On Monday, May 24, the Johnson Selectboard hosted an Economic Development Roundtable with representatives from the Vermont Council on Rural Development, the Vermont Department of Economic Development, the Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development, Vermont League of Cities and Towns, Lamoille County Planning Commission, Vermont Studio Center, local business owners, and community members.
Jenna Koloski, from the Vermont Council on Rural Development, facilitated the discussion, intending to address three areas identified by the Johnson Selectboard where they want to take action. The goal was not to make decisions that evening, but to come up with potential action ideas in each of the areas, which are Light/Industrial Commercial Park Development, Small and Local Business Needs, and Rail Trail and Recreation Development.
The Lamoille County Planning Commission is assisting the town with their application for a Northern Borders Regional Commission Grant, which would be around $1.3 million for site work and further development of the Industrial Park land, which the town owns fully now. Discussions centered on housing versus industry in a site that lends itself well to municipal power and sewer, as well as easy access to the highway.
Supporting our businesses was an area of discussion, and lack of housing for employees was a critical issue brought up. Brett Long from the Vermont Department of Economic Development said Community Recovery and Revitalization Program funds are available for many businesses in Qualified Census Tracts, which Johnson is designated as such. Gary Holloway, Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development shared that Community Capital of Vermont is a funding resource for businesses that might not qualify for traditional loans.
The opening of the Rail Trail has brought great opportunity to Johnson, mainly because this area was one of the first sections finished, and it is in the middle of the 93-mile-long trail. Johnson has a newly formed Rail Trail committee that will begin looking at areas we can strengthen to get bikers into our downtown area. Parking and canoe put-ins are two lacking areas we could focus on, as well as a safer way to ride the one mile from the rail trail to the village. Tim Tierney from the Vermont Department of Economic Development said the Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative will have money available soon. There are also federal funds available from the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Katie Buckley from the Vermont League of Cities and Towns suggested the possibility of coordinating with the Agency of Transportation on streetscape improvements in Johnson.
There will be a free Community Game Night at Jenna’s House on Friday, June 16 from 5-8 p.m. hosted by Jenna’s Promise and local community partners Laraway Youth and Family Services; Healthy Lamoille County; Northern Vermont Recovery Center; and the Johnson Health Center. There will be trivia on the big screen, board games and card games.
If you’re a parent or guardian who has put a child through athletics, you know very well that it is all too easy to accumulate equipment. Johnson Recreation is the place to donate your used sports equipment for families within our community to utilize. They are seeking cleats, baseball gloves, ice skates (all sizes) and softball gear. If you have any items you would like to donate, please contact Dean, Johnson’s Recreation Coordinator, at tojrecreation@townofjohnson.com.
The town is seeking a qualified contractor to add a bowled half pipe to an existing concrete feature in the Johnson Skate Park on Wescom Road. The half pipe is approximately 16 feet wide by 4 feet tall with a sloped grass berm on three sides. Construction is estimated to take three weeks, ideally during September or October this year. Candidates must submit a brief resume, references and estimate to tojadministrator@townofjohnson.com or by mail to: Town of Johnson Administrator, PO Box 383, Johnson VT 05656.
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