that an 80‑day hotel voucher program may leave hundreds of households without shelter after Sept. 19 and discussed a federal/state archaeology decision that could let GMP transfer roughly 3 acres to the town for a pocket park, possibly for a nominal fee.
Commissioners raised two community‑scale items at the Sept. 12 meeting. First, members recapped a Select Board briefing about changes to a state hotel/motel voucher program that limits stays to 80 days within a year. Speaker 1 warned that when the 80‑day allotments end on Sept. 19, the town could see a rise in unsheltered households and additional service needs. “When the 80 days are up on September 19, there will probably be a lot more homeless people in Rutland,” Speaker 1 said, adding that the state’s approach places pressure on towns and local nonprofits to provide solutions.
Second, the chair described a separate matter involving a parcel under Green Mountain Power’s (GMP) license review. Federal and state archaeological reviewers removed the parcel from GMP’s license boundary, meaning GMP may be able to transfer or grant access to the town for a pocket park. Speaker 1 said GMP staff suggested a nominal transfer — “a dollar was mentioned” — or an access agreement. Commissioners agreed the town should pursue talks with GMP’s real‑estate staff and include state archaeological interests in planning and potential grant work.
Next steps: Commissioners expect follow‑up conversations with GMP’s real‑estate representative and continued coordination with local social‑service providers and the Select Board on sheltering options as voucher timelines change.
