Way out on a hill off Route 7 sits a sprawling property iconically marked by red-roofed barns that strikingly contrast with the Green Mountain landscape around them.
Inching closer to Charlotte, the noise of a bustling city begins to fade as chirps from the insects, crickets, and other wildlife fill the air. Those barns are more commonly known as Nordic Farm, a standing testament to what was once a booming dairy industry in Vermont.
Bay Ridge development breaks ground in Shelburne
LIBERTY
DARR
STAFF WRITER
Local officials in Shelburne, along with state and federal leaders, gathered last week at the site of the former Harbor Place motel on Shelburne Road to celebrate the groundbreaking of nearly 100 permanently affordable homes and apartments.
The Bay Ridge development has been in
the works for more than two years after the town’s development review board approved plans for the project in 2022. And now, construction on the new homes is set to begin any time, Julie Curtin, director of homeown-
ership with Champlain Housing Trust, said. The $55 million development will
See BAY RIDGE on page 11
PHOTO BY LEE KROHN
Shelburne climate, energy committee offers energy saving window inserts
Would you like to have a warmer home and save money? Shelburne’s Climate and Energy Committee has partnered with the nonprofit WindowDressers to help.
High-quality, low-cost insulating window inserts fit inside of existing windows to let in all the sunlight and views while keeping more heat inside your home. Each insert installed saves an estimated 8.5 gallons of heating fuel per year. Installing inserts is a concrete way to do your part to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The local WindowDressers volunteer team is accepting orders now. Once you sign up, trained volunteers will schedule a time to measure your windows this summer for the custom-built inserts. Then you and other community volunteers will gather to build the inserts at the community build at
the Shelburne Town Hall this fall.
The unique community build model is like an old-fashioned barn-raising. Everyone who orders inserts is asked to participate in the build, where each person learns a simple step in an assembly process, with different jobs for a wide range of abilities and mobility levels.
For those who feel they cannot afford the cost of inserts, WindowDressers offers up to 10 inserts per year for no-cost. For others, the price is a fraction of the cost of similar commercial products. Pricing is based on the exact size of the insert, with inserts expected to pay for themselves within two heating seasons.
Learn more or sign up for inserts at windowdressers.org or contact local coordinator Judith Raven at ravenvt@msn.com.
Charlotte Central School picks new assistant principal
Tim O’Leary is the new assistant principal at Charlotte Central School.
He joins principal Jennifer Roth and special education director Beth Slater on the school’s leadership team. He started July 1.
O’Leary has worked in the Champlain Valley School District for the past six years at Shelburne Community School. He served as a digital learning leader for three years, and was also the principal of the district’s Virtual Learning Academy during the pandemic for grades five through eight.
His most recent role in Shelburne was curriculum leader and instructional coach.
In addition to his work in the district, O’Leary has been a program director at Middlebury’s Bread Loaf School of English and was a special educator and English teacher at Middlebury Union High School.
Tim earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Vermont and a Master of Arts in English from Middlebury College.
“Tim demonstrates a thoughtful leadership style that emphasizes empathy and understanding, creating a caring community where students and teachers feel valued and supported,” said Roth. “With a robust background in
instructional strategies, he will collaborate to implement innovative approaches that meet diverse learning styles and promote academic success.”
“Having spent the last six years at Shelburne Community School, I have come to
deeply appreciate the values and strengths of our district. I am eager to bring my experience from another district school to Charlotte and work collaboratively to ensure the success and well-being of our students, staff and community.”
chef-inspired creations, Basin Harbor is Lake Champlain’s ultimate lakeside dining destination.
DINING
COMFORT FOOD.
Tim O’Leary
COURTESY PHOTO
A volunteer builds window inserts to help homeowners save on energy costs.
Payroll tax takes effect, will fund child care
EMMA MALINAK VTDIGGER
A new payroll tax took effect July 1 to fund the expansion of Vermont’s child care financial assistance program, making more families eligible to participate and increasing the rates child care providers receive from the state.
Employers will now pay a 0.44 percent tax on wages paid — with an option to withhold up to 25 percent of the tax from employees — and self-employed Vermonters will pay a 0.11 percent tax on income, according to a press release from the Vermont Department of Taxes.
The new tax was passed as part of Act 76, which became law in June 2023 after the Legislature overrode Gov. Phil Scott’s veto. The goal of the legislation is to invest $125 million annually into Vermont’s child care sector and bolster a subsidy program, in which the state reimburses child care centers on behalf of families.
The state has been rolling out updates required by the act since
July 2023 and will continue to do so until the end of this year, according to Janet McLaughlin, deputy commissioner of the child development division within Vermont’s Department for Children and Families. Each change, she said, is designed to help more families afford child care and supply child care providers with the money they need to run quality programs.
“We don’t want people to feel like they have to leave the jobs that they love — the jobs that the state needs them to do — to stay home and care for their kids,” McLaughlin said. “A strong child care system is a necessity for our families.”
Along with the start of the payroll tax, the child care subsidy program will see changes July 1, McLaughlin said. The citizenship requirement will be eliminated from the application, she said, which means children who are not U.S. citizens will now be eligible to receive aid. Child care providers will begin a new “streamlined” system for reporting attendance, she added, and all family child care
providers will receive an increase in the rates they receive from the state.
This increase covers “50 percent of difference between family child care and center-based program state rates,” according to a status report from DCF. It follows another increase, which took effect on Dec. 17, that raised rates by about 35 percent for every participating child care program, McLaughlin said.
The effects of the investment are already starting to show, McLaughlin said. Since January, more programs have opened than those that have closed.
The changes are starting to close a gap in care that has existed for years, she said. According to a report from Let’s Grow Kids, about 8,700 child care slots are still needed to meet the current demand in the state.
The process to apply for the subsidy program will not change on July 1, McLaughlin said,
See PAYROLL TAX on page 11
Shelburne board sets tax rate slightly higher than expected
LIBERTY DARR STAFF WRITER
The Shelburne Selectboard set a slightly higher tax rate increase than previously anticipated during this year’s budget planning.
The town’s voter-approved budget of just over $13 million was originally projected to see a 3.39 percent increase in taxes with an estimated municipal tax rate of 51 cents.
