After repeated flooding in 2023 and 2024, residents of Hardwick’s Granite Street Historic District began working together to better understand flooding in their neighborhood and explore ways to reduce future impacts.

Those conversations led to the newly completed Granite Street Historic District Flood and Community Resilience Plan.

Throughout the planning process, residents shared their experiences, asked questions, reviewed possible improvements, and worked with engineers to understand how water moves through the neighborhood. Their involvement helped guide the technical analysis and recommendations.

The plan identifies two priority projects for further engineering:

• Spring Street Extension Floodplain Restoration
• Granite Street Culvert Improvements and Flood Benching

Both projects now have preliminary designs and cost estimates. The Town has begun looking for funding to advance the next phases of engineering and permitting.

The plan also addresses neighborhood preparedness, emergency communications, and recovery, with an implementation schedule to guide future work.

The project was funded through a Vermont Municipal Planning Grant awarded by the Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development. It was a collaboration among neighborhood residents, the Center for an Agricultural Economy (CAE), the Town of Hardwick, and SLR Consulting. The draft plan was also reviewed by Vermont DEC, Vermont Emergency Management, regional planning commissions, and other partners.

Thank you to the Granite Street Historic District neighbors who shared their experiences, asked thoughtful questions, and stayed involved throughout the planning process. A special thank you to Andrea Phelps for her neighborhood leadership, for helping bring residents together, and for keeping the conversations moving forward. The knowledge and participation of neighborhood residents helped shape the final plan, and we’ll be working together as we move toward implementation

Read it here: Granite Street Historic District Flood and Community Resilience Plan – November 2026 (pdf)

The Town of Hardwick Zoning Office will be temporarily closed from Friday, November 6, through Sunday, December 6, 2026, due to a scheduled medical leave. Regular zoning services will resume on Monday, December 7, 2026.

Submitting Zoning Applications During the Closure

Zoning applications will continue to be accepted during this period. Completed applications may be dropped off or mailed to the Town Manager’s Office during regular business hours.

Applications will be date-stamped and checked for required signatures and fees. However, zoning reviews and permit issuance will be suspended until the office reopens.

Beginning December 7, applications will be reviewed in the order received.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.