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Land of U.S. Grant group urges written agreement, warns of possible lawsuit over plaza work
Summary
A representative of the Land of U.S. Grant told the council the group may seek a restraining order unless the village, contractors, and architects negotiate a written agreement to protect the Ulysses S. Grant statue and donor‑engraved bricks; councilors responded that removed bricks will be returned and benches stored until reinstallation.
During public comment at the Village of Georgetown meeting, Stan Purdy, speaking as trustee, former president and attorney for the Land of U.S. Grant, raised detailed objections to planned construction around the Ulysses S. Grant statue and plaza.
Purdy said his organization and the village paid for the statue ($30,000) and that the Vermont Marble Company estimated its insurance value at $200,000–$300,000. He said the group sold 470 engraved bricks and community businesses paid for granite benches and that he has confirmed rumors the current plan would remove those bricks and the benches. Purdy told the council he has drafted supporting documents and is prepared to seek a restraining order to prohibit construction near the statue unless the village and contractors agree to a written plan spelling out construction methods and protections.
Purdy told the council, “We are prepared to file it. We don't want to. We would like to avoid that,” and said he was willing to postpone legal action if the village and the Land of U.S. Grant group could reach a written agreement on work methods and protections. He also said he had been told construction in the statue area would not start until about September 2026.
Council response: A council speaker responded that bricks being removed for the project will be given back to the Land of U.S. Grant group and that the new replacement bricks will be etched the same as the originals. The speaker also said the benches are being removed temporarily for storage and will be returned when the project is finished.
Why it matters: The plaza and statue are elements of the town’s historic identity; donors and community organizations have financial and sentimental investments in the existing bricks and benches. Purdy framed the dispute as both a preservation and legal‑process concern and sought a negotiated, written description of the construction work.
What remains unresolved: Purdy asked the council to pass a motion requiring negotiation of a contract detailing construction around the statue; the council did not pass such a motion in the meeting. Purdy indicated he would seek court action unless a detailed written agreement is reached.
