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UVM capstone students present resilience plans for 1705 property; Conservation Commission awarded $5,000 grant
Summary
UVM senior students presented low/medium/high cost resilience concepts for the town‑owned 1705 VT Route 128 parcel and proposed a focused survey and Trees for Streams planting. The Westford Conservation Commission was authorized to carry out a $5,000 VT Watershed grant for river‑access education and outreach.
A UVM senior capstone team presented conceptual plans applying an EPA‑style resilience index to Westford block groups and offered high, medium and low cost design options for the three‑acre town property at 1705 VT Route 128. Students asked the board to help supply local data — volunteerism, turnout at community events, and emergency coordinator input — and suggested a focused survey on river access and resilience specifically tied to 1705 rather than broader town planning.
The board welcomed the work but emphasized caution about framing a townwide survey; Chair Pat Haller suggested survey questions be narrowed to 1705 so residents do not assume decisions have been made. The capstone group also plans a Trees for Streams planting (one acre proposed) and is applying for a Vermont Arts Council grant for a community bench project involving a local artist and schoolchildren.
Separately, Westford Conservation Commission Chair Kirsten Tyler reported a $5,000 VT Watershed grant (applied for by Kyle Buck) to use 1705 as a Brown's River education and access point. Julia Andrews moved to empower the WCC to carry out grant work; N. Nichols seconded and the motion passed 4-0.
