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Shaftsbury Eyes April Opening for New Offices

Posted: February 28, 2025

SHAFTSBURY - The town is now looking to move into the new offices in April.

The completion of work and the time of the move were among the matters discussed at the Feb. 19 meeting of the Community Center Development Committee (CCDC).

The cost of the project as of Feb. 18 was $128,489.75, which of the original $178,486.08 allocated has been spent, leaving $49,996.33 to complete the plan.

Flooring, painting, electric, and HVAC need to be completed before town employees can move in. Small details can be finished afterward. Some teens from Bennington have offered to help move boxes. A mover will be contracted when the date is fixed, according to the meeting minutes.

At a special town meeting in February 2025, voters approved the purchase of the former Shaftsbury Medical Associates building at 677 Route 7A for $375,000 and to spend an additional $178,486.08 on the renovation repair needed to make the building appropriate for municipal offices.

The total expenditure of $553,486 comprised the vast majority of a fund balance that originated with federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money.

At Monday's special Select Board meeting, the board accepted a quote from Adams Lock and Security for $8,836 to "rekey" the entire building.

Board member Brad Peacock noted that the funds are coming from the federal ARPA money. "I just want to reiterate taxpayers aren't paying for this," he said.

One of the reasons for the special meeting was to discuss a community resource center in a room in the back of the new building, with a side entrance. However, the Select Board member working on the plan, Naomi Miller, was ill and could not attend.

"She's been working with several parties about this possibility and what it would look like," said Chair Zoe Contros Kearl.

There are several interested parties, including Meals on Wheels. Another idea mentioned is using the space for free medical clinics.

"But I'll let Naomi speak more to that, probably at the next Select Board meeting, which takes place on March 16, following town meeting, the election and then the reorganization of the board," said Contros Kearl.

The town offices are currently located at Cole Hall on Buck Hill Road.

Compliments of: The Bennington Banner
Posted/Author: Mark Rondeau

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