Pawlet planning commission hears West Pawlet broadband update; grant could fund Rail Trail amenities

The Pawlet Planning Commission on Aug. 26 received an update that broadband construction in West Pawlet is underway and that Fidium Fiber "hopes to make it live in homes in September," Chair Jessica Van Oort said.

Van Oort told commissioners the Otter Creek Communications Union District and municipal planning partners are coordinating work in West Pawlet. She also said a Municipal Planning Grant with Rupert could pay for a bench and other small amenities to be placed either on the corner of Egg Street or adjacent to the sewer plant; the commission scheduled a site meeting for Aug. 29 at 5 p.m. to determine exact placement.

Commissioner Frank Nelson reported discussion on the Rail Trail, saying a former Salem, N.Y., mayor, Tom Clark, opposed the trail in his view because of "improper right of ways." Nelson also warned that VTrans owns the Rail Trail corridor and has "complicated stipulations" that can restrict placing amenities on its property.

The updates underline two parallel constraints: the timing of broadband deployment and property-ownership rules that affect where grant-funded amenities can be sited. Van Oort framed the broadband report as a near-term service milestone for residents in West Pawlet; Nelson's comments signaled the commission must coordinate with VTrans and other landowners before placing Rail Trail fixtures.

At the end of the meeting commissioners recorded two routine votes: Harley Cudney moved to approve the minutes of the previous meeting, Gary Baierlein seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Later, Gary Baierlein moved to adjourn, Mark Frost seconded and the motion passed unanimously; the meeting adjourned at 9:27 p.m.

The commission will meet again to finalize the Enhanced Energy Plan and expects to continue coordinating logistics for the grant-funded amenities at the Aug. 29 site meeting.