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GMP open to discussions on parcel at 'Santa Rutland Falls'; town urged to consider state historic-preservation input
Summary
Planning Commission Chair said GMP's relicensing process now classifies the parcel near Santa Rutland Falls as outside GMP hydropower holdings and GMP is open to selling or granting access; state historic-preservation review flagged archaeological interest that the town may want to consider for grant eligibility.
Barbara Noyce Pulling, chair of the Town Planning Commission, updated the Select Board on prospects for creating a pocket park near 'Santa Rutland Falls.' Pulling said GMP (a utility undergoing relicensing) now treats the parcel as unregulated property and is open to discussions about sale or access agreements with the town.
Pulling said federal relicensing review considered the site's archaeological value and that the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation (VDHP) had raised concerns; the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ultimately concluded the parcel sits outside GMP's regulated dam and hydropower property. Pulling said that while a park is not required by federal records, town engagement and consultation with VDHP would be prudent, particularly if the town seeks grant funding that could carry state historic-preservation conditions.
The board agreed to pursue further talks with GMP and asked Pulling to include a Select Board representative in future discussions.
