News from the town government of Killington.

News from the town government of Killington.

While I was in Boston over the weekend at my nephews wedding, a friend forwarded to me the press release I have included below on actions by the town of Killington. I don't feel that I can properly comment on the decisions, as there are a lot of details to be defined. One thing I do know, however, is that it will make for another interesting town meeting next March. The press release is below:

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Sent from Kathleen Ramsey, Town Manager, Killington Vermont

KILLINGTON, VT-The Town of Killington today (editors note... September 18th...) announced it has signed an option to purchase a parcel of land on the Killington Access Road upon which to stage community events and activities. The decision to acquire the land follows months of study and consideration by the town's Economic Development and Tourism Commission (EDTC) and the Killington Select Board.

"This is a milestone for our community as we work to build a sustainable tourism-based economy," said Killington Select Board Chair Jim Blackman. "This land meets the criteria established by the EDTC as a venue for activities that will serve Killington residents and enable us to stage events that will draw visitors to Killington."

The parcel is located across from the Gristmill Restaurant on the Killington Road and includes four contiguous parcels totaling 37.45 acres. The property is owned by Teressa D. Giguere of Vail, Co., a former resident of Killington. Giguere and her late husband Jack Giguere were long-time business owners in Killington and active in community programs and events.

The town's option runs through March 31, 2010, which will permit the EDTC and Select Board to present the purchase and potential financing to voters at a town meeting. The purchase price is $850,000.

Since its inception in 2008, the EDTC has discussed various uses and activities that could be associated with a parcel of land that meets criteria for community events and activities. The EDTC Capital Projects and Infrastructure Committee considered a number of properties available in Killington prior to focusing on the Giguere parcel.

In recommending a parcel to the town, the EDTC said the town should have "unified control of both the venue site and related infrastructure. This could be achieved by contract, lease, ownership, or other means that would insure the Town that the site would be available for marketing, planning and staging an event or activity." The Giguere parcel also meets criteria outlined in Killington community meetings in 2008 that were facilitated by the Vermont Council on Rural Development.

"We have a long way to go and a great deal of due diligence to do prior to exercising our option," added Blackman. "But this is a very positive and constructive development on behalf of our Town and the collective goals we have established for our future."

Additional information of interest to Killington residents:

- Acquisition and Site Improvement Funding The purchase and initial site improvements to the property would be funded by a bond. The annual debt service would be paid through the EDTC budget which is funded by a local option tax.

- Timeline for Purchase and Improvements Site work would commence immediately on approval of the bond. The site could be ready for events by late summer 2010.

- Annual Maintenance of Property The site would be maintained by the Town of Killington as with other parks and public recreation fields. Maintenance will be included in the Town General Fund budget.

- Site Will Not Compete with Existing Venues This property provides opportunities for open air and tented events and should not compete with existing indoor venues and event facilities within the town of Killington

- Details To Be Available Before End of The Year Site investigation and planning for site improvements are underway. Once the Town has all findings and permit information, it will be presented to the Town at an informational meeting, probably in early December. Updates will be posted to the Town of Killington website.

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