The selectboard adopted a slightly larger number at 53 cents. Combined with a nearly 14.5 percent increase in the education tax rate of $1.96, residents can expect to pay just under $2.50 in total. That is nearly a 13.6 percent increase over last year, mostly due to the shift in the education funding that took shape this year.
“It’s good news, bad news,” town manager Matt Lawless said. “Accurate cost estimating, but you could also see it as a failure of cost control that we struggled to bring this rate down statewide, and we didn’t do very well on it.”
The grand list, which accounts for the total value of property in
town, grew nearly 1.5 percent over last year and reached $1.67 billion, which is mostly due to some new development in town over the last year.
Lawless said that without the town’s $1 million revenue from the local option tax, those numbers could have been much higher.
SHAWN SWEENEY
Shelburne Police Blotter: June 24 - June 30
Total reported incidents: 97
Traffic stops: 18
Warnings: 17
Arrests: 1
Medical emergencies: 37
Mental health incidents: 1
Suspicious incidents: 5
Car crash: 1
Animal problem: 3
Theft: 2
Fraud: 1
Pending investigations: 5
June 24 4:14 a.m., police assisted South Burlington police with an attempted burglary at a business on Harbor View Road in South Burlington.
June 24 at 7:05 a.m., a caller on Shelburne Road reported a fraud. The case is pending.
June 24 at 4:47 p.m., Kinney Drugs reported a retail theft. The officer checked the area but was unable to locate the individual. The case is under investigation.
June 25 at 6;48 a.m., a 911 caller reported an unresponsive family member on Rivervale Road. Shelburne police and rescue were dispatched determined the person, who has not been identified, had died. The Vermont Medical Examiner’s Office was notified.
June 26 at 9:03 a.m., police assisted family court with the service of an abuse prevention order on Penny Lane.
June 26 at 10:56 a.m., a caller reported vehicles parked in the roadway on Old Stage Lane. The officer located the contrac-
tor and had the vehicles moved.
June 26 at 3:50 p.m., a caller reported an injured fox on Harbor Road. The animal was found and determined to be OK.
June 26 at 9:34 p.m., a caller reported hearing fireworks at the Bay Access. Officers checked the area but could not locate anyone setting off fireworks.
June 27 at 12:40 a.m., a caller reported a loud group on Windmill Bay. Officers checked the area but was unable to locate any noise.
June 27 at 9:33 a.m., a caller reported an individual sleeping in a vehicle near the Country Christmas Loft. The officer issued the person a trespass notice.
June 27 at 5:46 p.m., a caller reported a theft from her motor vehicle on Harbor Road. The case is pending further investigation.
June 27 at 9:47 p.m., a caller reported hearing fireworks at the Bay Access. Officers located the individual and issued him a warning.
June 28 at 10:13 p.m., a caller reported a cow in the road on Dorset Street. The animal was removed from the roadway by the owner.
June 28 at 11:51 p.m., officers mediated a dispute between two individuals who were fighting in the street on Nashville Road.
June 29 at 8:20 p.m., South Burlington received a report of an assault near Pet Food Warehouse involving juveniles. The case was transferred to Shel-
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Charles R. Dunham
Charles (Chuck) Roger Dunham of Shelburne died at home on Tuesday, June 25, 2024. He was born in Pittsfield, Mass., on May 7, 1938, to Charles A. and Virginia Musgrove Dunham.
Chuck graduated from Pittsfield High School in 1956 and Northeastern University (1961) and received his master’s degree in 1963.
He was a captain with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with duty stations at Ft. Belvoir, Va., Ft. Benning, Ga., and Thule, Greenland. Chuck founded Civil Engineering Associates of Shelburne (1970-1999) and was an instructor of civil engineering at the University of Vermont from 1967 to 1983.
Chuck was an avid hunter, fisherman and all-round outdoorsman. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge and passion with his family and the community. He was instrumental in beginning the youth hunter safety program in Shelburne in the 1970s. Chuck hunted all over, but especially liked time at his hunting camp in Huntington with
burne police and is under investigation.
June 30 at 7:25 a.m., a caller reported two men were creating a disturbance at Splash Carwash. The officers issued
Obituary
close friends and family. He also enjoyed the diverse wildlife the river, pond and field brought to his backyard.
He was a historian of the Civil War and World War II and enjoyed serving the community, including the Shelburne Recreation Department and Charlotte Shelburne Rotary Club, and he was a longtime trustee of Shelburne Methodist Church.
He loved mentoring UVM
trespass notices and escorted them off the property.
students, some with whom he forged relationships that lasted throughout his life.
Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Jean-Carol (Ames) Dunham of Shelburne; children, Wendy (Randy) King of South Burlington and Diane (Pete) Dorr of Waterbury; stepchildren, Jeffrey Trono of Nashua, N.H. and Amy Marks of Shelburne; grandchildren, Samantha and Justin King, Sara and Connor Dorr, Heather (Drew) Trono-Russano and Joshua Trono, and Joe and Jackson Marks (Andrew, father); brother, Raymond Dunham of Spencertown, N.Y.; brother-inlaw, Marty Ames of Florida; and many nieces and nephews.
Chuck was predeceased by his parents; sister, June Dunham Blake; and in-laws, Marshall and Velma Ames of Canaan.
A funeral service will be held at Shelburne United Methodist Church at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, with a reception lunch to follow in the fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Shelburne United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 365, Shelburne VT 05482.
June 30 at 1:31 p.m., a caller reported a stray dog running loose on Sycamore Street. The animal was reunited with the owner.
June 30 at 9:46 p.m., a caller reported his residence and vehicle on Shelburnewood Drive was vandalized. The case is pending additional information.
Charles R. Dunham
Selectboard member weighs in on O’Brien development
Guest Perspective
Chunka Mui
There has been a lot of public discussion regarding the potential development on the O’Brien Brothers’ 190-acre parcel between Irish Hill and Thomas Road. While I don’t speak for the rest of the Shelburne Selectboard, I’ll share my perspective.
A few months ago, the selectboard received a petition from O’Brien Brothers arguing this parcel was covered by Vermont Act 47. This would mandate sewer service and a housing density allowance of five dwelling units per acre, 25 times greater than its current zoning of one unit per 5 acres.
without accepting that this or similar parcels are governed by Act 47. For me, any such compromise would have to establish acceptable guidelines to, and limits on, future development that could be enforced by the planning commission and development review board when and if the parcel moves into its development phase.
