Londonderry planning commission declines VTrans sidewalk reimbursement grant

The Londonderry Planning Commission voted unanimously May 13, 2026, not to pursue a Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) sidewalk reimbursement grant after members said town roads and state-owned corridors would not meet the program's requirements. Brent Bammarito moved to decline pursuing the grant, Steve Twitichell seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.

Commissioners and webinar attendees noted the program is a reimbursement (not a block grant) and that design requirements could make projects infeasible in parts of town: sidewalks must be 4 to 5 feet wide with at least a 2‑foot buffer from the road (5 feet if trees are planted), crosswalks require sidewalks, and some South Derry roads lack the right‑of‑way needed. Chad Stoddard said he had spoken with Mark Pickering of the Department of Transportation, who indicated Londonderry would not have sidewalks in the locations under discussion. The commission recorded the grant decision as a formal motion.