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Select Board delays driveway permit decision at Stratton Mountain intersection after safety review
Summary
An on-site meeting June 18 reviewed a homeowner request for a driveway to serve two future homes; the police chief reported 23 confirmed crashes at the intersection. VTRANS said the proposed access meets state guidelines but noted weather and speed were likely factors. The board deferred a decision to its July 15 meeting and requested more information on lot permissions and Scenic Byway restrictions.
The Winhall Select Board convened an on-site meeting at 10:30 AM on June 18 to consider an access-permit (curb cut) proposal for two homes that a homeowner plans to build off the Stratton Mountain Access Road. Chair E. Stuart Coleman described the safety concerns that prompted the meeting and asked engineering and state representatives for guidance.
Beth Grant reported that, according to the town’s police chief, there have been 23 confirmed crashes at the intersection in question; that statistic framed much of the safety discussion. Mark Pickering of VTRANS advised that the proposed driveway location meets state access guidelines but cautioned that the crash history appears to be driven largely by weather and speed-related incidents rather than by a single design deficiency. Attendees also discussed an alternative site off Lower Taylor Road that is less steep and therefore safer.
The board did not make a decision and asked interested parties to appear at the Select Board meeting on July 15. Grant also asked for clarification on lot permissions. The record notes Stratton-related Green Belt restrictions requiring a 250-foot protected Scenic Byway buffer, which may affect driveway placement. The on-site meeting adjourned at 10:56 AM on a motion by Beth Grant; Christie Boswell seconded; unanimous.