Even those who oppose O’Brien’s conceptual plan tend to agree that it has some merits: a substantial amount of housing to address our housing shortage but at a far lower density than Act 47 would allow, attractive environmental building standards, protected forest blocks, 65-plus acres of conserved space along the LaPlatte and public access bike and pedestrian connectivity that would connect to the town trails. One big question is whether these features are enforceable, or just part of a marketing sales pitch that goes to the wayside when development actually starts.
While I accept the need for more housing, I believe this new density is too shocking for a large parcel that lies on the edge but outside the town’s designated growth area. To assuage foreseeable concerns, O’Brien also provided a conceptual plan for 300 to 350 units, which is significantly fewer than Act 47 would allow.
O’Brien has a financial incentive to contest a denial and relatively deep pockets to pursue it. Fighting would likely result in costly, protracted and risky litigation that the town could plausibly lose.
So, to be clear, the selectboard’s choice is not a yes or no decision on the development. It is a choice between fighting or compromise on the sewer petition. If the town fought and lost, Act 47 would grant the parcel much higher density than O’Brien’s conceptual plan and no ability to hold O’Brien (or another future developer) to that plan. Losing would also result in the legal precedent that Act 47 supersedes local control on similar parcels. If we won, we’d limit future development to high-end homes on 5 acre lots.
O’Brien has a financial incentive to contest a denial and relatively deep pockets to pursue it. Fighting would likely result in costly, protracted and risky litigation that the town could plausibly lose. However, I do not believe that either side relishes the legal uncertainty of a court battle. Remembering the town’s long costly, and losing court battles over Vermont Railway’s salt storage sheds, I certainly do not. Therefore, both parties have leverage and incentive to work towards a compromise.
The current status is that the selectboard is evaluating whether to fight the petition or approve it based on the relative merits of an enforceable compromise,
While I am not sure whether we can achieve it, I believe an acceptable compromise must be enforceable and consistent with town priorities identified in Shelburne Forward Together discussions, especially affordable housing, the environment and paths. For me, this needs to include both inclusionary housing at the lowest possible prices and a wide middle range of sizes and prices, rather than some small percentage of inclusionary housing and the rest at the very high end.
This alleviates the housing shortage faced by a wide range of the community, including renters, first-time buyers and those needing to upsize and downsize. It would turn abstract dwelling units into homes for real people, both current neighbors and new ones. I also hope more supply will help stabilize the broader local housing market and set a higher competitive standard for other builders.
Wastewater capacity is a valid but addressable concern. The current system has about 40 percent excess capacity and nearing its end of life. The planned replacement will have about the same capacity while providing an additional 20 years. Current ordinances mandate that capacity be allocated gradually over its life. They also limit how much allocated capacity any one development can use. That would apply to all developments, including this one. There’s a plus: Taking advantage of that extra capacity will help
Chunka Mui
Housing should be the No. 1 priority for Vermont
Guest Perspective
Bob Clark
In 1628, Sir Edward Coke wrote in The First Part of the Institutes of the Lawes of England, that “it commonly said that three things be favoured in Law - Life, Liberty, Dower.” In common law, dower was closely guarded as a means by which the widow and orphan of a deceased landowner could keep their real property.
In 1689, John Locke argued that political society existed for the sake of protecting property, which he defined as a person’s “life, liberty, and estate.”
The Boston Pamphlet (1772) and the Declaration and Resolves of the First Continental Congress (1774) also declare the right to life, liberty and property. Ditto the first and second articles of the Virginia Declaration of Rights, adopted unanimously by the Virginia Convention of Delegates on June 12, 1776: “That all men are by nature equally free and independent and have certain inherent
rights … namely, the enjoyment of life and liberty, with the means of acquiring and possessing property, and pursuing and obtaining happiness and safety.”
Throughout the modern era, the importance of property ownership and protecting property rights was clearly recognized as one of the most important means to support individuals and families and to help them prosper.
The current kerfuffle in Vermont over housing — I’m referring specifically to residential property built to sell as owner-occupied — really matters. Making it easier or harder to build, making it more or less expensive, restricting or encouraging more development: What’s it going to be?
All these options are purposeful for specific things, to support specific changes, to increase available housing stock and make a larger portion of the housing market fall into an affordable zone for first time, frequently for young buyers.
This would include a further lowering, or outright elimination,
of real estate transfer taxes, permitting and site licensing costs, loan processing expenses, among other things. It would mean easing up on demands to build housing adhering to the Vermont vernacular style, dictating utilities, appliances and materials, or zoning for minimum 15-acre lots.
As shocking as it may be, there are in fact many different ideas about how to best build a house, and where best to build it. Making the choice to drastically reduce these imposed costs, or to not reduce them, is just that, a choice, not an impossibility.
Some people purposely want to make all housing as expensive as possible. They won’t say it this way, and being generous, I’ll say they mostly don’t consciously think of it this way, but it is the end result. Some people’s number one priority is enabling individuals and families to own a house and experience all the benefits that go with owning their own property, and the benefits this affords to the larger community.
Other people want this also, but
Guiding
it comes somewhere down ballot on the list of their priorities. The further down the list, the higher the cost of housing throughout the market goes up.
We purchased our first home in 1993 in a town on the outskirts of a growing southeastern city. The next seven years were consumed with renovating, rebuilding, re-capturing the grounds and ultimately reaping a good financial reward as the local housing market grew along with the city. Due to a change of career and what would have been an arduous daily commute, we relocated to a neighborhood deep within the city and a house within our price range, requiring even more re-building and renovation, and once again we were rewarded. In both cases, much of the work was financed by borrowing against the equity we already had in the house.
Eventually we ended up back in Vermont, with the means to purchase a modest house and a tract of empty land that we’ve turned into our livelihood. We could do this because, most importantly, we were able to purchase, borrow against, improve and add market value to a series of residential homes. Many of the people we know walked a similar path toward a similar outcome, with hard work and the purchase of residential property for their own use as a repeated and important component for financial success.
Don’t think I don’t like coyotes, bobcats or foxes, because I do. I appreciate the fact that they police our farm, living their best life, eating rabbits, voles and mice, rats, geese, turkeys and chasing the deer away. I make sure there are plenty of perches for the neighborhood raptors, who fill a similar role. Owls are my best friend. Having wildlife around is both pleasant and helpful for what we do.
