October 30, 2024 Meeting Link
https://www.waterburyvt.com/fileadmin/files/Elected_Boards/Town_Select_Board/2024_Agendas/Agenda_20241030_Special_Meeting.pdf?f560f302a5f9131fbe58e003f9465b59cc619a65
October 16, 2024
Town of Waterbury Responds to Media Reports on Proposed Shelter at Old Armory Site
The Town of Waterbury is aware of media reports regarding a proposal from the State of Vermont to open a shelter at the Armory. Prior to these reports, the Town was not contacted by anyone from the State. Therefore, we had no advance notice of this proposal and, accordingly, no ability to prepare or respond in advance.
The State proposed using the Armory as a temporary homeless shelter in early 2024. At the time, the State announced plans to utilize a 3rd party to operate the shelter, rather than State employees. We noted our zoning bylaws specified that the State needed a change of use permit to lawfully operate the facility with a vendor. Rather than apply for a permit, they elected to pursue an appeal of the Town’s zoning determination, which is currently pending in the Environmental Division of Vermont Superior Court.
Our position remains unchanged from earlier this year. The State has every legal right under its current zoning approval to operate the Armory building as a shelter, provided they are doing so with State employees. Should they utilize a 3rd party vendor to directly operate the facility, a new zoning permit is required. The process to obtain a permit normally takes several months. This is a standard process many residents and business owners follow, and the law is clear that it also applies to the State. We do not believe it is burdensome, but because the State has not contacted the Town, we do not know how they intend to operate the facility.
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On Wednesday April 14, 2024 the following correspondance was made with the Department of Children and Families
04/17/2024 Town of Waterbury Response to request to withdrawl
04/14/2024 Department of Buildings and General Services request to withdrawl determination letter
02/26/2024 Notice of Appeal from the State of Vermont
02/14/2024 Town of Waterbury Formal Statement and Inquiry
02/08/2024 Notice of Permit Required