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East Randolph Discusses Its Future
What improvements are possible for the little town on the Second Branch? Should amenities similar to those available in Randolph village, seven miles away, be provided in East Randolph, too? How could more recreation opportunities be provided? What needs to be done to make the community hall, which was renovated 20 years ago, even more useful? Lots of questions, few definitive answers. The mere fact of Thursday's meeting, however, was an affirmation that answers are possible and change could be underway. The questions were discussed in the context of a scrumptious pot luck dinner that even outsiders were allowed to partake of. The discussion leader, Chris Sargent, for instance, contributed a pulled pork entrée that has won prizes at cook-offs- and it was easy to see why. Then there was a certain white pasta dish… Back to business: The potluck and meeting were called by the East Randolph Planning Committee, which is chaired by Butch Greenwood and has been working for a year or so identifying improvement projects and holding community surveys. Sargent, an E.V. Planning Committee member and East Valley resident, also is a planner at Two Rivers/Ottauquechee Regional Commission. He explained he has helped the town submit a request to the state Transportation Dept. for a $55,000 planning grant for engineering for a sidewalk along the east side of Route 14 through the village. Some Disagreement Earlier meetings and a survey had found a good deal of support for that idea, but Thursday it turned out that there were a few who didn't much like the idea. Charlie Cota asked who was going to maintain the sidewalk - mostly meaning snowremoval. The state in effect already plows a walking area when it comes through plowing Route 14, he noted. Phil Roberts issued a passionate warning against East Randolph improving itself so much that it loses its rural character. Several Planning Committee members, however, gave strong support to adding a sidewalk. Greenwood pointed out that although people want to keep things "the way they were," that process would actually involve some sprucing up. When I grew up, there WERE sidewalks and trees along the road," he said. "I'm for the sidewalks. They would add to the community," he said. And Carl Petterson commented that the improvements would be "great for future generations. Let's have revitalization instead of going downhill," he said. Randolph Selectman Steve Springer, who attended the meeting, characterized the meeting and the planning as an "exciting" development. Town Manager Peter Butterfield and his wife Dawn attended, as well. Recreation Needs After sidewalks, the talk turned to recreation. Simply put, there have been no public playgrounds in East Randolph since the former public school was closed. Sargent said a survey of 300 residents found that 79% say that they'd like to see one. The Boys & Girls Club, which runs Randolph's formal recreation program, would work with the community, Sargent said, and might have grant sources. Additionally, the town has some money set aside for the purpose already. The best place for a playground, he speculated, would be behind the Community Hall, on land owned by Eric Jacobs. The land might be available for purchase or lease, he said. Having the playground right there would make the hall more of a "hub," he said, and might make it more rentable for large events with children. The Community Hall itself is the third project on the Planning Committee's agenda. It is already serviceable and attractive, and it is rented about a dozen times a year; but much needs to be done to make it an all-weather facility. The building has very little insulation and does not have energy-efficient windows, it needs better bathrooms, and there are foundation problems. The septic system would need to be enlarged if the building sees much more use. No solutions were offered, but Sargent was optimistic. "We're getting the ball rolling here," he said. Also present at the meeting was architect Richard Dybvig of Tunbridge, whose proposed 24-unit housing development would likely have considerable impact on the life of the community. He did not speak, however, and his plans were not discussed. Chris Sargent took time to praise Joel and Amy Messier, the new owners of the two stores in town, for inspiring a new spirit in East Randolph. "The Messiers are why this all got started," he said. Meetings of the Planning Committee are held the fourth Thursday in each month. The public is invited. |
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