But I don’t think whether wildlife absolutely thrives within
MUI
continued from page 5
spread cost across more ratepayers.
School system capacity should be less of a worry, though further study is required. I see the prospect of more families with children attending Shelburne Community School as a strong positive for many reasons, not the least of which is that the school has available capacity and declining enrollment. More students would better utilize its large, fixed cost and more homes would provide additional property taxes to support them.
There are downsides to devel-
the town borders of Shelburne, or two miles further to the east, is a more important issue than creating a healthy housing market covering a wide range of affordability, particularly at the more modest end. I thought one of the primary missions of Shelburne Forward Together was greater housing density, building more on the edges of already built-up areas. That would seem to be a smart approach, particularly for those who don’t want a trace of humankind evident in the more distant wildernesses of Vermont. Apparently, I am wrong. Apparently, the priority for open land and wildlife habitat adherents is to prevent any housing density, from the O’Brien Brothers or any other builder or, for that matter, any new and genuinely affordable houses, anywhere. This is not the right approach. This is not what Vermont needs. Owning real property, protected by law and which carries with it inherent value, is one of the foundation stones, one of the starting points, of a successful family. In the form of a residence it becomes, over time and with careful management, a cornucopia of opportunities — a roof over the head, a safe and familiar haven to raise children and create memories, a shared responsibility for a comm on family asset. A home is a source of value and of valuable financial lessons, a readily leasable or saleable item in a largely consistent and consistently active market. It can be used as a flexible source of capital for business development, paying for education and transferring wealth to the next generation. It is a market that most citizens in healthy societies can participate in; it is open to all. Enabling this should be the priority for Vermont, bringing opportunity to all Vermonters.
Bob Clark is the owner of Fisher Brothers Farm on Spear Street in Shelburne.
opment as have been expressed, including increased traffic and disruptions to neighbors. The challenge is how to balance the upsides, downsides and related risks for the best long-term interests of the community.
So, that’s where I think we stand and how I lean. I’d be happy to get your further thoughts and questions. Please feel free to email me directly on the town website at shelburnevt.org/578/ chunka-mui.
Chunka Mui is a member of the Shelburne Selectboard.
Senator urges Shelburne to support housing projects
To the Editor:
I wholeheartedly support the Shelburne Selectboard and planning commission’s efforts with their planning for new housing in Shelburne. It is encouraging to see members advocating for smart growth and development that will ensure the town thrives while welcoming new residents. Your openness to the proposed recent housing development projects demonstrates a commendable commitment to community prosperity and inclusivity.
Vermont urgently needs more housing options to accommodate people at every stage of life. Many young families are struggling to find homes with yards where their children and pets can play, while many older residents seek smaller, more manageable living spaces that don’t require owning a week-whacker.
We don’t have enough housing in Vermont to meet these needs and it is critical for the future of Vermont and the health of our neighbors that we build more housing to address both current and future needs. If the number of houses continues to not meet the demand for it, prices will continue to escalate, driving up the cost of living while excluding Vermonters we all care about from thriving here in Vermont. By supporting projects like what is being proposed by the O’Brien Brothers and similar well-conceived initiatives, we can ensure that our area provides affordable housing options for all, fostering a more diverse and inclusive community.
The proposal involves reclassifying land currently in the rural zoning district to permit higher-density building, precisely what the state is promoting through the recently enacted Act 47, or HOME Act. This state law encourages housing development in areas serviced by water and sewer by allowing up to five dwelling units per acre to address the housing shortage.
Shelburne has significant potential to develop housing with easy access to utilities and within walking distance of schools, shops, restaurants and places of worship. This will enhance residents’ quality of life and reduce reliance on cars, promoting a sustainable lifestyle. This is the housing we need in Vermont to help Vermont create vibrant, walkable communities, enhance our towns with more affordable housing, conserve open spaces and improve bike and pedestrian infrastructure.
We need housing and we need to seize opportunities to build
a better future for Shelburne, Chittenden County and Vermont. We urge residents to make their voices heard and ask town officials to support the housing projects needed in Shelburne to build the roofs Vermont needs to meet the needs of all Vermonters.
Sen. Thomas I. Chittenden Chittenden Southeast South Burlington
Let’s tackle housing, climate challenges together
To the Editor:
How many of you share my sense of inadequacy when facing the housing crisis and climate change? On one hand, both situations are mind-bogglingly enormous. On the other hand, some strategies help us make progress on both fronts. These daunting challenges demand both macro and micro initiatives to achieve meaningful progress.
A promising strategy is smart and efficient use of land in housing development, facilitated by government land use policies. Consider Shelburne’s Harrington Village: high-rise apartment buildings alongside smaller multi-unit structures and duplexes targeted to seniors, families, veterans and homeless individuals. These units are affordable and energy-efficient, demonstrating how smart development can tackle both affordability and environmental concerns.
Large, multi-unit buildings reduce land and construction costs, translating to lower rents or purchase prices. Furthermore, smaller, energy-efficient units consume less energy, thus reducing heating and cooling costs. While large-scale projects are crucial, smaller interventions also play a significant role. Adding a modest, energy-efficient unit can address both homelessness and environmental impact.
Vermont has enacted statutes to increase its housing stock; for example, allowing the conversion of single-family homes to duplexes and mandating zoning allowing five units per acre on land with municipal services. Other laws prevent regulations that ban mobile home parks, which, thanks to improved standards, now offer a net-zero option through programs like Efficiency Vermont’s Zero Energy Modular Home Program.
On a personal level, might you convert part of your home into a duplex or add an accessory dwelling unit? Welcoming someone new into your home is another option. Programs like HomeShare Vermont facilitate such arrangements by matching homeowners with compatible residents. Additionally, weatherization is a proven way to reduce energy costs. Local programs provide financial assistance and support for these projects, crucial for lower-income households.
If you believe we can and should do more, voice your
support at development review board meetings or through letters to the Shelburne News.
Engage with the climate, energy and housing committees, and the selectboard and planning commission to contribute and learn more. By supporting new housing initiatives, we can correct the often-one-sided narrative that emerges when only project opponents participate.
Let’s continue to work together to address these pressing issues through informed actions and thoughtful development. Your involvement makes a difference.
