By Lani Duke
posted
Nov 12, 2012
ECONOMY MAKING PROGRESS
Although we miss the convenience of Sabby's and will surely miss
Mary Fran's Art & Antiques on Center, don't forget that there
is positive news, too, in Rutland's downtown. There will soon be a
new Apple store in the former Aubuchon hardware location on West
Street, and Green Mountain Power plans to open its new energy
innovation center in the former Eastman's building. Both will bring
people to the downtown, people who are likely to eat and shop
downtown, says Joan Hill of the Rutland Region Chamber of
Commerce.
Long-time Rutland resident and realtor Jim Pell says he sees the
economy beginning to turn around. He's seen similar slumps in the
Rutland economy although none quite this acute. New police chief
Baker is making positive changes in curbing illicit substance
trade.
WEST RUTLAND TECH
West Rutland made great strides in the inaugural year of the
e-Vermont Community Broadband Project, one of only 12 communities
across the state chosen for this high tech venture. Not only did
the town gain a public access Wi-Fi zone in the heart of the
community, it also received a duplex scanner on which to create
back-up digital land records that are accessible for individual
use.
Fifth and sixth graders each received a netbook package and
training to equip them for a 21st century education. Thanks to town
manager Mary Ann Goulette for leading the initiative and all the
other town folks who helped the project.
BUILDING A NEW FUTURE
Construction on Green Mountain Power's 150-kilowatt energy
collection project was scheduled to begin with a completion time of
six to eight weeks. Overseeing the project is SameSun of Vermont,
working with such other local companies as J.P. Carrara & Sons,
Fabian Earth Moving, Tool Craft of Rutland and Green Mountain
Electric Supply.
Green Mountain Power is already making good on its pledge to
develop a solar city initiative for Rutland, and making Rutland the
city with the most solar capacity per capita in the Northeast.
The
three-acre lot had been used for a different kind of energy
development, a coal-to-gas plant.
Green Mountain Power is also exploring the viability of a
duct-less air-source heat pump pilot program in the city of
Rutland. The federal energy department claims that heat pumps,
because they capture heat and move it, produce up to four times the
energy they release. Technology improvements have made them more
feasible for extreme climates like Vermont; in the past, their use
had been more recommended for more moderate climates.
RUTLAND MAYORAL RACE BEGINS
Before the votes in the Nov. election were all cast, let alone
counter, Rutland's board of aldermen chair David Allaire had
already declared his candidacy for mayor, an election that will not
take place until March. Allaire has already announced some of the
goals for his administration, if he should win: more focus on
eliminating illegal drug dealers in Rutland, raising Rutlanders'
perceptions of their community, and the city's image in the eyes of
others.
OF RAIN AND WIND
Tropical storm Sandy blew into the Rutland community recently, into
a community prepared for trouble. Green Mountain Power and the
Rutland City Department of Public Works crews were waiting and
ready, and grateful that, for the most part, their services were
not needed.
The highest wind velocity recorded was in North Clarendon, a
mere 53 mph compared to the peak of 72 mph on Mount Mansfield, and
far below the predicted blasts of up to 80 mph. Rutland's American
Red Cross shelter opened Monday night and closed the next day,
having served only five local people. A couple of electrical
transformers caught fire, and were soon dealt with by city
firefighters. Emergency pros say there no injuries or accidents
caused by the storm. Be grateful for personnel who were ready when
not needed, rather than needed and lacking.
LANI'S PICKS
Friday, Nov. 9-Middlebury Actor's Workshop performs that
masterpiece of political vilification, Richard III, trimmed down to
a two-hour adventure into Shakespearean intrigue. Paramount
Theatre, 8 p.m. Call 775-0903 for tickets.
Sunday, Nov. 11- In celebration of what would have been his dad's
100th birthday, Arlo Guthrie plays tribute to his 'old man.' For
all those who ever sang 'This Land Is Your Land' with or without
banjo accompaniment, at the Paramount Theatre, 6 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 10- Rutland City formally dedicates the River Street
bridge as the Merritt A. Edson Memorial Bridge. The Rutland native
was a U.S. Marine Corps general who earned the Congressional Medal
of Honor in World War II. He organized the Vermont State Police and
served as executive director of the National Rifle
Association.
Wednesday, Nov. 14- Ron "Tater Salad" White, member of the "Blue
Collar Comedy" group, brings his Moral Compass tour to the
Paramount Theatre at 7 p.m. Be warned; the performance is for
"mature audiences only."
Wednesday, Nov. 14- Rutland Free Library hosts the Community Cinema
offering Solar Mamas, a story of a 30-year-old mother in Jordan who
studies in India to become a solar engineer. The showing begins at
7 p.m. Call 773-1860 for more info.
Tagged:
News Briefs, Rutland Region
