Mount Holly’s current Town Plan was adopted by the Select Board on February 13, 2024.
The Plan was developed over three years of twice monthly meetings by the Planning Commission with the participation of engaged citizens. The Plan is informed by residents’ responses to the town’s 2022 Community Vision Survey, which among other things demonstrated overwhelming consensus among residents on the importance of preserving our rural character, working lands, and natural environment. These attributes are seen as vital to community well-being and the local economy. The Planning Commission also solicited input from those knowledgeable about and responsible for delivering vital services to the community, including the school, the volunteer fire department, the library, and other organizations in the town. Finally, the Planning Commission consulted with the Vermont League of Cities and Towns, the Rutland Regional Planning Commission, and various State agencies, to be sure that the updated plan meets all of the State’s many requirements to be valid and effective.
On November 15, 2023, the Planning Commission held a public hearing at the Town Office and via Zoom to receive public comment on the proposed Plan. The hearing was well attended. The comments received were carefully considered and the Planning Commission revised the proposed Plan accordingly. On November 29, the Planning Commission unanimously voted to approve the proposed Plan. On December 1, it was submitted to the Select Board for a second public hearing and to the Town Clerk for public display and review.
The Select Board met on December 12, 2023 and voted to receive further comments on the proposed plan at a public hearing that was held at 6:30 PM on January 16, 2024. In addition to comments received during the January 16 hearing, many written comments were submitted before and after that hearing. The Select Board considered these comments at public meetings held on January 25 and February 13, 2024. Based on those comments, the Select Board approved certain changes to the proposed plan at the February 13 meeting, and at that meeting gave final approval to the plan as amended by those changes.
Copies of the adopted plan are also available in the town office.