Sandra Dooley South Burlington
Sandy Dooley is a decadeslong resident of South Burlington, a member of its affordable housing committee, and a former Champlain Housing Trust board member.
Development should embody soul of the land
To the Editor:
“The Earth does not belong to man, man belongs to the Earth. This we know. All things are connected like the blood that unites one family. All things are connected,” said Chief Seattle in 1854.
The nature of Vermont land and its soul must be taken into consideration in the developments
proposed for our community, not only the dollars and cents.
Let us pause and embody the soul of the land and all that it encompasses. Do we think of the spirit of the land that nurtures and feeds us, gives us clean water?
Woodlands, lakes, mountains and wildlife, which provide solace, remind us we are all connected.
I recognize that planning and zoning departments want efficient developments, so tighter spaces, higher buildings, more compact areas, and so forth, are the focus. I agree it is efficient, but it’s creating New Jersey inside Vermont.
Nature is known to foster resiliency in children. Efficiency is man-made; nature is soulful.
What if developments aren’t oversized and have a Vermont stamp with necessary amenities? A Vermont stamp suggests garden areas, hillsides with trees, wooded areas, ponds and streams.
Let Vermont push to blend the man-made with the soulful? Let’s build developments that have a sense of community, while creating room for nature and all that it offers. Let’s make it so our children, families, seniors, disabled and everyone thrives in these communities and want to give of their talents to the greater whole.
Land is alive as we are. “All things are connected, and developments must embody the soul of the land.
Doris Sage Shelburne
COMMUNITY
Community Notes
Shelburne church, Age
Well host July luncheon
Age Well is offering a luncheon on Tuesday, July 16, in the St Catherine of Siena Parish Hall, 72 Church St. in Shelburne.
The menu is egg salad with celery and onions, coleslaw, spinach salad with chickpeas and veggies, Italian dressing, dinner roll, Congo bar, pears and milk.
You must register by Wednesday, July 10, to Kerry Batres, nutrition coordinator, 802-662-5283 or email kbatres@agewellvt.org. Tickets are also available at the Age Well Office, 875 Roosevelt Highway, Suite 210, Colchester.
Check-in time is 11:30 a.m. and the meal will be served at noon. There is a $5 suggested donation.
Vermont Commons School graduates Class of 2024
Vermont Commons School’s 27th graduating class received their diplomas on June 14. This year’s graduates hail from multiple towns, including Shelburne, South Burlington and Stowe. They will continue their studies at a variety of colleges and universities.
The Vermont Commons School Class of 2024 includes:
• Analia Cannon, Burlington, Northeastern University
• Grantham Cannon, South Burlington, gap year, employed at The Schoolhouse
• Henry Douglas, South Burlington, University of Toronto
• Ashlyn Foley, Burlington, Lafayette College
• Talia Gibbs, Shelburne, University of Rochester
• Toby Hecht, Burlington, Skidmore College
• Zangmu Lama Sherpa, Williston, Trinity College
• Asher Rosenbaum, Stowe, Washington University in St. Louis
• Adelie Tebbetts, South Burlington, Middlebury College
• Lilliana White, Waitsfield, University of Denver
• Isabelle Wyatt, Lincoln, Bryn Mawr College
Cumulatively, the Class of 2024 received more than $2.9 million in scholarships and merit aid.
Shelburne Church hosts
July 23 blood drive
Give the gift of blood at the Shelburne community blood drive
Sun-bathers
sponsored by St. Catherine of Siena Parish on Tuesday, July 23, from noon-5 p.m., 72 Church St., Shelburne.
Appointments are strongly recommended as walk-ins cannot always be accommodated. To give, call 800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org and enter Shelburne to schedule an appointment.
If you are an eligible type O, B - or A - donor, consider making a Power Red donation. Red blood cells are the most transfused blood component.
Streamline your donation and save up to 15 minutes by visiting the website and completing a health history questionnaire.
Vermont Fresh Network hosts annual tasting event
For one evening in July, farmers and chefs from across Vermont come together to prepare a meal for Vermont’s food enthusiasts at Shelburne Farms Coach Barn,
1611 Harbor Road, Shelburne on Sunday, July 21, 5-8 p.m.
The event is a fundraiser for the Vermont Fresh Network with all proceeds going to programming that helps bring more Vermont grown and raised food to the table, and to support the community of agricultural and culinary professionals who use Vermont-grown and raised foods to create economic, environmental and social gains. Highlights include Vermont artisanal products and beverages, silent auction and a grazing dinner by some of the state’s finest chefs. Tickets are $150 at bit. ly/3VSVsgO.
PHOTO BY LEE KROHN
A pair of turtles take a break on a sunny perch in Shelburne Bay.
News from Pierson Library
Second Thursday lecture series
What is the feeling of our landscape? How do we memorialize a global event, such as climate change that seemingly has no end? Where are the nature-centric monuments?
In “The Texture of Landscape,” Nancy Milliken, an environmental visual artist who creates site-specific work in urban and rural environments utilizing natural and industrial materials, will explore. the texture of landscape, share her open studio practice and reveal the central place these questions hold in her artistic practice.
The lecture will be held Thursday, July 11, 6-7 p.m. at the library Whoo’s that?
Meet live owls as fan favorite Michael Clough of the Southern Vermont Natural History Museum returns to the Pierson with birds of prey Saturday, July 13, at 11 a.m.
Part of the summer reading program, learn about Vermont’s raptor populations and get an up-close look at the variety of owls that live among us. No registration is necessary.
Adventures in zentangle
Julia Davenport is back Saturday, July 13, 2-3:30 p.m., to share the relaxing forgiving art form that is zentangle. With few tools and a small scale, check out this 90-minute tangle to find creativity and calm your neural networks.
Adventures then & now book club
There’s no foreknowledge of Robert Louis Stevenson necessary to grok Sara Levine’s novel of misadventures — “Treasure Island!!!” — about a young woman who decides to base her life on that other “Treasure Island.” Things go quickly awry.
Copies are available at the front desk for this talk, Monday, July 15, 6:30-8 p.m.
Tuesday night book club
The July selection is Marie Benedict’s “The Personal Librarian,” a fictionalized account of library director Belle da Costa Greene, and is a timely book about race and identity.
