Council discusses possible acquisition of Commodore Club (20 Armory Lane) and expanded recreation use

Martha DeGraaf reported that the Recreation Committee supports the council exploring acquisition of the Boys & Girls Club building at 20 Armory Lane, sometimes discussed in the meeting as the Commodore Club. Committee members identified program possibilities beyond traditional youth programming, including senior and community uses, and discussed regional involvement from neighboring towns to support operations.

Mayor Bearor said he would be willing to meet with other towns’ selectboards to discuss shared use because the facility would serve more than Vergennes youth. Kathy Rossier urged expanding programs that begin before the school day ends to increase the building’s utility. Council members noted that if acquisition is placed on the March ballot they would need to warn the item and perform planning beforehand; no formal acquisition vote was taken at the Oct. 14 meeting.