VELCO Construction Site in Question
by John Hammer

After dominating the last three Selectboard sessions, including the May 21 meeting, the siting of the VELCO construction support sites in Charlotte is now in question. The issue, which was originally scheduled for the Selectboard meeting of May 29, was dropped from the agenda on May 25. Jenny Cole announced that VELCO had “widened the perimeter of what is central to the job and is considering two sites outside Charlotte… They are not actively looking at sites in Charlotte and will contact us if this changes.” During the recent and rather hurried search process, VELCO had looked for sites that were not encumbered by easements or were not environmentally or archeologically sensitive. The most recent candidate in Charlotte on East Thompson’s Point Road met with concentrated opposition from at least 22 neighbors who came out in force with their supporters for the Selectboard meetings of May 14 and 21. At the May 21meeting, the Selectboard was presented with a letter outlining the concerns of the neighborhood that centered on the health risks posed by the chemically treated (pentachlorophenol or PCP) poles, particularly to the Thorpe Brook watershed. Further, they expressed anxiety about ruining the land for use in farming, the spoiling of the Mt. Philo viewshed, diminished safety caused by increased traffic and the effect on property values.

The group asked the Selectboard to take a more active role in the decision-making. Members of the neighborhood group proposed a number of alternative sites in other towns. Some of the public were concerned that Charlotters would bear a disproportionate burden for this project—financially, esthetically and in increased health and safety risks. Four VELCO personnel, led by Project Manager Tom Dunn, attended the meeting on May 21with the intent of clearing up some of the misconceptions associated with the site and of learning about some of the public’s concerns. Dunn characterized PCP as being safe since the EPA has approved its use for 60 years. Optimum siting near a railroad was proven unfeasible, so VELCO was looking at sites near Route 7. The site development would follow all government rules and regulations. Safety would be of paramount importance. All land would be returned to its original state upon completion of use, which was expected to be no longer than a year and a half.

Dunn said site occupation would begin as early as this June. Kim Johnson, a VELCO land acquisition manager, said they had looked at 23 sites and pointed out that Charlotte was the first town in which they had trouble locating a site. A number of citizens questioned the process in selecting the site location. Dunn said that the siting is regulated by the Public Service Board (PSB). Chairman Russell pointed out that the town and citizens would be designated as interested parties. Dunn went on to say that it was not VELCO’s intent to “shove the project down the public’s throat.” The Selectboard and VELCO will notify abutting landowners as well as provide answers to questions raised by the public at the meeting.

Pease Mountain subdivision
The proposed conservation and trail easement for the subdivision of Peter Schneider and Jessica Donovan was reviewed a last time on May 29 before going to the Planning Commission. The discussions centered on two major items proposed by the Conservation Commission. At issue was the use by the developers of the upper reaches of the property on which they proposed to locate a tree house or tent floor. The lower portion of Open Space D would have no development except perhaps the possible location of a wind turbine on the very lowest tip. Similarly, there was some discussion on the avoidance of soil disturbance in Open Spaces A, C, D and E. The argument was made that this was too restrictive, and the Selectboard did not support its explicit addition. It did agree with the addition of protection for “natural communities” as well as wildlife habitat. In the end the Selectboard found the plan acceptable. Following the approval of the final plat by the Planning Commission, the Selectboard will get the Easement document back for final agreement and approval.

Miscellaneous Actions
At its May 29 meeting the Selectboard gave its approval to Professor Cameron Wesson, a Charlotter, for a limited sub-surface “dig” at the old Town Poor Farm on Thompson’s Point. The dig would involve ten archeology students and would run through the summer. The intent is to gain an appreciation of what happened in the town and particularly at the Poor Farm.

Town Positions
Ute Otley has resigned as Recreation Coordinator, effective August 1, to take a position at CVU. She has agreed to set up programs through August and will mentor her replacement. The Selectboard agreed to advertise the position and fill it as soon as possible. In another action, the board appointed Alice Trageser and Ken LeRoy to the Thorpe Barn Committee.