Better Connections Meeting

 in Uncategorized

Let’s continue the conversation about East Hardwick’s future!

Come to the “Better Connections” Village gathering on Wednesday, March 12 at 6:30 PM at the Memorial Building, 20 Church Street, Hardwick.

Share your thoughts about the draft report for “Better Connections” in East Hardwick while enjoying some soup with friends and neighbors.

The East Hardwick Better Connections Process is a community-based effort to identify projects to revitalize East Hardwick. Recommendations address:

• Pedestrian and bicycle pathways

• Improved signage and parking

• Initiatives to strengthen Village vitality

The draft report also addresses ways to integrate green stormwater infrastructure into Village streets and sidewalks, while addressing key stormwater runoff issues at and around the Main Street Bridge.

Come to the meeting on March 12th to learn more!

Additional information is available at the project website: www.easthardwick.com

Public Notice

 in Uncategorized / Zoning

Pursuant to Executive Order 11988 (Floodplain Management), as well as, Federal Emergency
Management Agency’s (FEMA) implementing regulations at Title 44 of the Code of Federal
Regulations Part 9, FEMA hereby provides final notice of its decision to provide Hazard
Mitigation Grant Program funding for actions located in floodplains. Funding would be provided
through Vermont Emergency Management to the Town of Hardwick for the demolition and
acquisition of two (2) residential properties on VT Route-15.
Eligible actions are within the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). Work would include the
demolition and removal of structures, associated impervious surfaces, outbuildings, and
facilities. Demolition would involve minor ground disturbances; site preparations and/or
restorations; and the use of fill for minor grading and/or filling subsurface facilities where fill
would meet existing grade. All construction equipment and materials would be staged within the
parcels on pre-disturbed areas or driveways.
Demolition work and associated site restorations would have limited temporary effects and no
permanent adverse effects on the natural and beneficial values served by floodplains. Long-term,
the values of the floodplain would be restored and natural flood storage capacity at the sites
would improve.
Alternatives considered include relocation, elevation, and “no action.” The relocation and
elevation alternatives were deemed technically impracticable and not cost effective. The “no
action” alternative would leave the community at risk. Demolition is the preferred alternative as
it is cost effective, eliminates flood risk to homeowners to the maximum extent, promotes open
space use, and restores natural floodplain values.
Grant conditions will require compliance with all federal, state, and local laws, including
coordination with the local floodplain administrator and proper removal of demolition debris,
where applicable.
Map requests and comments about this project and potential floodplain impacts should be
submitted within 15 days of the date of this publication to:

Pamela Sparks, Senior Environmental Specialist
Federal Emergency Management Agency, Cambridge, MA

pamela.sparks@fema.dhs.gov; (346) 314-8506

Request for Proposals: Engineering Services

 in Town Manager

The Town of Hardwick, VT, is seeking proposals from qualified engineering firms to provide comprehensive design and engineering services for East Main Street Bridge #31 rebuild, which was demolished in 2024 due to structural collapse caused by rushing flood waters. This bridge is a vital component of our local infrastructure, and its replacement is essential for ensuring public safety and continuity of transportation for the area towns.  To see the full request please click here.

Emailed proposals may be sent to: david.upson@hardwickvt.gov. Proposals may also be mailed to: Hardwick Town Manager David Upson, Town of Hardwick, PO Box 523, Hardwick, VT 05843 with a post mark no later than 2/19/25.

Proposals are due by Wednesday, February 19, 2024 at 3:00pm. Any proposals received after that date may be rejected at the sole discretion of the Town of Hardwick.

For additional information, contact the Town Manager’s Office at 472-6120.

Proposed East Hardwick Zoning District

 in Zoning

After comparing HOME Act proposals with preliminary findings of the Better Connections process, the Hardwick Planning Commission (HPC) concluded that the East Hardwick Village was more aligned with a new single Village Center zoning district. The proposed Village Center District (VC) has the following purpose:

“To support a central mixed use area in East Hardwick. The Village Center District is intended to provide a place of civic pride and a focal point for development in the community. The Village Center District enables a variety of housing opportunities with a mix of small-scale commercial in a pedestrian-friendly setting.”

The Hardwick Planning Commission will be hosting a listening session at their meeting on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at 6:30 pm. The session will occur on the third floor of the Memorial Building and on Zoom.

Please bring your questions, concerns, and suggestions. You may also send these items by email to zoning.administrator@hardwickvt.gov.

Additional information about the Village Center zoning district:

https://hardwickvt.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Village-Center-Zoning-District-Associated-information.pdf