Committee to Study Act 250 and Rural Sprawl

VNRC will be participating in a study that will hopefully result in recommended changes to key Act 250 criteria to better manage rural sprawl and protect the economic vitality of Vermont’s downtowns. The charge of the committee, as set forth in the so-called “housing bill” (H.863) that went into effect this year, includes the following:
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VNRC's Wal-Mart Work Continues in Earnest

VNRC continues to work with partners in St. Albans and Bennington to stop Wal-Mart from building oversized and out-of-place stores that threaten our downtowns and environment. The world's largest retailer needs several permits before it can move forward, and VNRC is deeply involved in each piece of the puzzle. Here's the latest scoop...
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VNRC’s Smart Growth Goals for the 2008 Legislative Session

VNRC has long advocated for smart growth strategies that drive development towards town and city centers and help safeguard Vermont’s rural, working landscapes. Act 250 is one of Vermont’s most important tools to accomplish smart growth land use planning goals. In the 2008 legislative session, VNRC is advocating targeted adjustments to Act 250 that strengthen the state’s ability to create transit-oriented communities and protect valuable farm and forestlands outside town centers.
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Growth Centers Program Faces Uncertain Future

The most important accomplishment of the 2005-2006 legislative biennium was the enactment of the Vermont Growth Centers program. VNRC was a strong advocate for the bill, and was heavily involved in crafting and passing this landmark legislation, which took effect in July of 2006. We have continued to monitor its implementation and while we remain optimistic, we are concerned that the program may not achieve its full potential.
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