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Select Board grants 30-year license for historic cab stand encroachment on Franklin Lane
Summary
The Select Board approved a 30-year revocable license allowing an existing cab stand attached to 126 Washington Avenue to remain in the Franklin Lane right-of-way, adding language that authorizes the town manager to execute the agreement; owners argued the license is needed to secure financing.
The Bennington Select Board voted to authorize a 30‑year revocable license permitting an existing 24-by-14-foot cab stand at 126 Washington Avenue to remain in the Franklin Lane right-of-way. Town Manager Dan Monks said the structure has been covered by a prior authorization since 1954 and that the proposed license includes indemnification, a prohibition on enlarging the structure, and language to allow the current owner to maintain it while making the property marketable for sale.
Multiple board members and nearby business owners asked whether the license would interfere with future downtown development. Owner Paula LaPorte, who described the building’s history and community value, warned that removing the structure would reduce the property's income and saleability; buyer’s broker Chris Lusher said the lender requires a long-term license to approve financing. After discussion about adding contract language to clarify reversion to the town if the structure is removed, the board approved the license and amended the motion to expressly authorize the town manager to sign the agreement on the town’s behalf.
