News & Information

News and information sections, from near to far

SEVCA’s 15th Annual Flea Market, Silent Auction and Raffle Fundraiser Sat. 9/28

by Not Signed In | Other

WESTMINSTER — SEVCA will be holding its 15th Annual Flea Market, Silent Auction and Raffle Drawing on Saturday, September 28, 2013 from 9:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. in Westminster, Vermont (91 Buck Drive, off I-91 exit 5). SEVCA provides an array of comprehensive anti-poverty services to low-income residents of Windham and Windsor counties. Always a fun annual community and fundraising event, proceeds will support SEVCA’s programs including: fuel and housing assistance, crisis resolution, Weatherization, Emergency Home Repair, Economic and Workforce Development, clothing and nutrition, Head Start and much more. For more information call (802) 722-4575 x-105.

Plans Move Forward for Replacement of Melrose Terrace Senior Housing

by BHA | Town Plan

[BRATTLEBORO, VT]: The Brattleboro Housing Authority (BHA), at a meeting today with officials from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and representatives of Vermont’s Congressional delegation, described substantial progress in creating new affordable apartments to replace the senior public housing at Melrose Terrace damaged by Tropical Storm Irene.

“With the help of Housing Vermont, our development partner, we’re well into the predevelopment phase,” said BHA Executive Director Chris Hart.

Housing Vermont secured an option on the 2.8-acre site at 464 Canal Street in July.

Career Expo Coming to Brattleboro This Thursday

by Not Signed In | Business

Working professionals, jobseekers, and students are encouraged to stop by the Quality Inn in Brattleboro, Sept. 26, to learn about the variety of careers that Southeastern Vermont businesses have to offer. Twenty five employers, along with several colleges, technical schools, and employment services agencies, will
be staffing informational tables from 2 to 6 p.m. as part of Windham County’s first ever Career Expo.

The Expo will showcase several of the county’s largest employers in health care, hospitality, manufacturing, wholesale trade, food production, and energy, among other industry sectors. A complete list of exhibitors is available at www.vermontcareerexpo.com/exhibitors.

Brattleboro Fall 2013 Water Main Flushing Schedule

by Not Signed In | Town News

WATER MAIN FLUSHING TO START

Utilities Division crews will start Fall Flushing of the Town water mains on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2013 at 10:00 p.m. and continue through Saturday, Oct. 12, 2013.

NOTE!! Some daytime flushing will continue throughout the weeks of Oct. 15 and 21, 2013

Please note that water main flushing will occur at night and also during the day.

Customers are asked to check the flushing schedule closely as flushing causes water discoloration, low water pressure, and in some areas intervals of no water.

Night flushing will occur from 10:00 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.. Daytime flushing will occur from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m..

A Schedule of Water Main Flushing Follows:

New England Coalition on Nuclear Pollution Hosts 42nd Annual Meeting

by Not Signed In | News & Information

New England Coalition on Nuclear Pollution will host its 42nd Annual Meeting on Saturday, September 28th at 4:00 P.M. at the Robert H. Gibson River Garden, High & Main St, Brattleboro, VT. Please join us and our distinguished speakers: Dr. Marvin Resnikoff on Decommissioning Vermont Yankee and Brice Simon, Esq. on Actions & Analysis. We are also hosting a potluck supper, music, networking & awards.

NEC is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. All contributions are tax-deductible to the extent of the law. Please donate online, send a check to NEC, PO Box 545, Brattleboro, VT 05302 or call us at (802) 257-0336. http://www.NewEnglandCoalition.org Thanks for your support!

I-91 Brattleboro Bridge Replacement Project Update – 8-Week Look-Ahead

by Not Signed In | Town Plan

Route 30

After September 30th, the project team may need to regulate traffic flow on Route 30 periodically to allow truck or equipment access to our work zone. These operations will be controlled by flaggers and will be for a maximum of 10 minutes.

During the week of October 7th, one lane of Route 30 will be closed during the day for approximately two days. Flaggers will regulate vehicle movement through the work zone.

Looking further out, we are currently anticipating short duration closures of Route 30 due to overhead demolition activities in late November or early December. As we progress in our sequence we will let stakeholders know the dates and duration of these closures.

I-91 Brattleboro Bridge Replacement Project Update – Week of September 22, 2013

by Not Signed In | Town Plan

I-91

Single lane closure of the passing lane on I-91 Northbound and Southbound may begin on 9/26/13. The lane closures will remain in effect during the construction of the temporary cross-overs, but will be removed over the weekend when no workers are present.

Route 30

Speed reduction on Route 30 will be implemented lowering the speed limit through the work zone to 40 mph. The reduced speed limit will remain in effect until approximately August, 2016.

Truck activity at Route 30 will be increasing next week. Expect shoulder closures beginning Thursday 9/26. Flaggers may have to halt traffic at times to allow trucks to enter and exit the work zone.

