The Citizen - 11-9-23

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‘Newsies’

Hinesburg housing

CVU thespians put on show with heart

Forum addresses need for accessory units

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November 9, 2023

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Weekly news coverage for Charlotte and Hinesburg

thecitizenvt.com

Charlotte voters pass ballot items

Snow berries

LIBERTY DARR STAFF WRITER

Charlotte voters approved two ballot items during Tuesday’s special election. The first asked voters to authorize buying solar energy equipment for the town garage totaling $282,510. It passed 440 to 114. The second item asked voters to amend land use regulations governing cannabis cultivation. That vote passed 400 to 141.

Land use regulations The town has worked to create rules for a growing cannabis market for more than a year. State law gives municipalities the authority to regulate cannabis businesses, including that they comply with local ordinances and land use rules, but prohibits treating cannabis any differently than other businesses. Currently, four cannabis businesses operated in Charlotte. “What we’re trying to do is create these fairly clear standards

about what kinds of cannabis businesses can operate in what parts of town and what specific standards we would apply,” town planner Larry Lewack said in January. The regulations now provide the development review board a basis for deciding if a business conforms to the town’s standards to be issued a permit. “When the selectboard has its turn, acting as the local cannabis control commission, there is an opportunity for the board to look at a project that has already been permitted through the regular town process, and then have a rational basis for deciding whether or not to grant the local license,” Lewack said. Most residents expressed overwhelming approval to regulate cannabis, but some cultivators and other members of the public felt the regulations were too onerous, but Lewack said that there was no way to please everyone. See SPECIAL ELECTION on page 10

Local communities mourn tragic death of 14-year old COREY MCDONALD & LIBERTY DARR STAFF WRITERS

PHOTO BY LEE KROHN

The season’s first snowfall creates a pleading garden tableau.

After 14-year-old Madden Gouveia, a former Shelburne Community School student, was fatally shot last Monday night, Shelburne, surrounding communities, and his family have grappled with the sudden loss. “While Madden was not currently enrolled at Champlain Valley Union, he was a Champlain Valley School District student, a resident in our community, and was connected to classmates and

educators within our community,” Bonnie Birdsall, communications coordinator for Champlain Valley School District, said. “He did maintain social connections with students and some staff, and they were all shocked and saddened by his death.” She added that the district is employing trained professionals, counseling staff and support from the Howard Center to assist students and staff. See GOUVEIA on page 7


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