Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the US20 Main Street Project topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents seek clearer visuals as Middlebury council discusses US 20/Main Street project
Summary
Residents pressed the Middlebury Town Council for clearer, dimensioned drawings and timelines for a state-led US 20/Main Street project, disputed claims linking local plans to the UN "2030" agenda, and the council committed to publishing color-coded visuals and holding further public hearings.
Several Middlebury residents used the public-comment period at the May 4 town council meeting to press for clearer information about a state-led US 20/Main Street project and to challenge anonymous flyers they said mischaracterize the town’s role.
Public commenter Mr. Teal disputed a distributed, unsigned flyer that alleged the town manager and board wanted to "destroy the charm of Main Street," calling the claim "extremely unfounded" and saying, "No one's gonna be forced to leave their home." He urged council oversight of subsurface infrastructure — water and sewer mains laid in 1920 — while the state conducts road work.
Dora Miller, who said she had searched for "2030 comprehensive plan" materials online, raised concerns about language she associated with broader initiatives and asked the council to consider whether any local projects were tied to an international "2030 agenda." "If this project ... is associated with the 2030 agenda, then I don't think it's something that we want," Miller said.
Council members and staff responded that the town is not the driver of the state’s US 20 project and that collaboration is largely an opportunity to perform town utility work while the state reconstructs the road. A council member said, "We don't own that road," and staff pledged to mitigate impacts where they can while acknowledging the town will coordinate with the state and seek to protect local infrastructure.
Several residents, including Janelle Benjamin and Pam Kiser, asked for specific, dimensioned drawings so property owners can see exactly where sidewalks or curb changes would be made. The council and staff said they would publish color-coded visuals showing dimensions and that a more comprehensive public hearing is planned next spring. The state is also accepting public feedback through its website, the council added.
Why it matters: The US 20/Main Street corridor runs adjacent to homes and businesses in Middlebury; residents said uncertainty over the extent of widening and timeline for property acquisition is prompting concern. Council members emphasized their willingness to work with the state and to share visual plans so residents can evaluate actual impacts and potential mitigation.
The council did not take formal action on the state project at the meeting. Staff said additional public engagement and a later public hearing will offer residents another chance to review detailed plans and ask questions.
