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Select Board delays vote on housing task force after public and members urge simpler, action‑oriented scope
Summary
Town staff proposed a housing and economic development task force to support a $35,000 consultant-led housing strategy; residents and board members urged narrowing the focus to housing and adding clear, action-oriented objectives before a vote.
The Town of Woodstock Select Board discussed a proposal to create a housing and economic development task force intended to support a consultant‑prepared housing strategy and to help identify parcels, funding models and development partners. The board did not vote and the chair asked staff to simplify the proposal and return with clearer, action‑oriented language at a future meeting.
Economic development director Abby Sherman (referenced by staff) proposed that the committee — initially envisioned with at least five appointed members and staggered three‑year terms — would educate the public on housing, develop partnerships with developers and nonprofit agencies, and make funding recommendations for the town’s economic development fund. "The strategy will be developed through a coordinated and collaborative process involving the Woodstock Marketing Committee as well as other community organizations and private sector partners," the staff presentation said. The select board previously allocated $35,000 for a housing strategy consultant; the task force would be intended to help implement the consultant’s recommendations.
Residents and board members raised concerns about scope and effectiveness. Resident Roger Logan said the group risked losing focus if it combined housing and broader economic development tasks: "I would personally suggest that you make it a housing committee," he said. Peter Shoemaker urged decisive town action: "A committee is just slow, slow, slow... Go for the home run," he said, arguing the board should be prepared to identify sites and go to voters to fund purchases. Several board members agreed the group should be explicitly action‑oriented and not duplicate existing marketing efforts.
Chair closed the discussion by proposing the board "put a pin in this" and directed staff to return with a simplified, more disciplined draft that emphasizes housing outcomes and how the task force will advance the consultant’s work. The board did not set a vote date; next steps are to revise the scope and revisit the item at a subsequent meeting.