Limited copies of the book are available at the firstfloor circulation desk. The club meets Tuesday, July 16, 6-7 p.m. New members are welcome.
‘Robin Hood and Maid Marian’
Prepare to be wowed by this energetic musical performance of “Robin Hood and Maid Marian” by Vermont’s Very Merry Theatre, Friday, July 19, 1:30 p.m.
Featuring a cast of local youth actors, this lively story is appropriate for all ages and promises to be a heartwarming and epic good time.
Part of the summer reading program, no advance registration is needed.
Superior Roofing Solutions
Limited camp openings
• Rocketry camp: Build, test, and launch solid propellant rockets that safely return by parachute. Learn the aerodynamics of rocket flight and create a 6-foot-tall experimental rocket with a team. Campers will leave class with at least three rockets that they have launched and can launch again. Bring a water bottle and snack each day.
Registration has been extended to July 12. Camp dates are July 22-26, 8-11:30 a.m. Cost is $305 and includes model rockets and all building supplies, including launch engines.
Shelburne Parks & Rec News
It’s for kids entering third to seventh grade in the fall.
• Musical theater camp: A singing and dancing workshop of show tunes and Broadway favorites. Create a 60-minute show for an audience of friends and family to be held on Saturday, Aug. 3, 11 a.m. No experience necessary. Camp dates are July 29 to Aug. 3, noon to 4 p.m., and the day of the show. Cost is $250 for kids entering fifth to eighth grade in the fall.
Summer concert series
Set up your lawn chair and blanket, bring a picnic dinner or enjoy
Summer Safety Tips from VGS
food on site at Shelburne Farms annual concert series at the Farm Barn.
Kids love dancing on the lawn and visiting with the animals in the farmyard.
For safety, all children must be accompanied by an adult. Here’s the musical lineup: July 17, Dave Keller Band; and July 24, Buckshot.
The gate opens at 5:30 p.m. Bands play from 6:30-8 p.m. Sorry, no dogs.
Visit www.shelburnevt.org/160/ parks-recreation for information.
Keep landscaping and large objects away from your meter
Please do not place mulch, topsoil or rocks in contact with your meter. Be careful when mowing and report any damage. If your meter is located where large objects, such as vehicles or dumpsters, could collide with it, a barricade should be installed. Contact us about barricade options at 802-863-4511.
During summer, you may see VGS representatives outside your home inspecting our system and painting meters.
Be safe
Scan the QR Code or visit vgsvt.com/be-safe for more safety information.
How to Detect a Gas Leak
Smell: Natural gas is normally odorless. A distinctive, pungent odor, similar to rotten eggs, is added so that you will recognize it quickly.
Sight: You may see a white cloud, mist, fog, bubbles in standing water, or blowing dust. You may also see vegetation that appears to be dead or dying.
Sound: You may hear an unusual noise like a roaring, hissing, or whistling.
If you suspect a leak:
Move immediately to a safe location. Call VGS at 800-639-8081 or call 911 with the exact location. Do not smoke or operate electrical switches or appliances. These items may produce a spark that might result in a dangerous condition.
Do not assume someone else will report the condition.
Now, as two new owners close on the latest sale of the property, there is no extravagant plan in the works — not quite yet. Instead, the New York natives plan to do something much more grandiose: “Keep it simple.”
Benjamin Dobson and Kaspar Meier, a prominent farmer and a builder from Columbia County in New York, closed on the sale of the conserved property of just under 600 acres on July 2 after more than a year on the market without any serious interest.
But according to Meier, the duo has taken up the challenge, “hook, line, and sinker.” They bought the property for $2.2 million, significantly less than the grand list value of $3.2 million.
A long history
The property has seen a frequent shift in ownership and ideas over the last decade, but at one point was home to one of the state’s most prolific dairy operations with nearly 300 milking heifers during its prime. In 2004, it became the first farm in New England to install robotic milking equipment under the ownership of Clark Hinsdale III.
In 2014, Hinsdale sold the dairy operation to the farm’s longtime manager, Michael LeClair, who filed for bankruptcy just three years later.
The high-profile farm went through a few different owners who offered a variety of ideas for its future. In 2018, Andrew Peterson, owner of Peterson Quality Malt, partnered with a group of investors led by Jay and Matt Canning of Hotel Vermont to buy the property.
vale Center, which has acted as a launching pad and educational resource for farms across the state.
The massive undertaking was forged under the name Earthkeep Farmcommon and was poised to usher in a new era of regenerative, diversified farming that balanced nonprofit research, innovation and education all within a single hub.
But when Raap died just a year later, in December 2022, the plans were halted, and the farm found itself yet again at an unforeseen crossroads.
The property was listed for sale by the Raap family last April, who began working with land broker LandVest to find its next willing proprietor.
Back to its roots
Meier said the business partners were in no way looking to take on a new adventure, but due to some good marketing on the part of LandVest, they somehow serendipitously heard about the farm way across the state border just under four hours away.
“It just had our names all over it,” Meier said, grinning, his hands covered in dirt after spending a scorching hot July day working on the expansive property. “A lot of the locals are kind of telling me, ‘You know, this place has eaten many a man.’ That kind of makes me smile because it’s a challenge. And that doesn’t bother me.”
He said he was somewhat surprised that locals hadn’t snatched up a property like this sooner, and the price point made it a no-brainer once the opportunity presented itself.
already started to experience the Vermont charm, so to speak, especially in contrast to his home in Columbia County that he says has caved to development pressures over the years.
“Dealing with Vermonters here seemed easier,” he said. “It’s a little more straightforward. You can shake people’s hands and it seems you can be confident they’re going to do what they say.”
dairy, pigs, chickens and a variety of field crops and vegetables as well as a cheese-plant and bakery.
Meier later joined his father, who was leading efforts around biodynamic tropical agriculture in the Dominican Republic at his banana and mango farm.
just across the Massachusetts border, goes back and forth as often as possible.
“You can’t have a farm like this and all these buildings and these things and not tend to it,” he said. “The last thing this place would need is an absentee landowner.”
Although Meier has spent most of the last two decades in the contracting and building business, he said the opportunity to farm on a scale like this was ultimately what drew him back to his roots.
“If it had been twice that, that wouldn’t be an option,” he said.
