HARDWICK – A Hardwick Planning Commission public hearing scheduled for December 9, at 6:30 p.m., is being held to hear comments about the introduction of a River Corridor Overlay District and a new Village Center Zoning District for East Hardwick.
Notice of the hearing indicates the River Corridor Overlay District is being introduced to protect floodplains and flood erosion areas.
Property owners within the new district received a letter in November saying the “proposal follows guidance from the State of Vermont and the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources and seeks to reduce future flood and erosion risks, protect water quality and support the natural movement of rivers over time.”
In those areas, state-recommended best practices are being implemented that will require the review of certain types of new development, expansions or significant land-disturbing activities to ensure they are designed safely and do not increase risk to nearby properties or infrastructure.
The letter from Hardwick Zoning and Floodplain Administrator Kristen Leahy says, “This effort is part of Hardwick’s ongoing work to strengthen long-term resilience.” She indicates the changes will allow the Town to receive a higher level of state reimbursement through the Emergency Relief and Assistance Fund (ERAF) following federally declared disasters in the future.
The new Village Center District covers portions of East Hardwick where it is said to support the historic village character, housing opportunities and pedestrian-oriented development. The district will “encourage small-scale residential growth and modest commercial activity, and preserve the traditional walkable pattern of buildings and uses.” The district language has been designed to reflect the scale, form, and community values expressed during public input, notes a letter to district residents from Leahy.
The irregularly shaped area is centered on Main Street, where it begins at Vermont Route 16, then across the Lamoille River and up Brickhouse Road to the Brick House, with extensions taking in the village along Cedar Street, School Street and Church Street.
Various standards for lot size, road frontage, setback and height limits apply to new construction within the Village Center designated area.
Some technical changes to the bylaws are also being made to align them with state requirements and remove references to local Act 250 review as required by Act 181.
Before the new bylaws are implemented, the select board will hold another public hearing and a vote.
The full text of the proposed changes can be found online at hardwickvt.gov, or be viewed in-person at the Hardwick Town Office. Comments may be sent by mail to the Hardwick Planning Commission, or by email to [email protected].
A link to the virtual meeting can be found with the event information on the town office calendar for December 9 at hardwickvt.gov/government/town-office-calendar.
Paul Fixx is editor of The Hardwick Gazette and lives in Hardwick.
