WESTMORE- The Westmore community has chosen two action items from a list of 12 potential activities that community members can focus on. The list was created during the community visit process with feedback from attendees at the first of three scheduled visits by the Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD).
The goal is to enhance existing resources to benefit current and future residents and visitors.
At the second meeting on August 1st, two actions were selected and volunteers signed up for task forces in these selected areas.
“The Westmore Community Visit is a 3-month process that brings community members together to actively participate in examining issues, decide top priorities, and develop action plans for the future of the town,” VCRD representatives stated in a summary of the process. The Vermont Council on Rural Development provides the overall structure and neutral facilitation each step of the way.
The two actions chosen by the community are as follows.
The first is to build outdoor spaces for youth, families, and community members.
Participants in the process voted to create a playground that is open to the public for all to enjoy. There was a discussion advocating for bringing back the merry-go-round and creating new spaces for outdoor play and as a place to gather. A playground, outdoor pavilion, library, and other recreational spaces are among the options discussed.
The second action is to develop a local recreation access management plan.
A management plan can be coordinated with the Town of Westmore and State of Vermont to develop strategies to enhance recreational resources. Pedestrians who like to walk along Route 5A advocate in favor of accessing trails and addressing safety concerns. The plan includes locating strategic parking areas near hiking trails, beaches, and the boat launching station.
Strategies include timed signups for parking and access, a hiking or beach shuttle, and timed boat launched signups.
At the second VCRD meeting spokesperson Elissa Johnson said there were three steps the participants will address as the list of 12 actions was culled to two. The steps include assessing the town’s assets and challenges, followed by sharing ideas and benefits of the 12 chosen actions.
“Look at the big picture for the community,” Johnson said. “What do we have (that) we want to keep, and what do we want that’s new?”
The discussion included a proposal to partner with other organizations (Northwood Stewardship Center and the Memphremagog Watershed Association as examples) and communities to enhance local resources.
Reducing the speed limit on Route 5A to protect pedestrians is an idea that has been floated. However, Route 5A is a state highway, so the decision to change the speed limit is under the authority of the Agency of Transportation.
Preserving the town’s history, preserving and protecting open lands, and controlling development to maintain scenic views was also discussed.
“We like ruralness but how do we preserve it with a gemstone of a lake?” an unidentified participant stated.
Carol Davis said the town needs a better relationship with the state. “We don’t know what department to go to.”
The third meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 28th at the Westmore Fellowship Hall on Hinton Hill Road. The meeting will start at 6:30 pm and end at 9 pm. The purpose of this final meeting is to introduce the taskforce members to the public and to officials from a variety of state agencies and non-profit organizations who provide guidance, expertise, and locate grant funds to complete the action plans.
VCRD is a nonprofit organization that has worked with more than 85 communities, partnering with federal, state, and local governments. VCRD also works with nonprofits and private partners. Through the community visit process, volunteers have completed hundreds of projects including new childcare centers, wastewater infrastructure, downtown redevelopments, and much more.
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