Vermont Business Magazine Conservation Law Foundation and Vermont Natural Resources Council today sought dismissal of the Act 250 application for a proposed multi-use development, including a new tourism center, off Exit 4 in Randolph. "The Applicant utterly failed to show that the proposed project meets the clear Act 250 standards for protecting valuable farmland. A recent Recess Order from the District Commission confirms the project's shortcomings. The appropriate action is to dismiss the Applicant's request," said Sandra Levine, Senior Attorney at the Conservation Law Foundation.
The request for dismissal refers to the shortcomings identified in the recent Recess Order from the District #3 Commission and notes that the Applicant has had more than three opportunities to submit evidence that the proposed project meets Act 250 standards. Failure to dismiss at this time rewards the Applicant for its failures, unfairly prejudices the other parties, and wastes the Commission's time, according to the groups.
"Project proponents should present good projects that satisfy the clear Act 250 standards. When they fail to do so, the application should be dismissed," said Levine.
“This sprawling project is a enormous waste of agricultural soils,” said Brian Shupe, Executive Director of the Vermont Natural Resources Council. “If this project gets approved, in this location, no farmland in Vermont is safe.”
Conservation Law Foundation and Vermont Natural Resources Council are participating in the Act 250 case and have partnered with Preservation Trust of Vermont.
Source: VNRC. 8.3.2015