PLAINFIELD – Residents came together, July 28, to discuss Plainfield’s future, part of a three-part process directed by community organization Plainfield Forward. In an effort to engage area residents in identifying important priorities for the town’s future, over a 100 attendees gathered at the historic Haybarn Theatre for a town-wide brainstorming session.
social media photo
Facilitated by the Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD), Executive Director Denise Smith began the discussion by sharing some general information about their organization.
“We only work where we’re invited, we need to be invited by the select board, but we work on behalf of the entire community. We’re here to serve the entirety of Plainfield tonight,” Smith stated.
Community members reflected on the many changes to Plainfield’s landscape in the wake of the 2023 and 2024 floods, like the closure of Goddard College and, of course, the floods. “The good news is, our community came together,” said select board member Betsy Ziegler.
After an introduction to the overall process, attendees had a chance to voice their thoughts about the challenges Plainfield currently faces, as well as the town’s assets.
Food insecurity, the ever present housing shortage and flood damage were amid the chief concerns. Assistance with federal funding was also a concern. One resident said the lack of affordable childcare makes it difficult for young families to settle in the area.
“We have a tremendous amount of debris in the village, and we are waiting for FEMA to make a decision about 29 possible buyouts. We need to think about what our village is going to look like and how many people are going to be living here,” said an attendee.
However, residents lauded the town’s lively arts scene and community spirit, local agriculture, as well as the library. Residents also highlighted that Plainfield has a strong community of “young folks” moving in, with a desire to get involved. A community garden, more parking, debris cleanup, broadening town roads, a town land trust and affordable housing are just some of the many action ideas thrown out at the meeting.
The group broke for a community dinner before beginning forum discussions, divided by categories; housing, road and infrastructure access, community spaces and events, and vitality.
The Vermont Council on Rural Development will accept input via online and written surveys until Sept. 5, and those ideas will be incorporated into the themes from the community that will be shared at a Sept. 17 meeting.
Raymonda Parchment is a Hardwick Gazette reporter. She recently graduated from Vermont State University - Castleton with a Bachelor’s Degree in English. She is a strong supporter of freedom of speech, and the right to publish information, opinions, and ideas without censorship or restraint. She is a lifelong lover of the written word, and is excited to join the team as a staff member.
