June 29, 2018
by Lisa Rathke
MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — A Utah businessman is abandoning
plans for a massive development in four rural Vermont towns based on the
papers of Mormon founder Joseph Smith after fierce opposition to the
project.
David Hall’s family foundation NewVistas had been
buying land near Smith’s birthplace in Sharon, Vermont, for what he
described as an economically, ecologically and socially sustainable
development with housing for 20,000 people many years in the future.
A local group was formed to fight the plans. The towns and
the legislature also voted against the project, which didn’t dissuade
Hall at the time.
On Tuesday, the National Trust for Historic Preservation
announced it had put the towns — Royalton, Sharon, Strafford and
Tunbridge — on ‘‘watch status’’ because of the proposal.
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That was a ‘‘genius move’’ by the groups opposing
the project, Hall said Wednesday. ‘‘I’m just kind of tired of the drama
and worn out. … I’m a smart enough businessman to realize when I’m
beat.’’
Hall had expected locals to be opposed the plans at first
but hoped they would grow more accustomed to the idea as other projects
are built. Many residents in the rural, mountainous region with a total
population of about 6,600 believed such a large-scale development would
change the character of their small communities, tax resources and limit
access to recreational areas and mountain views. The Mormon church had
also denounced his plans in Vermont and for another community in Utah.
Hall said he is focused on doing test buildings and test
villages in an industrial park in Provo, Utah. ‘‘An actual community is
way off still,’’ he said.
In Vermont, he wants to sell the 1,500 acres he’s
purchased in the four towns. ‘‘Hopefully I can find an investment group
that will take it on and adopt the local plan instead of my dream,’’ he
said.
Michael Sacca, head of the group formed to fight the
project, the nonprofit Alliance for Vermont Communities, said he’s very
pleased with the outcome.
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‘‘This has been an amazing amount of effort by a lot of people,’’ he said.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation said
Wednesday that it was relieved to learn that the towns were
‘‘potentially safe from inappropriate development.’’
‘‘We will continue observing the area in the coming weeks
and months, and we hope the future of these land parcels is in keeping
with the historic character, community interests, and conservation
spirit of these towns and Vermont as a whole,’’ said Stephanie Meeks,
president and CEO.
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