But the most notable endeavor came just three years ago from the entrepreneurial mind of Will Raap, the visionary behind ventures like Gardeners Supply and the Inter-
Meier has already relocated to Vermont and has spent the better part of six weeks cleaning up the place that has been relatively vacant for years. But he said he’s
Both Dobson and Meier have farming in their blood. For Dobson, the list is seemingly endless. From managing farming efforts that in the Hudson Valley and across the globe to spearheading research into the impacts of regenerative farming practices on carbon sequestration, he has had his hands in the soil for most, if not all, of his life.
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Most notable are his efforts working with Abby Rockefeller, the eldest daughter of David Rockefeller and Margaret McGrath. According to reporting by the Hill County Observer in 2020, Rockefeller took ownership of an expansive property known as Old Muck Creek Farm in 2012 and began the long process of restoring the land, which had previously been used for pesticide trials, using regenerative and organic farming methods.
Rockefeller hired Dobson to manage farm operations, and they later become leaders in the hemp industry when the two launched Hudson Hemp in 2017.
Meier and Dobson have known each other for years, mostly since both families had been pioneers in the organic farming industry in the New York area during the late 1970s into the early 1980s.
For Meier, originally from Switzerland, his family moved to the U.S. in 1975, where his father became one of the early founders of Hawthorne Valley Farm, a fully diversified farm with a working
“I’m a farmer at heart,” he said. “That’s what I’d rather do than go build fancy places all over the place that are taking over the farms. Ben and I have a big benefit and we’ve been all over the world and worked in agricultural ventures all over the world in a different variety.”
A simple vision
For now, the duo doesn’t have any massive plans, and Meier has spent most of his time at the property mowing, clearing walking trails, and working to stabilize certain parts of the antique barn that sits closest to Route 7.
While it’s premature to say exactly what will happen in the future as ideas are expected to be ever evolving, in the short time, he said, it makes most sense to grow grass and hay for grazing.
“Because Vermont produces grass better than anywhere I’ve seen in the country,” he said. “You can feed more cattle per acre here than you can in many places. So, from that perspective, if managed well, there should be a lot of opportunities here. Maybe it’ll be a whole variety of animals, but we’ll go slow at first and not come in with fixed expectations of what exactly we’re going to walk into because it’s premature.”
Meier has been the familiar face around the property, while Dobson, who lives with his family
But for now, they are taking things back to square one, with the hope that in the future, the infrastructure can continue to be a support system and beacon of hope for other farms in the area.
“Because we don’t really look at this farm as something that’s just ours and for ourselves, we’re just kind of temporarily here to care for it and reverse course,” he said. “Plain and simple, the farm’s been looking hard for a future here. So, here we are. Back to square one.”
Other businesses that have run out of the newer barn on the property — a seawater shrimp farm, Sweet Sound Aquaculture and the House of Fermentology, an offshoot of Foam Brewers, along with several rental properties — will remain for now, he said.
During a time when more and more farms seem to be falling prey to an increasingly difficult market, the sale of Nordic Farm will hopefully sow new seeds into the agricultural realm, even just for a moment.
It certainly won’t be a walk in the park, but as Meier puts it, farming anything is never easy, and in some ways, that’s part of the adventure.
“We’re not better at anything than anyone else, other than we might have a different perspective and different life experiences, so we might just approach many of the things differently,” Meier said. “But we don’t have any exciting news for the town of Charlotte. We’re just farmers and we want to keep it simple. That’s the story for now.”
PHOTO BY LIBERTY DARR
Kaspar Meier, new co-owner of Nordic Farm, stands with his pup, Tim, in front of the old farm barn.
continued from page 1
include 26 townhomes for sale as part of the trust’s share-equity model, and 68 rentals, 20 of which will be dedicated to people who been homelessness.
The neighborhood will include new infrastructure, including a new road, two solar arrays and stormwater systems.
Snyder Homes is building the townhomes and DEW Construction is constructing the new apartment buildings, which Curtin said will be mostly new buildings mixed with some rehabilitation to the existing building.
“Even though it’s rehab, all the units are essentially going to feel brand new,” she said.
Champlain Housing Trust purchased the property in 2013 and operated Harbor Place at the site for almost 10 years and provided rooms for the homeless for several years, including as part of the state’s motel voucher program that was put in place during the pandemic.
Motel operations shifted across the road when the Housing Trust purchased the Day’s Inn in 2021 when plans to redevelop the site began to take shape.
“This new chapter in the life of this property is one to celebrate even as we recognize that this one development won’t solve all of our housing challenges,” Michael Monte, CEO of the Champlain Housing Trust, said. “Beginning construction on so many permanently affordable homes at once, though, is a rare occurrence in Vermont.”
Rents for a three-bedroom apartment will run as low as $1,725 versus, compared to a fair market rent of $2,390. Sale prices for the new townhomes will be around $180,000, significantly lower than the median-priced home in Chittenden County at $460,000.
According to Shelburne’s 2023 Housing Booklet, which is compiled by the town’s housing committee, as of 2022 the median
PAYROLL TAX
continued from page 3
although work is underway to move applications to an online platform by September.
To be eligible to apply, families must live in Vermont, have less than $1 million in assets and meet income requirements, according to the Department for Children and Families. Families must also have a reason for seeking child care to be eligible — such as primary caretakers having a job, looking for work or attending school.
As part of Act 76, the income guidelines were updated in April to include more families in the subsidy program. Families making up to 400 percent of the federal poverty level are now eligible, when before, the cut off was at 350%, McLaughlin said. An additional 193 families have already joined the program due to this expansion, she said.
In October, the program will be widened again to include families making up to 575 percent of the federal poverty level.
“Vermont families that have moderate income will really benefit from this,” McLaughlin said. “Before, they were paying 20-30 percent of their income on child care, and now we can help with that.”
The April revision also made more families eligible to have their child care completely covered by the state. Before, families making 150 percent or below of the
price of homes sold in Shelburne was $724,828, nearly 166 percent higher than the county-wide prices.
Town manager Matt Lawless said that Shelburne showed increasing support for the project from the start. But the selectboard in February made a formal contribution when they approved waiving impact fees to help defray some of the development costs.
“The board said publicly that this was exactly the kind of project that Shelburne needed more of, and it’s great to see the groundbreaking,” he said. “I know it’ll make a big difference toward the community’s
housing needs.”
