A Call to Action for Manchester's Housing Crisis
Every 30 days, another family faces the harrowing reality of losing their home. This isn't a distant issue; it's happening right here, right now, in our backyard. Yet, amidst this crisis, there's a glimmer of hope. Our work as a Selectboard has the power to unite our community in acknowledging the devastating impact of the housing crisis. Manchester stands at a critical juncture. The severe shortage of housing options threatens to unravel the very fabric of our thriving community in Vermont. We need more voices willing to stand up and declare, "Yes, we can, and we must do more to protect the most vulnerable in our town." I'm asking you to help me do just that.
Enhancing Virtual Meetings in the Town of Manchester
I sincerely appreciate the resilience and determination shown by Town of Manchester employees in tackling the persistent virtual meeting issues. From grappling with unreliable meeting links to coping with poor audio quality, these challenges have disrupted the proper flow of communication, leading to understandable frustration among staff and, more importantly, the community.
The stakes are high—town meetings are vital for discussing important community matters, and ensuring smooth virtual interactions has become essential in today's interconnected world.
Housing & Community Development Committee
I understand that some in our community are hesitant about building workforce housing and concerned about potential impacts on property values, traffic, and the overall character of our neighborhoods. However, I propose that a Housing and Community Development Committee is the ideal solution to address these concerns while promoting the benefits of workforce housing. Let me explain why this is a critical step for our community's future and share the draft proposal I have submitted to the Selectboard for consideration at our next meeting on May 7th.
2024 Selectboard Rules
I’m excited to announce that the Selectboard unanimously approved my recommendations to require additional ways to make it easier for the public to know when and how to attend our bi-weekly meetings.