Community & Economic Development committee reports parking-deck lease talks, RLF marketing and blight review; items remain in committee

The community and economic development committee reported to the board Aug. 18 on four items it considered at a meeting on Aug. 7: parking garage leases and a potential master lease concept, the underused Rutland City marketing revolving loan fund, a proposed World War II memorial at Main Street Park, and approaches to blighted properties.

On parking, the mayor informed the committee he has been discussing a possible master lease of the parking deck and transit center space with state officials; committee members indicated the idea has merit but requested the mayor continue discussions and return with details. The transit center ground-floor lease and management agreements for other floors were described as expired.

On the marketing revolving loan fund, Cornerstone Housing Partners told the committee the fund — originally funded with ARPA dollars at $400,000 and currently reported at about $335,386 — is underutilized for apartment repair and rehab. Committee members agreed marketing those funds could increase use and asked the Rutland Redevelopment Authority to recommend marketing approaches. No administrative changes were adopted at the meeting.

Committee members discussed a proposed World War II memorial sited between two existing memorials at the south end of Main Street Park; the recreation department will consult an arborist about a tree in the proposed location and a future site visit will be scheduled. On blight, staff reviewed existing ordinance sections (Title 9, Chapter 16; Chapter 11 housing standards) and committee members discussed options including a gradually increasing tax rate for vacant, blighted properties; the item will remain in committee for further work.

No formal committee votes were advanced to the full board on these items at the time; the mayor and committee chairs will continue outreach and return with recommendations.