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Selectboard Meeting Notes – Vacant Building Permits and Municipal Housing

by cgrotke | Town News

The Brattleboro Selectboard had a first reading of a new ordinance regarding vacant buildings around town. If a building is vacant for 180 days, it must get a permit, and the cost of the permit doubles each year. Will it finally put some pressure on the empty Home Depot building? Not as written. It will be exempt.

In a discussion about possible municipally-owned properties that could be candidates for new housing developments, Liz McLoughlin mentioned a confidential plan that might include both the Municipal Center and the High Grove parking lot. She didn’t explain further.

And, your water rates will go up 5% rather than 1% this October.

Windham Southeast School District Finance Committee Meeting Minutes – FY25 Legislative Update School Funding

by Not Signed In | Education

Frank reviewed the memorandum from the VT Agency of Education that summarized funding statistics in the Bill The result was favorable (Yield @ $9,893), being close to what was presented at the Annual Meeting ($9,899). This will result in our projected CLA adjusted tax rate to be very accurate unless the Governor vetoes the bill. The Income Yield of $10,110 is a bit lower than the estimate from 3/19/24 (we used 10,300). This adjusts the various calculations that go with Income Sensitivity. The Non-Homestead Rate (business properties and non-residents second homes, etc.) is set at $1.39 prior to the CLA adjustment for each town.

Help Zawadi Long

by cgrotke | Family

Hi everyone. Some absolutely awful news about a dear member of our community – Zawadi Long. You may know her from around town or school, and perhaps have heard her – she’s a longtime voice on WVEW in a psa for her dad’s show Buttahmilk. I’ve known her since she was little, and she even helped me and Lise move a few years back.

She was in an accident in Jamaica.  Family has set up a Go Fun Me account:  https://gofund.me/7b93e38a

Here’s what her family says on that page:

Brattleboro Committee Vacancies May 2024

by Not Signed In | Town News

The Town of Brattleboro is looking for citizens to serve on the following committees and boards:

ADA Committee
Arts Committee
Brattleboro Housing Partnerships
Cemetery Committee
Citizen Police Communications Committee (CPCC)
Conservation Commission

Brattleboro Selectboard Meeting – Agenda and Notes – May 21, 2024

by cgrotke | Town News

At their next regular meeting, the Brattleboro Selectboard will consider a number of ordinance changes, and in one case an “ordnance ” change. Water and sewer rates, liquor licenses, and vacant buildings are the topics.

They will also hear about the suitability (or “suitablity”) of municipal properties for potential housing, and list the various committee vacancies that are awaiting members of the public to apply and serve. You can bring up other items not on the agenda during public participation.

Construction Update Brattleboro-Hinsdale Bridge May 16, 2024

by Not Signed In | Hinsdale

No traffic impacts are anticipated on Vermont Route 142 next week, however the work zone remains active and motorists should watch for construction vehicles entering and exiting the work site.

Due to current work on New Hampshire Route 119 associated with the project, vehicles traveling eastbound into New Hampshire from Vermont should expect a newly line-striped lane shift on NH 119 shortly after traveling over the twin bridges. Signs and barrels are in place to assist motorists through the work zone.

The Legacy of Brattleboro’s Jacob Estey Featured on Local Podcast “That’s One for the History Books”

by cohnpr | History

In episode 47 of their podcast “That’s One for the History Books”, Springfield VT resident Marty Cohn and his colleague Hugh Ryan of Westerly, RI featured the remarkable life and legacy of Jacob Estey, a Brattleboro pioneer in the world of musical instruments.

Jacob Estey, born in 1814, was a visionary entrepreneur and inventor who revolutionized the music industry. Although his name may not be widely recognized today, his contributions are undeniable. Estey began his working life as a plumber’s apprentice at the age of 17 and, before the age of 35, was a partner in plumbing, lumber, slate, and marble businesses. Sensing a business opportunity, Estey took over a share of a small melodeon business in 1852 in Brattleboro, Vermont. A melodeon is a type of 19th-century reed organ.

A Good Place To Live

by RDavis | Living

I have only been a selectman in the town of Brattleboro, Vermont for a very short time and I still have more questions than answers about how our little New England town of 12,000 operates. I suspect that most people pay their taxes and hope they get good service from the town. There are a large number of committed citizens who serve on committees. Many represent the people at town meeting and they all gain insight into the details of town government.

As a selectboard member I have received a short overview of the town departments and I had no idea how much work is involved in keeping a town working efficiently. I am also amazed at the dedication and competency of all of the people who work for the town, whether as a department head or as a member of the road crew.

Tucker Barrett on “Here We Are”

by Wendy O'Connell | Arts

A master and innovator in the art of stringed instruments, Tucker is one of the nicest and most talented guys in town. Tune in for a peek into 80’s & 90’s rock ‘n roll in NYC, and folks who work the music scene back here in Brattleboro.

Prospect Street Closure To Replace Water Valve

by Not Signed In | Town News

On Tuesday, May 14 the Utilities Division will be replacing a water valve in front of 136 Prospect Street.  The road will be closed between Washington Street and Central Street during this work.  Crews will begin at 7:00am and the project is anticipated to be completed by 3:00pm. Accommodations for access by residents of Prospect Street will be made available.

Some More Funky Music

by cgrotke | Music

I invested some free time in a new musical project that resulted in a new EP of funky tunes, so I thought I’d share. If you like dancing around, or driving around to a funky soundtrack, this might be something that interests you.

As some of you know, my first project had lyrics. Of course I didn’t like my voice, so the second EP, “Kitten In My Funk,” was all instrumentals.

For this EP, the decision was to slowly work back into lyrics – one word at a time. Each song here has a single word lyric, hence the name of the project: ONE.

The “Orange Turd”

by SK-B | Other

Trump had to sit there while his lawyer and the witness discussed at length what she meant in a post she had sent out about “the orange turd.” Trump’s lawyer brought it up and his own lawyer kept repeating “orange turd.” Trump’s team bringing attention to “orange turd” was a huge blunder. Watch how Daniels totally outclassed the lawyer.

Brattleboro Selectboard Special Meeting Agenda

by Not Signed In | Town News

The Brattleboro Selectboard will meet for a special meeting on Friday, May 17, 2024 at 2:00pm at Holton Hall at the Winston Prouty Center (4th floor, 204 Austine Drive). The board is expected to recess around 6:00pm until Saturday, May 18 at 9:00am. This meeting will be carried on BCTV after the conclusion of the meeting.

Brattleboro Committee Meeting Warnings & Agendas

by Not Signed In | Town News

The Brattleboro Traffic Safety Committee will meet on Thursday, May 16, 2024 at 8:00am in the Selectboard Meeting Room (230 Main Street, Room 212) and over Zoom.

The Brattleboro Charter Review Commission will meet on Thursday, May 16, 2024 at 6:15pm in the Selectboard Meeting Room (230 Main Street, Room 212) and over Zoom.