Brattleboro Committee Vacancies

by Not Signed In | Town News

The Town of Brattleboro is looking for citizens to serve on the following committees and boards:

Agricultural Advisory Board
Arts Committee
CPCC (Citizen Police Communications Committee)
Development Review Board Alternate
Honor Roll Committee
Inspector, Lumber Shingles & Wood
Senior Solutions Representative
SEVCA Representative
Town Manager Search Citizen Committee
Town Service Officer
Tree Advisory Committee

Selectboard Meeting Notes: Public Works in the Spotlight, Few Women Apply For Town Manager Job

by cgrotke | Town News

The night belonged to the Department of Public Works. From project updates and truck purchases to the spotlight of a departmental presentation, Steve Barrett and Hannah O’Connell had their hands full with budgets, outlines, explanations, and answers.

The Selectboard was informed that Brattleboro’s FY13 budget has been completed and the town ended up with a small surplus in the General Fund.

And of over 60 applications received, we learn that only four women applied for the job of Brattleboro Town Manager. A new citizen committee of an indeterminate number of members will help with the second round of interviews.

CRT/DVTA Sign One Year Management Agreement

by Not Signed In | State News

ROCKINGHAM, VT The Connecticut River Transit (CRT) Board of Directors announces that it has negotiated a one-year management agreement with the Deerfield Valley Transit Association (DVTA) to become effective September 16th.

The agreement calls for the DVTA to act as a management company to provide overall management services. The DVTA reports to the CRT Board of Directors which retains full control of the company. CRT is using this period to review and take a fresh look at the company from top to bottom with the help of a neighboring transit agency. All routes, rides, and services continue uninterrupted and unaffected.

Button-Up Vermont Day of Action Oct. 5

by Not Signed In | Town News

Spring has long been the time when Vermonters Green Up, and this fall, for the first time, Vermonters will be encouraged to “Button Up.” On Saturday, October 5th, Vermonters have a powerful opportunity to participate in a local effort — or start one! — and lend a few hours to help friends and neighbors take actions to lower their energy bills this winter.

Modeled after Vermont’s successful “Green Up Day” and building on the familiar Button Up brand, this will be the first ever grassroots day of action on weatherization in Vermont. The day is being spearheaded by the Vermont Energy and Climate Action Network (VECAN), in partnership with Efficiency Vermont and Vermont Home Energy Challenge Coordinators, and is aimed at mobilizing as many volunteers as possible in communities throughout the state to take steps — large and small — to help Vermonters stop wasting energy and money and reduce our contribution to climate change. There is still plenty of time for towns to sign on to the effort, and VECAN will provide support and guidance to help make participating as easy as possible.

Speed Limit Reduction on VT Route 30 Associated with I-91 Bridge Reconstruction

by Not Signed In | State News

MONTPELIER, Vt.—September 16, 2013–The Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) is temporarily reducing the speed limit on VT Route 30 from 50 mph to 40 mph for a one-mile stretch of road that extends approximately one-half mile north and one-half mile south of the location where Interstate 91 crosses over VT Route 30.

The speed limit reduction is associated with the Interstate 91 bridge replacement project, and will go in to effect to ensure the safety of construction personnel and the traveling public. The reduction will be in effect from September 23, 2013 to approximately August 2016.

Building a Better Brattleboro Annual Meeting Warning

by Not Signed In | Business

Building a Better Brattleboro will hold its annual meeting on Thursday, September 26, 2013 at
5:30 p.m. at the Robert H. Gibson River Garden. The BaBB Board of Directors is seeking public input into the organization’s Fiscal Year 2015 work plan and budget. The public is encouraged to attend.

Kate O’Connor
Building a Better Brattleboro Board of Directors
(802) 490-2073
www.babb@sover.net

Brattleboro Selectboard Agenda and Notes – September 17, 2013

by cgrotke | Town News

The Brattleboro Selectboard will hear the year end financial report for FY13 at their next Tuesday meeting at the Municipal Center oin Main Street. You are welcome to attend in person or watch on BCTV.

If you do, you’ll hear an update on work at the Waste Water Treatment Plant and pump stations, learn of new fees for mobile food carts, get a departmental report from the Department of Public Works, watch as grants and bids are approved, hear an update on the search for a new Town Manager, and more. You can bring up other issues that aren’t on the agenda during public participation.

Brattleboro Storm Statement 2

by Not Signed In | Town News

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect for the Brattleboro area until 7:00pm. Rain is expected to continue throughout the overnight hours. Rainfall is expected to be heavy at times. We ask that you continue to monitor the National Weather Service for the latest weather information.

Damage from this afternoon’s storms has been identified at:

Elm Street, Between Canal and Flat – This section of Elm Street will remain closed until further notice. A significant washout occurred near to the corner of Canal and Elm, which may take several days to complete the repair.

Minor scarring and washouts have occurred on Bridge Street, Maple Street near Canal, and on Canal Street near Maple.

Town of Brattleboro Storm Alert

by Not Signed In | Town News

The Brattleboro area continues to be in line for a series of very strong thunderstorms, and we continue to be under a severe thunderstorm watch from the National Weather Service. Several areas of minor to moderate damage have occurred across town. Elm Street between Flat and Canal is closed, with a significant washout near the intersection of Canal Street. A section of Guilford Street near Frog Hill Road is covered with water due to plugged culverts. A small wash out has occurred near Bridge Street, the area is blocked off with barrels and the road is not closed at this time.

We ask that you pay close attention to the weather and monitor WTSA and the National Weather Service for future statements. Please report any significant damages to Brattleboro Central Dispatch at 257-7946.