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Putney planning commission advances housing needs assessment and zoning bylaw modernization; town pursues Town Hall energy grant
Summary
The Planning Commission reported progress on a Camoin Associates housing needs assessment and an RFP-driven zoning bylaw modernization with Windham Regional Commission; the town is preparing a MERP grant application (up to $500,000) for Town Hall energy and accessibility improvements.
The Planning Commission updated the Selectboard on three interrelated planning initiatives: a Housing Needs Assessment & Action Plan, a Zoning Bylaw Modernization project, and planning for a renovated, energy‑efficient Town Hall.
Planning Commission Chair Susan (Sue) Coakley reported that Camoin Associates kicked off the Housing Needs Assessment on Aug. 1. The project has included focus-group roundtables (Aug. 22–23), a windshield tour, and data collection. A townwide survey will run Sept. 9–23 with both online and paper options; a community meeting to discuss initial findings is planned for Oct. 21. Coakley said the final report is expected for presentation to the Selectboard in mid‑January.
The Zoning Bylaw Modernization project began Sept. 3 with Windham Regional Commission and an advisory committee; the effort will address state requirements for housing, climate resilience and natural-resource protections and will include public engagement events, a village walk, and subsequent draft bylaw hearings later next year.
Separately, Town Hall renovation planning is advancing. The State of Vermont Buildings & General Services Municipal Energy Resilience Program (MERP) solicitation allows grants up to $500,000. The Nova Group’s Level‑2 energy audit identified about $553,980 in improvements; the town issued an RFP for architect services and is preparing the MERP application (Sept. 20 deadline) with Windham Regional Commission and possible REDI support from the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board.
Coakley said the projects aim to combine community outreach and technical planning to produce implementable strategies, with draft reports and public review scheduled through winter and next year.
