Rutland Herald

Wallingford eyes ordinances' power

August 14, 2000
By SANDI SWITZER Herald Correspondent

WALLINGFORD - Town leaders have agreed to examine local ordinances to see if changes are needed to protect the community from burdensome development projects.

After lengthy debate last week, the Wallingford Select Board voted, 4-1, to research road and traffic ordinances to determine if these local laws protect the town's quality of life and existing infrastructure.

The board's action came in response to a citizens' petition calling on the town to oppose OMYA Inc.'s plan to haul material on Route 140 from a proposed Danby quarry site to a processing plant in Florence.

Officials initially debated a motion that specifically referred to the OMYA project, but later amended it to contain more general language aimed at protecting the character of this rural community.

Selectman Ed Crelin said the OMYA proposal was a wake-up call that town ordinances might not provide sufficient protection.

"They woke me up to the fact that we are not prepared to deal with these issues," he said.

Crelin said the town needed to be more proactive in coming up with a base-level plan for responsible use of the roads.

Board discussion also focused on the need for developers proposing large-scale projects to offer adequate mitigation to offset impacts to the community.

"If OMYA has a grand plan to rebuild the road, I would consider it," Crelin said.

The company's proposal for mining the Jobe Phillips property in Danby calls for 80 truck trips a day on Routes 140 and 7, six days a week. OMYA has not filed an Act 250 application.

Selectwoman Diane Colvin cast the lone vote against Crelin's motion to research local road and traffic ordinances.

She said the transportation system in western Vermont is woefully inadequate, and said she would be opposed to any limitations on truck traffic.

"You can't bring ordinances against truck traffic," Colvin said.

After about an hour of debate, the board approved a motion that calls on the town to "research existing road and traffic ordinances to determine if they are sufficient to protect our local bridge and road infrastructure, the quality of life, and safety of the community. And if we determine they are not, adopt ordinances that will do so."

Three other related motions including promoting the use of rail, joining a regional ad hoc committee, and opposing OMYA's plan to use Route 140 as a truck route as stated in the petition were defeated.

The board also appointed Jackie McCuin to fill a vacancy on the Mill River Union High School Board.