Selectboard updates compliance action at 10–12 Central Street; residents raise safety and enforcement concerns

Town Manager Scott Pickup told the Selectboard on Feb. 9 that on Feb. 6 he and the constable met with the owner of 10–12 Central Street, identified in the minutes as Mr. Hunter, and formally served the final notice, the Selectboard order, inspection committee and structural reports, the Fire Chief and Health Officer reports, and relevant ordinance excerpts. "This service started the 30-day compliance clock (beginning February 6)," Pickup said; the town will monitor compliance and, if the property is not brought into compliance at the end of the 30 days, the board will be asked to consider further action under Chapter 8, which can include condemnation.

During the citizens’ comment period a Wall Street resident raised safety concerns about recent one‑way and sidewalk work, saying jersey barriers block a sidewalk and force pedestrians into the travel lane; Pickup agreed to consult the highway foreman about interim safety measures. A Breezy Hill Road resident expressed frustration with enforcement delays at 10–12 Central Avenue and the length of statutory compliance timelines; the board and manager explained the step‑by‑step legal process leading to the Feb. 6 service. Another resident cautioned against rapidly adopting electric vehicles for public‑safety work, citing reliability problems with Chittenden County’s electric bus fleet as a reason for caution.

A Zoom participant asked about the Zoning Administrator vacancy; Pickup said two interviews have occurred and recruitment remains active. The board did not take formal action on these public comments but recorded the concerns and the manager’s committed follow-up steps.