The townhome’s shared-equity model is one that the Champlain Housing Trust has used since its beginning nearly 40 years ago, Curtin said.
“The shared equity model brings public dollars to subsidize the purchase price of a home so that the buyer’s net price is an
affordable price,” she said. “In exchange for the assistance in bringing the price down, the buyer agrees to share a portion of the appreciation in the value of the home on resale with the next buyer,” to keep the home perpetually affordable.
Tenants are expected to be able to move in next May.
federal poverty level were eligible, but now, the bar has been raised to 175 percent of the poverty level, McLaughlin said.
Other families pay $50 to $250 per week, depending on their number of children and their gross monthly income. The rest of the cost of child care is provided by the state to child care centers on behalf of the family.
To apply, families must complete an 11-page application form that asks questions about income sources, family members, child care providers and more. Families must fill out supplemental forms as necessary, according to the Department for Children and Families, and file documents to provide proof of household income, education savings accounts and reasons for seeking child care.
Because the expanded program will bring more demand for child care services, McLaughlin said, the state has provided $21 million in “readiness payments” to 800 programs since September to help them pay for repairs, invest in more resources, and increase staff wages and benefits.
“Workforce challenges for the state as a whole are certainly affecting child care providers,” McLaughlin said. “But we are hearing anecdotal evidence that (providers) are becoming more confident in their ability to hire and retain staff.”
PHOTO BY CHAMPLAIN HOUSING TRUST
Local, state and federal leaders gather at the site of the new Bay Ridge neighborhood during a groundbreaking last week.
LAUREN READ CORRESPONDENT
Girls’ lacrosse
Several Champlain Valley girls’ lacrosse players earned all-state honors when the Vermont Lacrosse Coaches Association released its teams for the 2024 season.
Kate Boehmcke, Stella Dooley and Emerson Rice were named the Division I first team.
Rose Bunting, Bibi Frechette and Libby Manning all earned a spot in the second team.
Marlie Cartwright, Maddy McDade and Clare Stackpole-McGrath each garnered an honorable mention for the Redhawks.
Dooley was also named a U.S. Lacrosse academic All-American for CVU.
Baseball
The Vermont high school baseball coaches announced their
all-leagueteams for the 2024 season.
Russell Willoughby was named a player of the year (hitting) from Champlain Valley for the Metro Division.
Travis Stroh, Aaron LaRose and Stephen Rickert were all named to the Metro Division first team.
John Deyo and Elise Berger were named to the second team, while Riley McDade and Andrew Nunziata were honorable mentions.
Boys’ lacrosse
The Vermont Lacrosse Coaches Association named all-state and all-league high school boys’ teams and handed out honors for the 2024 season.
Matias Williams was named a U.S. Lacrosse All-American
See ALL-STARS on page 13
NEWSPAPER CARRIER
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Deliver The Other Paper of South Burlington, Shelburne News and The Citizen to vendors around Chittenden County.
Thursday afternoons and/or Friday mornings. Hourly wage plus mileage.
Send a letter of interest to bryan@newsandcitizen.com or call (802) 253-2101.
PHOTO BY AL FREY
CVU’s Peter Gilliam tries to get around South Burlington’s Finn McCarney during a Redhawks’ 17-8 win over the Wolves in May.
ALL-STARS
continued from page 12
for CVU, while also earning a first team nod for the Division I all-state first team and the Metro Division all-league first team.
Peter Gilliam was named a Green-and-Gold player and an All-Academic team member, as well being named to the Division I all-state first team and the Metro Division all-league first team.
Jacob Bose and Peyton Anderson were both named to the all-state and the all-league first teams, while Bose also earned a Green-and-Gold nod.
Trevor Stumph earned a spot on the Metro Division second team, as well as all-academic honors. Raymond Hagios was named to the all-league second team.
Softball
The coaches’ all-league softball teams for the 2024 Vermont high school spring season were recently announced and Champlain Valley
earned some honors.
Baylee Yandow and Amber Reagan were named to the Metro Division second team.
Hannah Shepardson, Mackenzie Yandow, Drew Farmer, Nina Zimakas, Tegan Scruggs, Lilly Caputo and Autumn Francis all earned honorable mentions.
Ultimate
Three Champlain Valley boys represented their team on the all-state Ultimate team, after the team advanced all the way to the Division I finals.
Jacob Lepple and DJ Steinman were named to the first team from the RedHawks’ squad and Kyle Stewart earned a spot on the second team.
For the girls, Champlain Valley had two representatives on the girls all-state first team. Ruby Opton and Grace Thompson were both named to the team.
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PHOTO BY AL FREY
CVU’s Stella Dooley, Essex’s Emily Stempek and CVU’s Emerson Rice all reach for the loose ball during the Redhawks’ 12-3 Division I lacrosse championship loss to the Hornets at UVM’s Virtue Field in June.
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Coming Together
A SUBSTANCE USE ADDICTION SUMMIT
Friday, July 19, 2024 • 10am - 4pm
Champlain Valley Expo - Essex Jct, VT
RECOVERY PROGRAM | RESOURCE BOOTHS | BREAK-OUT ROOMS
MEMORIAL WALL | LIVE MUSIC | FOOD VENDORS
There is Hope. I can’t, but WE can.
Over the last few years, we have seen progress on substance use addiction awareness and identifying valuable resources for help and change. We also know that there is a lot of work to do. This event is open to the public. We urge anyone who is interested in knowing where resources are for themselves or someone they love, who is battling addiction, to attend. It is about hope for anyone struggling with substance use, making more resources available statewide and saving lives.
KEY SUMMIT GOALS
• Increase Residential and Recovery Beds: Addressing the urgent need for more residential and recovery residence beds in Vermont.
• Extend Residential Stays: Advocating for longer residential stays and increased Medicaid reimbursements to support these beds.
• Tri-State Treatment Model: Proposing a collaborative treatment/ recovery model for Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont.
• Longer Recovery Model: Highlighting comprehensive programs like Jenna’s Promise that include workforce development.
• Humanizing Addiction: Emphasizing the distinction between addiction and the individual, recognizing their humanity.
• Support for Law Enforcement: Integrating recovery and mental health workers with law enforcement efforts.
• Political Attention: Drawing more political focus to substance use addiction.
