Does Randolph

Need a Hotel?

By M. D. Drysdale

Convinced that Randolph needs the amenities and services of a hotel, a group called the Area Business Committee is determined to help make that a reality.

The Committee will meet again on Wednesday, April 18, at 3 p.m. at Valley Bowl in Randolph. New participants and topics are always welcome.

An informal survey compiled by the committee shows that businesses and non-profits in Randolph are already attracting more than 2000 people a year who are finding lodging in nearby centers like White River Junciton or Montpelier and who would likely use the services of a local hotel.

At the committee’s March 28 meeting, results of a "room need study" were presented, showing that 29 of 34 businesses surveyed have a need to accommodate a total of 2760 persons per year, according to Wayne Warner, the group’s chairman.

"I was surprised that it was that high," Warner said this week.

Vermont Technical College is one of the largest draws to the area, because of its conference facilities. While in the summer, the college can put up guests in dorms, that’s not possible in the other three seasons.

"VTC has to say ‘no’ to some conferences now" because housing isn’t available, Warner said.

"If participants have to drive to Barre to go to bed, they might as well have the meeting in Barre," he observed.

Private businesses bring in a surprising number of visitors, too, for overnight accommodations. Aadco, for instance regularly brings a dozen or so of its nation sales force to Randolph for sales meetings, currently putting them up in Barre.

Where Could It Go?

This survey is part of the "legwork" that the Area Business Committee is doing to convince a hotel chain or developer to commit to Randolph.

Another strategy is to find what good sites are available. So far, the group has identified three possible sites for a 60-unit hotel or motel, which Warner is told is the smallest that can be economically built.

One site is the Kingwood Park property on Route 66, which is for sale. Another is the Mowatt property near the base of Route 66, that includes a large field across Chandler Brook from the Chamber of Commerce building. The third is the former Branchwood property on Pearl Street, which is owned by the town.

The committee has included about 10 people, Warner said. It is being given staff support by the Chamber of Commerce but is not a Chamber committee.

He stressed that the inns and bed & breakfast establishments are perfect for some visitors and "have a really good niche." But there remains a need for a hotel, he is convinced.

For more information about the committee, call the Randolph Area Chamber of Commerce at 728-9027.