News and information sections, from near to far
Hello from Turning Point of Windham County,
We regret to inform you that we must POSTPONE our Open House and Candlelight Vigil scheduled for this Thursday, September 26th, due to several staff members testing positive for COVID-19. We will send out a new invitation as soon as possible.
Agenda
1. Call to Order and Review Minutes from June 26th 2024 and approve and go over Roberts Rules briefly. https://www.brattleborotv.org/brattleboro-rtm-steering-committee/roberts-rules-training-31422/
2. Discuss Complaints and Compliments from June 26th 2024 meeting any additional questions from last months review of Complaints and Compliments to determine final or continued decisions.
3. Go over any New Complaints and Compliments from BPD.
A divided Brattleboro Selectboard voted in favor of expanding an ordinance of acceptable behavior that criminalizes aspects of life for those who may be unhoused. The decision came despite pleas to have professionals review the changes.
The board then added hundreds of thousands of dollars to this year’s budget to fund additional downtown policing. They estimate $200 a year increases for most taxpayers to cover this expense. It was cheered on by a pro-policing faction that wanted big sticks and ass kicking, and criticized by those who were watching all their work for alternative community safety options go down the drain.
Finally, the board praised Turning Point for exceptional work with addiction and recovery, on a budget less than the annual cost of the new police expansion.
On Monday, September 23, the Highway Division will be replacing a failed culvert on Hinesburg Road. The closure will be near the intersection of Hinesburg Road and Nichols Drive. Residents and Emergency Services will be able to access addresses up to 1250 Hinesburg Rd via Hinesburg Road. Addresses 1279 Hinesburg Road to the Guilford Town line will need to use the marked detour, via Goodenough Road. Please plan accordingly and avoid the area if possible.
2024-71 David Timmons & Robin Bitters; Residential Neighborhood 5400 District; request for Waiver of Dimensional Standards Approval to construct a 41′ x 42′ 2-story home, located in part in the front yard setback in keeping with the character of the neighborhood and in response to site conditions at 101 Chestnut Hill; Tax Map Parcel #00265205.000 Request for continuance to October 16, 2024.
The Brattleboro Selectboard will learn at their next meeting that their downtown safety decisions come with a substantial price tag – the starting cost is close to $800,000 per year for additional downtown policing.
The board will get an update on programs and news from Turning Point, and would like to again spend from the Community Safety Fund – this time to help pay for an “acceptable community conduct” campaign. You can bring up other items not on the agenda during public participation.
The Brattleboro Selectboard will hold a special meeting on Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 6:15pm in the Selectboard Meeting Room at the Brattleboro Municipal Center (230 Main Street, Room 212) and over Zoom.
The Human Services Committee seeks applications from organizations focused on how they meet the many issues and concerns facing our community. The Representative Town Meeting established a grant allocation of up to $461,276 for FY 2026. Grants will be disbursed in July, 2025.
The timeline of the application process has changed from previous years.
The Brattleboro Charter Review Commission will meet on Monday, September 16, 2024 at 6:15pm in the Selectboard Meeting Room.
The Brattleboro Traffic Safety Committee will meet on Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 8:00am in the Selectboard Meeting Room and over Zoom.
Public Works Crews are working to repair a broken water main on Marlboro Road in front Hamshaw Lumber. Initially water was interrupted to much of West Brattleboro while the 16” transmission main was shut down and water rerouted.
A few residences in the immediate area are still without water while the emergency repair work continues. We expect to have water restored to all customers by 7:00 AM.
The Brattleboro Human Services Committee will meet on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at 6:00pm in the Hanna Cosman Meeting Room.
The Brattleboro Trustees of Public Funds will meet on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at 4:30pm in the Hanna Cosman Meeting Room at the Brattleboro Municipal Center (230 Main Street, 211).
The 2020 Community Safety Plan is on the agenda again after quite a long time. “Final Staff Recommendations for Implementation” will be presented and acted upon.
The Town wants to adjust Town Ordinances regarding “Acceptable Community Conduct” and will hold a first reading of some proposed changes. Some new housing on Elliot Street, plans for the Safe Fair, and a Health Order for 6 Reynolds Drive, round out the agenda for the evening. You can bring up other items not on the agenda during Public Participation.
The Brattleboro Human Services Committee will meet on Thursday, September 5, 2024 at 5:00pm at the Municipal Center.
The Brattleboro Tree Advisory Committee will meet on Thursday, September 5, 2024 at 4:15pm in the Hanna Cosman Meeting Room.
The Utilities Division will be replacing a sewer line on Upper Forest Street beginning Tuesday, September 3 through Friday, September 6. Upper Forest Street will be closed in the area of house number 61 during this work. Work will begin at 6:30am and end by 5:00pm daily. Accommodations for access for residents of Thorn Lane will be made available though there may be some delays. Emergency Service access to 61-72 Upper Forest St and Thorn Lane will be via Upper Forest Street and 35-55 Upper Forest will have access via Chestnut Hill/Acorn Lane.
On September 3, 2024, LaRock Construction (a contractor of the Town) will begin replacement of a retaining wall near the eastern intersection of Brannan Street and Williams Street. The work is expected to take several weeks.
When work commences, Brannan Street will remain closed from the east intersection with Williams Street to the intersection of Brannan Street and West Streets. This closure will continue through the completion of the project. Following the completion of the retaining wall, pavement repairs will be made on Brannan Street, Crosby Street, Strand Avenue, West Street and Highlawn Road that will create minor traffic restrictions.
In observance of Labor Day, all Town offices will be closed on Monday, September 2, 2024, with the exception of emergency services. Parking is free at all metered spaces and in the pay-and-display lots on Sunday, September 1, and Monday, September 2. All other violations will be enforced. Brooks Memorial Library will be closed on Sunday, September 1, and Monday, September 2. Trash, recycling and composting WILL NOT be picked up on Monday, September 2, 2024. All curbside collections will be delayed by one day all week.
6:15 – 6:55 Request for Land Use Regulation Amendment (cont.)
An update on how the VT Legislature’s changes to 24 VSA 4412 affect World Learning’s re-zoning request. Review maps of other affected areas. Discuss potential options for bringing the Land Use Regulations into compliance with State statute.
6:55- 7:25 2026 Town Plan
Review and discuss additional data assessment of Brattleboro. Preview activity for October Planning Commission meeting.
Review of Cases/Public Hearings to be reviewed under the Brattleboro Land Use Regulations as warned on October 12, 2015.
2024-71 David Timmons & Robin Bitters; Residential Neighborhood 5400 District; request for Waiver of Dimensional Standards Approval to construct a 41′ x 42′ 2-story home, located in part in the front yard setback in keeping with the character of the neighborhood and in response to site conditions at 101 Chestnut Hill; Tax Map Parcel #00265205.000
2024-84 BEEC & Earth Bridge Community Land Trust; Rural District; request for Site Plan & Local Act 250 Approval to construct a parking lot at 1219 Bonnyvale Road; Tax Map Parcel #100248.000 Continued from August 21, 2024
The Brattleboro Arts Committee will meet on Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at 5:00pm in the Brooks Memorial Library Community Meeting Room.
